From Amanda's very early writing (1990s to early 2000s), shared as it was originally written.
Serenity
"It's the serenity" says Darryl in that wonderful Australian film , The Castle, as the bug zapper makes all sorts of loud zzzttt noises in the not so serene background!
Serenity has been one of my long term goals for as long as I can remember - obviously, it was one of Darryl's as well! I have managed to achieve moments of serenity as I travel through life's adventures, but not as a relatively constant state - so far.
Scanning one of the journals to which I subscribe, I discovered my favorite poets thoughts on serenity. Lao Tzu's beautiful words, translated from the Tao Te Ching , the classic Chinese spiritual text , struck a deep chord with me.
Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people's approval
and you will be their prisoner.
Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.
Maybe I've lost the plot, but these words made great sense to me. The first few lines are obvious in their truth, so lets explore the concepts of 'work' and 'step back'.
I don't think he meant work to be just our 'job'. To me 'work' is what we are on earth to accomplish; it's our purpose in life; our reason for living; it's what keeps our spirits alive. For some, our work might include our job as well - I know mine does! I love what I do and find it a constant source of challenge, enjoyment and stimulation while at the same time I hope that I am helping others learn as well.
I may be a sick bunny of course, but I love this sort of discussion! It's great to make it a Sunday morning topic for the whole family - or as a couple to explore each others life thoughts; or with a bunch of your friends to have an exciting debate! Is part of our work to grow and develop our full potential? To contribute to our world, our community , our family? To help others? To create happy children who grow into satisfied, happy, balanced and well adjusted adults? What do you think Lao Tzu meant by 'work'? What is your purpose in life?
What about 'step back'? For me, step back has both a literal meaning and as a metaphor. We can actually step back and survey our work, which if we have pursued it sincerely and done it to the best of our ability and knowledge, may give us an experience of serenity. Or 'step back' can mean we relax, we breathe , we take time to enjoy the fruits of our work.
Or perhaps it refers to a sense of balance - where we do our work and then we rest and play? When we make time for ourselves to recharge our own batteries so we can continue giving in the course of our work?
Could it mean step back and reflect on what we are doing; what we have done? And in this process of doing then reflecting, we continually make adjustments that keep us on our chosen path? (Deep, I know - but every so often it's good to delve deep into our hearts. Beats gossip anyway!) And although that chosen path may keep changing, we experience a sense of peace and serenity while we are on track - and from knowing we are on track. That sense of 'I'm where I'm meant to be, doing what I'm meant to be doing'.
What if 'step back' meant to allow the next part of our lives to unfold; to step into the flow of life, instead of constant struggle and strain as we try to row the boat up the stream, instead of gently rowing our boats down the stream!
If none of these ideas appeal to you, if it's all too deep, just think 'bugger it' and rent out The Castle and have a bloody great laugh as you see what Darryl reckons is the path to 'serenity'!
