Fixing.

The things that we would like to "Fix" in other people should first be repaired in ourselves. It is too easy to play the blame game and I myself have noticed that certain people derive a perverse satisfaction in doing so. It is because they are weak minded and lack self esteem. They need to enjoy someone else's suffering before feeling good about themselves. It is the sad truth of existence I am afraid. The bright ones always illuminate the path for the ones who will follow or perhaps even turn away.

As I was mentioning earlier, the things that we see wrong in others are usually a reflection upon the things that are wrong within ourselves. We may be secretly covering up our flaws with the judgment of another's character. It is okay in measure. There is a time for criticism, but we should not make it our livelihood and the source of our Joy. The only true happiness comes from within when we are at peace with our own ideals. When we see these ideals confirmed by the actions of others, we are gratified in ways that cannot be explained by any other emotion than contentment. This is why restlessness comes so easily to those who are constantly critical. They are not content with being content. It's an odd thing. It Really is.

Criticism must be a necessary ingredient in our makeup. We need criticism in order to survive the trauma and drama of daily life. People shouldn't be so sensitive when being criticized. I used to catch a lot of flak from others because of my high intelligence. They were intimidated. Eventually they came around to see that they were capable of the same level of understanding when they put their minds to it and the reward has been that they are now trained in using their own intelligence to solve riddles that once only left them puzzled. Now we can share ideas and ideals much more fluently. They merely needed to overcome the obstacle of criticism.

On the Other hand, people should not bask in the warmth of their own success. There is always one student in any art class that becomes the teachers pet and allows their ego to be inflated by all of the attention that they receive. This is sickening as well. It really hurts the ones who are struggling. They feel as though they were inadequate and develop serious inferiority complexes that lead to hostility. The sophistry of this all should be put into perspective by realizing that we all were born with a certain talent. One should never neglect their true calling whether it be long distance running or floral arrangement. Always follow the path within.

Out of all this nihilism comes something beautiful. I agree that one is star struck when viewing the open expanse, especially when visited by a falling star; a supposedly good omen. The greatest barrier to realizing our place in the cosmos is our own ego. We like to think that we are bigger than we are, but this is not all bad. It is a somewhat spiritual defense mechanism which implies that we are in the favor of higher powers and can make profound changes to the whole of creation. The feeling of insignificance that Nietzsche was trying to overcome is a common enough attribute of our personality. It is induced by the id constantly bullying our own ego. If we don't gain some sort of self esteem at a very early age, we wind up emotionally crippled and easily defeated. This is what Nietzsche was battling with his concept of the superman. We must raise our fist and yell, so to speak. This is a message from Nietzsche that I can agree with because it reminds me totally of the perseverance of a Zen Master.

The Great Abyss is often ignored in favor of a common experience. I'm not sure which is better. All moments are contained in the one moment which is Here and Now. I suppose that what we are all mostly railing about is the unfairness of existence. We need to remember all of those things which made us happy at one time. For me it was the freedom to come and go at will whilst visiting my Grandma as a child. I could go into town and visit the Nickel and Dime Store without worrying about my parents watching over my shoulder. If I had some money in my Pocket, I could decide on what I wanted to purchase and that was that. These little things which made us happy at one time should not be swept under the carpet, but must be viewed with a certain sentimental nostalgia; one which does not evoke a sense of sorrow or mournfulness. It is only when we are caught up in the emotional whirlwind of others that we begin to feel Insignificant in view of the common Experience; waiting so to speak, in the eternal grocery line of existence.

We don't really need to let completely go of material existence. What need to realize is the impermanence of material existence. Even the greediest of misers can recognize this as a good thing. Consider 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. Scrooge realized at the end that all of his wealth could not buy the happiness of which he had been deprived. When seen as impermanent, material gratification is easily overcome. There is an autonomic function in every persons brain which allows them to temporarily "Let go" of things. When harnessed by the original mind of Zen, this letting go can become a powerful tool for self realization; a force worthy of the most sincere and devoted Student. The greatest temptation at the end of the journey is to share our enlightenment with others. This is not truly necessary. What is necessary is to live fully and completely in the moment, whatever that moment may be. If there is a compulsion to spread the word or save the world, it should not be ignored, but rather, carefully nurtured and viewed with a patient wisdom that understands there is a time for every season. The time will come for sharing our personal happiness with others, we need only be eternally vigilant and unconditionally patient.