Reflections on the Day

By Dayvid Clarkson

      I was reflecting on dreams, hopes, and aspirations. Most youngsters are taught they can be anything they want to be. Lawyer, Doctor, Actor, Scientist, Athlete, etc. would be on the list.

      We then inundate them with the best of the best. The richest, the biggest, the brightest, the beautiful are paraded before them in endless media streams as examples of what awaits them. These are, in most cases, unrealistic goals they will never attain. And as they grow we watch them die a slow death realizing they will never achieve these so called dreams.

       I pray to the four directions that we stop teaching our children these misconceptions, as these are but vain attempts to control the outcomes of our journey. We must unlearn everything we have been taught. We need to come to the understanding that an authentic life lived with mindful intent is all that is worthy of our path.

      I ask our Elders to ensure that all sentient beings have just enough. For I am satisfied with just enough, no more, no less. And if you have more build a larger table.
       Humble bow, Dayvid

      In our childhood most enjoyed bedtime stories. Often now when I retire to bed I reflect on stories I have heard. This one will be tonight’s reflection:

      A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation.

      The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman.

      "I've been thinking," he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Share with me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone.”

      Sleep well, dream deep my Friends,
      Humble bow, Dayvid.

      Sitting on the front steps watching the clouds roll by in the reflections on the lake. The trees stand in the shadows wearing their forest green cloaks and the night is still. I start to laugh and I laugh so hard tears stream down my cheeks. Who am I to figure out this great mystery?

       It is absurd. We read, we search, we listen, and we seek the answers. We chase dreams and aspirations as we mistakenly think we can control the outcomes. Like a dog chasing its tail.

      The quiet voice of an Elder comfortably enters my thoughts. “All that is expected and all that is required is to simply live a kind and compassionate life. Do not waste time coveting something that you have been taught to yearn for. Stop trying to be someone the world taught you to be. Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, and have few desires.” I am grateful for the Elder’s words. This eve I will take the lessons of the day to my resting there to absorb and cherish them.

      Sleep well, dream deep my Friends.
      Humble bow, Dayvid.