This article, like many other articles on this blog, is inspired by Mother Nature.
Before we proceed, the author would like to mention that this article is written based on the concept of 'duality'. So, if we feel that there is truly a 'separate self' existing, separate from the Whole, then we will find this article relatable and applicable.
At some point, the author was sitting on the shore of the lake, appreciating the silence and the beautiful scenery. Suddenly, the water became very busy. The smooth surface of the lake became wavy, and the stillness was disturbed by the sound of small waves breaking on the shore.
Surprised, the author looked up to see what the cause of the busy water is, but as far as he could see, there was nothing in sight. Of course, the cause must have been one of the many boats that move around in the lake. Due to the big size of the lake, the boat was not seen or heard, but its movement through the water was experienced on the shore.
Now, let's see how this relates to our lives.
How can we, as one person, have a significant impact on our Universe?
See, we may feel that what we do is not important to the 'bigger picture'. We may feel that one act of selfishness does not matter because it is so small and insignificant in comparison to the selfishness of the big industries or corporations. In this way, we justify our actions of selfishness.
At the same time, we may feel that one small act of kindness does not have any impact and that it is sometimes not even worth doing something selfless. We may feel that being kind is simply not worth the effort, because it does not really matter...
But maybe it does matter.
Again, it is clear to see how one small act of kindness goes a long way. Small donations added up to reach a goal, and to allow the opportunity to work and receive financial support.
Coming back to the experience on the shores of the lake - the boat was so small that it was not even seen or heard moving across the lake. The boat itself was not even noted, but its activity was experienced long after it passed.
In the same way, our acts of kindness or selfishness can be felt and experienced far and wide. We may not immediately see or feel the consequences of our actions. We may feel that they are insignificant. But, they are not. They are important and they can contribute greatly to the experience of ourselves and others.
Again, we can clearly see how we are all connected.
Before we proceed, the author would like to mention that this article is written based on the concept of 'duality'. So, if we feel that there is truly a 'separate self' existing, separate from the Whole, then we will find this article relatable and applicable.
Recently, the author was visiting a lake. The lake (as seen in the photo) is quite big, has an island in the middle and many small boats moving around in the lake.
At some point, the author was sitting on the shore of the lake, appreciating the silence and the beautiful scenery. Suddenly, the water became very busy. The smooth surface of the lake became wavy, and the stillness was disturbed by the sound of small waves breaking on the shore.
Surprised, the author looked up to see what the cause of the busy water is, but as far as he could see, there was nothing in sight. Of course, the cause must have been one of the many boats that move around in the lake. Due to the big size of the lake, the boat was not seen or heard, but its movement through the water was experienced on the shore.
Now, let's see how this relates to our lives.
One small act
We may have heard of terms such as 'Karma' or you will 'reap what you sow.' Science also tells us about 'cause and effect'. If this is just another concept we hold, we can forget about this for now, and simply consider the author's experience next to the lake.How can we, as one person, have a significant impact on our Universe?
See, we may feel that what we do is not important to the 'bigger picture'. We may feel that one act of selfishness does not matter because it is so small and insignificant in comparison to the selfishness of the big industries or corporations. In this way, we justify our actions of selfishness.
At the same time, we may feel that one small act of kindness does not have any impact and that it is sometimes not even worth doing something selfless. We may feel that being kind is simply not worth the effort, because it does not really matter...
But maybe it does matter.
A little goes a long way
A few months ago, the author started to work full-time for a non-profit organization. There was a fundraising campaign held to generate a salary or income for the author. People from around the world, who the author never met or does not even know, financially contributed to reaching the fundraising goal.Again, it is clear to see how one small act of kindness goes a long way. Small donations added up to reach a goal, and to allow the opportunity to work and receive financial support.
Coming back to the experience on the shores of the lake - the boat was so small that it was not even seen or heard moving across the lake. The boat itself was not even noted, but its activity was experienced long after it passed.
In the same way, our acts of kindness or selfishness can be felt and experienced far and wide. We may not immediately see or feel the consequences of our actions. We may feel that they are insignificant. But, they are not. They are important and they can contribute greatly to the experience of ourselves and others.
Again, we can clearly see how we are all connected.
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| Inspired by nature: The sun rising over the lake and mountains |
Related articles on this blog:
How are we all connected? - 31 July, 2021
Practicing compassion - 25 April, 2021
Separation and Suffering - 4 July, 2021
How are we all connected? - 31 July, 2021
Practicing compassion - 25 April, 2021
Separation and Suffering - 4 July, 2021
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