Last week an NFL player was running for a touchdown. Just before reaching the goal line he showed off by letting go of the ball. It cost his team the touchdown and ultimately the game. It reminded me of a line a sports commentator said years ago about another bonehead play. “Stupid gets you beat.”
I’ve watched, coached and played in countless games over my lifetime. I’ve certainly found that statement to be true. It’s also been true in my life. In my last post, Bargain Hunting, I talked about overpaying for things. The worst case of overpaying I know of is trying to buy something I already have.
In my post, The Big Secret, I elaborated on my realization that most of my efforts in life were devoted to the quest to become enough. I had another revelation regarding this a few weeks ago. My friend Mike sent a drawing of an old dog sitting on top of a mountain. A younger dog had climbed the mountain seeking wisdom. The old dog said, “Do not chase the tail. The tail is already yours.”
I, just like everyone else, am enough just the way I am. I have inherent value because I exist. What I do is important and of course has consequences. However, it does not increase my value as a person. That is a system set up by people long ago, but I don’t have to play their game. As the Bernie Taupin/Elton John song says, “Goodbye yellow brick road. Where the dogs of society howl.” They are busy chasing their tails. I choose not to participate.
This is not easy. People are social creatures and being part of a group has been important for our survival through the eons. It’s good for my well being today. That being said, my biggest villain is the urge to measure up to what I think I should be.
Meditation has been a big help. I get to a place where the only thing there is my essence. I realize nothing is missing. The after effects of that special place linger throughout the day. To reinforce that I tell myself frequently, the tail is already mine. That means I’m complete, right now. Nothing is missing.
I want to spend my days doing something I enjoy and/or will make my life better. It’s been my observation that the people who go through life best are those who are truly comfortable in their own skin. When I do that well I’m not wasting time paying for something I have. Stupid gets me beat. I’d rather be smart. The tail is already mine. Nothing more complicated than perception.
May you BE enough today, one moment at a time.
THIS HELPED ME 