Chasing Dust....
In 2016 I had a family
loss, spent a couple of weeks in hospital and turned 50. As usual major things like
these can have a significant effect on you, but as always, its good to remmber I got something positive from
the loss, and the birthday and hospital visit made me reflect and confirm my
perspective in life.
Due to the loss and hurt, one of my nieces, sent me a video of a scholar entitled The Journey of the Soul. I know not everyone may agree of such a thing but please bear with the post.
The story is based on Adam the first man on Earth. In the story God commands the angel Gabriel to go to the Earth and bring back some dust so he can create Adam. Gabriel duly does so but returns empty handed. When God asked Gabriel why didn’t he bring back the dust he asked for? Gabriel replied that he did try but the Earth told him he couldn’t have any. God told him to return and tell the Earth that it was just on loan and that it would be returned back to him. When Gabriel returned with the dust, got created Adam and then instilled in him life.
Again whether you're religious or not, even from a non-religious point of view we know that yes we do return to the Earth. I also recently read how a soul was measured by weight by scientists. So something leaves the body and we are all eventually turned to dust.
But it is not only man that returns to dust, but that big house that people are trying to buy or that new car that someone may lust after, it’s all dust really. May take time but even the mountains eventually will turn to the same basic elements of dust.
So why it is that man has a need to own something which is not ours to own. All our possessions including our body will one day amount to nothing. So why are we always striving to own physical things?
What if instead of physical items, we become more about experiences? Why not live a life that carries the deeds you do? History always reminds us not of wealth but the goodness that man does. Think of the greats Einstein, Newton, Shakespeare, and other eminent people of the past. Do we remember what they did, or what they had?
I’m not saying live like a hermit or a monk, in fact another quote comes to mind, "It is easy to be a holy man on top of a mountain". Life is for living fully with a purpose in society. Will you live a life that leaves behind objects of dust or will you live a life that improves not just you as a person, but others lives too? Actions that your soul will carry with you or which you will be remembered for in time by family, friends, and the people around you.
It doesn’t have to be difficult, but it takes effort and perseverance. Perhaps you start small. By waking up in the morning and think today I will live to improve my life through deeds that makes a positive difference to others. Carry this thought through the day and reflect on it before you go to sleep. Ask yourself did you make your or someone else’s life better? It doesn't have to be big step, a smile, a thank you. How about not buying those crisps or chocolate bar at lunch and instead giving the money to some worthwhile charity. Perhaps volunteer your time, phone a relative or friend and be supportive. Try and continue day after day. Remember this isn’t about changing the world it’s about changing yourself. So will you live a full life, full of good deeds or will you continue to chase dust?
Due to the loss and hurt, one of my nieces, sent me a video of a scholar entitled The Journey of the Soul. I know not everyone may agree of such a thing but please bear with the post.
The story is based on Adam the first man on Earth. In the story God commands the angel Gabriel to go to the Earth and bring back some dust so he can create Adam. Gabriel duly does so but returns empty handed. When God asked Gabriel why didn’t he bring back the dust he asked for? Gabriel replied that he did try but the Earth told him he couldn’t have any. God told him to return and tell the Earth that it was just on loan and that it would be returned back to him. When Gabriel returned with the dust, got created Adam and then instilled in him life.
Again whether you're religious or not, even from a non-religious point of view we know that yes we do return to the Earth. I also recently read how a soul was measured by weight by scientists. So something leaves the body and we are all eventually turned to dust.
But it is not only man that returns to dust, but that big house that people are trying to buy or that new car that someone may lust after, it’s all dust really. May take time but even the mountains eventually will turn to the same basic elements of dust.
So why it is that man has a need to own something which is not ours to own. All our possessions including our body will one day amount to nothing. So why are we always striving to own physical things?
What if instead of physical items, we become more about experiences? Why not live a life that carries the deeds you do? History always reminds us not of wealth but the goodness that man does. Think of the greats Einstein, Newton, Shakespeare, and other eminent people of the past. Do we remember what they did, or what they had?
I’m not saying live like a hermit or a monk, in fact another quote comes to mind, "It is easy to be a holy man on top of a mountain". Life is for living fully with a purpose in society. Will you live a life that leaves behind objects of dust or will you live a life that improves not just you as a person, but others lives too? Actions that your soul will carry with you or which you will be remembered for in time by family, friends, and the people around you.
It doesn’t have to be difficult, but it takes effort and perseverance. Perhaps you start small. By waking up in the morning and think today I will live to improve my life through deeds that makes a positive difference to others. Carry this thought through the day and reflect on it before you go to sleep. Ask yourself did you make your or someone else’s life better? It doesn't have to be big step, a smile, a thank you. How about not buying those crisps or chocolate bar at lunch and instead giving the money to some worthwhile charity. Perhaps volunteer your time, phone a relative or friend and be supportive. Try and continue day after day. Remember this isn’t about changing the world it’s about changing yourself. So will you live a full life, full of good deeds or will you continue to chase dust?
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