Random Thoughts
I often wonder why most people drive well above the 70 mph speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways. I reckon it’s not because they need to, but because they can. Are so many people in such a rush … and especially on a Sunday for example, or are they being “driven” rather than driving? And also I find it amusing to watch drivers forever changing lanes in traffic queues only to finish up where they started or behind the cars they were trying to get one up on.
As I was writing this first paragraph it reminded me of elements of the chapter “And They Lived Happily Ever After” in Yuval Harrari’s book Sapiens … relating to Buddhist philosophy he says … “that the real root of suffering is this never-ending and pointless pursuit of ephemeral feelings, which causes us to be in a constant state of tension, restlessness and dissatisfaction.”
My coaching work is now centred on the understanding of how “The Three Principles” inform our lives, bringing together ancient wisdom married to modern physics. “Speed … get things done, let’s move on, what’s next?” … Perhaps the mantra of modern life? Strangely (or not depending on your view!) I have recently been experiencing the phenomenon of time slowing down and expanding rather than speeding up and diminishing, much to the astonishment of one of my clients. Oh, and by the way, I’m not retired … still coaching, reading and researching!
Harrari writes … “ most people wrongly identify themselves with their feelings, thoughts, likes and dislikes … they never realise that they are not their feelings (or their thoughts CJ*), and that the relentless pursuit of particular feelings just traps them in misery.” The understanding that all our feelings come from our thoughts and that our non-ego mind has innate wisdom, presence, peace, love, serenity etc can slow down this relentless pursuit and allow us to enjoy the moment … and, with a quiet mind, make each ‘journey’ something to experience … not to get over with.
* An addition from myself
Photo by Cayton Heath on Unsplash