Why did I
need an accident to discover the real value of life?
If you
are like I am, every year you have to face the mirror and gauge the value of
your life. Family members, close friends or acquaintances who got incurable
illnesses, got in an accident, a stroke or heart attack, and - despite all
their dreams - suddenly passed away?
In a
hurry we run to the funeral or cremation ceremony to show respect and, after a
very brief look in that mirror that showed us again the value of our lives, we
run our life again the same old way. Nothing learned. What about respecting ourselves?
In the
period of my recovery, a period that I am actually still in, I discovered that
health is a very suitable goal to pursue in my life. And not just health but
the holistic approach to health. On this website you will find much more about
this. Health is your biggest asset.
Good or
better holistic health means an adaptation of your lifestyle. And for that you
do not have to exaggerate your efforts or overdo it by suddenly start running
or going to a fitness center. It must be a step by step (Kaizen) process that
you enjoy and look forward to.
You eat
healthier, are more conscious of physical activity, pay more attention to your
private-work balance, take time for yourself, etc . This also means that you
will feel better, live longer, be happier and make better decisions for
yourself and your family.
Simplifying
your life is a big step forward.
There are
many messages in our society, the marketing industry first and foremost, that
tell us, even when we're young people, that there's something wrong with us and
that if we just buy the right product, or look a certain way, or have the right
partner, that will fix it. Take a random magazine in your hands and you will
notice approximately 60%, or more of the content, will tell you that you need
something to be 'better', to become 'more beautiful' or 'happier'. Wake up! You
are beautiful (and unique) the way you are. Being yourself, and therefore - be
happy about this - different from everyone else because that is your uniqueness
Advertisers do not recognize this fact there is no money to be made. So if you
want to continue to strive for that 'accepted' uniformity, then go on working
on that and pay your price.
The
simpler your lifestyle and the less your demands on others, the less tense you
are and the more you are open to others. You also have more time for yourself,
your family and friends. One of the best ways to get a more peaceful mind is to
simplify your needs and desires. Most of us are surrounded by things we never
really need, we only keep them 'just in case'.
"Do
away and enjoy"
(Gandhi)
Gandhi
gave this as an answer when he was asked to summarize the message from the
greatest sacred writings of India, the Bhagavad Gita. He called that short
summary "Do away and enjoy" the secret of happiness.
From the
beginning of the history of mankind, wise people in every culture continually
discovered that true happiness can never be found in the constant desire for
more.
There are
more important things in life than just "stuff'."
Everything
is temporary.
Everything
is only temporary. You actually do not own anything either. You only have items
on loan for a while. Once again you will leave and give back everything.
And
everything you have can be taken away from you. Do you really need all those
things in your life? What is the most reliable in your life now?
Think
back to the three most important moments of happiness so far in your life. You
may discover that they occurred because you were receptive to the beauty of
life, and not because you had possessions, power or success. Maybe your
happiness is closer than you think!
If you
build your life on trustworthy and sustainable things like love and friendship,
they cannot be taken away by anyone or anything.
I now
know both sides of lifestyle and I experience a simpler life as many more times
richer. Henry David Thoreau describes it as:
"As
you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler;
loneliness
will not be loneliness,
poverty
will not be poverty
nor
weakness weakness."
Gangey Gruma (Frans Captijn)
Captijn Insight. Catalyst in developing tranquility & in-sight to get in a sustainable way real connection, purpose, pleasure and flow in life, love, family, business, career and work again.
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