Reflections …

When asked what surprised him the most about humanity, the Dalai Lama answered “Man … Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money, then he sacrifices money in order to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived.”

I send my thanks to my Bomber friend Bonnie Mott McBride for posting the above in her FB page … First, let’s get some “housecleaning” out of the way … Had to change back to the old format because I did not realize the new chosen one apparently does not support mobile viewing, and a few readers let me know they were not happy, especially one dear friend and faithful follower… Most likely, it was me who did not know how to structure it right. Will find out … in the meantime, back to the familiar Other Box’s format…

His spirituality should set examples

 Going back to the Dalai Lama’s comment … This is such a far reaching life philosophy, and so often disdained by many. Especially so in our culture where the pursuit of life and happiness seems to be always tied to the pursuit of money. Before you jump at me … Yes … I realize that we must pay the bills and buy the food and all the other little things we need for ourselves and family. Perhaps it is more important to look at the root of theses needs and, maybe, redefine the meaning of the word as we understand it.

This is not really a soap box from which to expound on what my own thoughts bring me around to believe. However, it does give me a distinct vantage point from which to air these ideas and perceptions. So, Why not use it? I guess here is where that little obnoxious lawyer influenced message would be inserted by every known publisher, if we had one … “the views expressed on this page are not the views of this publisher … etc” What a bunch of nonsense … Whether they are either shared, cherished or not, the comments and views are usually published because they attract users and/or readers to whichever medium is putting them forth; otherwise, those thoughts would not see the light of day to begin with.

Ahhh! …  Glorious internet!! … No regrets publishing!!

Posturing ... not only humans do it!

Anyway, where were we? Yes, the philosophy of money and/or status chasing. If we were to really look at the definition of the word “need” we would find that one of the primary definitions, under “essential”, would read: “to be essential or necessary to something” … When we look at all the little goodies accumulated in our homes, offices and such, we come to realize that a good part of these serve one purpose and one purpose only: to impress someone else. To let everyone know (or think) that we are “successful” and are well off. Even when, in buying these items we really did not need, we might have been taking away food from our table, or the peace of knowing that the truly essential bills will be paid. It seems that façade is much more important than reality.

The king of "sarcasm"

 There are several quotes which have made the rounds over the years, most dealing with the concept of “snobbism”, and usually directed at those who would like to be thought of as more than what they are, financially speaking at least. One of the ones which come to mind was passed on by W.C. Fields, a very, very successful and wealthy vaudeville and early film star. In his heyday, he is said to have had a Rolls Royce brought from England for him by ship (this was in the 20’s). Some up and coming star, who thought he was “hot stuff” started to ogle the car and to make questions as to the availability of this wonderful piece of machinery. Then, the obvious one was raised: “How much does it cost to bring one of these over?” It is said that WC stared at this upstart for a moment and just said, in that sneering, nasal voice so well known then: “Forget it son … if you have to ask how much it costs … you can’t afford it”. This rates way up there as a classic put down …

But why do we, who may be fairly smart individuals otherwise, fall prey to this posturing? Is it that “things” have become so precious to be used as a way to show the world how well we are doing? Are we so susceptible to forgetting the basic realities and values of our lives? I have met people whose cars were worth more than the house they lived in … and in order to show off their “status”, they went posturing in neighboring towns, because there was a lesser chance of being discovered there. Dumb? Much, I think.

Self proclaimed hero?

What causes this erratic, unrealistic behavior? I am not a psychologist … most likely I may need one myself. Yet, thanks to cable TV, we are bombarded 24/7 by a never ending pitch for one marvel or another, the message being that if we do not acquire this heretofore nonexistent wonder our lives will be, simply put, wanting. The more expensive than life car or equivalent; the home that is bigger than would ever be needed and, of course, within the “upscale” neighborhood; the clothes which, after you shell out 2-4 times their actual value, are put on and paraded like a peacock with the bigger than life designer name across your chest, back or –worse yet- rear end. One becomes a walking billboard, except that instead of collecting for the service, a big chunk has been paid to “proudly” wear the name. Smart? … Don’t think so … and it looks … ridiculous …

It is another old saying which is also one of my favorites, and which will help me close this somewhat circular post; the one which simply states that “those who really have it, don’t have the need to show off … they know they have it”.

In the end ... this says it all!

 Should we not aspire to improve our lot then? No, this is definitely not the message. What I think should be done is to work in order to improve and, yes acquire those things which will help you feel better about your efforts. But in doing so, let yourself be guided not by the neighbor’s posturing, or the pitchman on TV; be guided by what you really want, or need. Or you’ll end up like many, with a beautiful late model car and a grand looking home but with no money left to buy gas or furniture …

Be Well … Be Back!!!

Final Notes:

• Any comments, please send to otherboxp@yahoo.com; it comes directly to me. I promise to read all coming messages, and answer as many as I can.
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