By: Vince DiPasquale
All men will come to him who keeps to the one.
They flock to him and receive no harm
For in him they find peace, security, and happiness.
Music and dining are passing pleasures,
Yet they cause people to stop.
How bland and insipid are the things of this world
When one compares then to the Tao!
When you look for it, there is nothing to see.
When you listen for it, there is nothing to hear.
When you use it, it cannot be exhausted.
The month of August is a time to kick back, relax and reflect on what is important. The Tao tells us of choices we must make and what is necessary. If we chose material possessions, there will never be enough. If we live the spirit of life, in all its simplicity, we will be at peace. Each one of us has a spirit which makes each one of us different from one another. We are all searching and looking for peace, security, and serenity when we are empty within. If we live in fear and anxiety, we keep looking outside for happiness. Possessions, fame, and glory are fleeting. Do not keep looking for answers. All we need for life’s journey is within each of us. So many of us are spiritually empty, that is why we migrate toward addictions to fill the void.
We are taught that the real place to find peace, security and happiness is to be connected to the source of life, our Creator. When we learn the value of prayer, meditation and to be open to the journey of life we will begin to experience a profound sense of peace, security, and happiness.
We are also taught to let go of control and expectations. Control and expectations create tension, anxiety, depression, and obsession. Each day, pray in the spirit of gratitude and openness. If we learn to be quiet and listen, we will be led to where the journey of life takes us.
What is your vision of life? Can you look at each situation, each person, and each struggle you go through as messages from the Creator? Remember we are all God’s creatures, so the Creator speaks to us and is our spiritual guide. Life is so special because we have been given free choice, and we can listen to the voices of the world with its empty, temporary promises or listen to the everlasting messages of the One who created us.
We are people of the world to enjoy their treasures knowing however that they are only temporary. Real peace, security and happiness are within. Are we people of faith, hope and love? Are we open to looking at our experiences through positive eyes which will give us real strength that is lasting and fills us with hope for the future? We are taught that we are not islands and that we need each other. The real gift of inner peace comes from our connection to the people we are experiencing. We are all part of a giant library since each of us is a book in progress. If we have the courage to share with each other our experiences, strengths and hopes we will learn from one another, so do not be afraid to be part of the world. Play, enjoy life and enjoy each other. Life is to be lived and enjoyed. The greatest things in the world are to play and socialize with each other. Our greatest teachers are children. They understand the saying, “Keep it simple”.
August is a great month to kick back, relax and enjoy the gift of life. Celebrate the last month of summer with family and friends and whatever you do, live life to the fullest. May we all experience the gifts of inner peace, personal security and happiness. Stay close to the Creator through prayers and meditations and just be open to life’s journey. May God bless you in all that you do.
