Couch Philosophy

Any individual who knows me is aware that I love a good read and spend a fair amount of my down time (whatever that is) with a book. In addition to other works, Thoreau’s Walden is on my summer reading list. While I won’t be spending the course of a little over two years in a cabin as he did, I look forward to jumping in to have the experience of reading a work I skimmed/rushed through in part before. I want to take away something from truly reading it. I’ve been influenced by literature many, many times in the past. I’m excited to see how and if Thoreau’s words will resonate with me and make an indelible impact.

In a letter to H.G.O. Blake in 1854, one who has been regarded as a most corresponded friend, Thoreau penned: “The world rests on principles.” Simplistic though this is, his words transcend the years. Fundamental truths are necessary for any member of society to thrive. So much has been lost as people lose sight of their own beliefs and ideals. There is so much to be gained when people make a conscious effort to reach out and understand. This has not as much to do with learning or spirituality, for instance, as it does with what is right and true. In our society, possessions and work define the masses. People are at times too quick to judge - myself included.

How many of us can say we live deliberately? How many of us can say we do what makes us truly happy? How many of us can say at the appropriate times that they have felt genuine joy and grief for others? How many of us have felt like an afterthought? How many feel the silence of others? I can confidently answer a resounding “yes!” to the questions presented here. That said, this is easily a reflection on the one who has queried rather than how she perceives others or is perceived herself.

Life is not a race to see who has the fanciest car, biggest house, or most luxurious labels on their clothes. Life is not meant to be a constant stress or misery where one’s chief desire is to make others miserable and eek out an existence with vengeful thoughts. Stop the insanity! Life is meant to be lived and celebrated. Try replacing negative phrases or thoughts and see how a shift can occur. Take the good with the bad and learn from every damn experience that circumstance, fate, or a combination of the two has thrust your way. 

One has to love epiphanies while mulling over tea on a Friday afternoon.