Daily Bred: Jan. 14, 2015 - Stress & Discontent

I wonder why we are discontent with what we have. Why do we want more? Why is greed and material gain at all costs encouraged? This mentality of consumption results in an addictive cycle which constantly pursues an empty, impossible goal. I do this too, all the time as a human. When I recognize and admit it to myself I am then able to let go of my greed. Chasing the future results in anxiety and regretting the past results in sadness and self-pity. It is only in this infinite, inescapable moment that fulfilled joy and meaning can be felt, all else is a self-deceptive illusion. Meditation and focus on breath can aid in grounding us back in conscious awareness, it must be practiced to achieve inner peace. A memory of an event is only a fraction of the moment itself, just as a picture is a still, lifeless symbol of the past. Expectations lead to distress. If an expected result is met, it is greeted by smug, falsified certainty. If it isn’t met, either exceeded or fallen short of, a sense of disappointment is often felt for we have this undeniable feeling that there is something more. This may seem abstract, a theory of actual behavior and experience. Let go of your preconceptions and any self-righteousness and you will see that this is not opinion from me. I have been trying to put words to this mysterious, inexplicable experience which is ultimately impossible. Artists, philosophers, and religious leaders have been and will infinitely pursue this with the eternal flame of human passion. “It took me somewhere of the map. And I don’t think I’ll ever find my way back.” –Mac Miller One Love, Wonder Bred