There are certain subjects in conversation that I know to avoid, those being politics and religion. If someone directly asks me about either subject I’ll roll my eyes and tell them honestly, “you don’t want to open that can of worms.”
My view of politics isn’t the most popular, but it’s heard of. I just hate how into it some people get .
Religion is the place where I’m sure I’m a minority. Even within my own family, I’m sort of on my own for thinking as I do. Human beings have a right to decide for themselves how they chose to look at the world. We must each develop our own philosophy and understand our own perceived world as such.
Here is how I perceive this world around me —I see that atoms are the basic element of everything. Every single thing in this universe is made up of atoms. The carpet under your feet is made of atoms, the walls of your house, the TV, books, bread, grass, trees, cats, your neighbor and the president. All things, big little, in-between, are made up of that same tiny atom. This little atom is all anything is and yet the arrangement makes all things different. The carpet does not cry out in pain each time you walk across the floor. How amazing is it that a rock and a living creature that eats, sleeps and dreams are made from the same base building block of an atom? Atoms are made up of protons, electrons and neutrons; these little things that orbit around a nucleus just like our planet orbits the sun and the electrons contain a charge — a little force of energy, an amazing potential. We all contain these charges, even rocks. The idea that some of us can walk around, eat, sleep, think and create is amazing. It’s extremely cool to be a living creature on this planet. Think about all the quiet space around us. There are so many planets out there unable to support life.
I think people should be grateful for the awesomeness of being an intelligent life-form and in turn be equally respectful to the other living creatures we share this planet with. Dogs and cats can feel pain, boredom and love just as humans do. All the creatures whom can eat and breath are just as amazing as we are for merely existing and we need to treat them that way. I choose to live with some degree of respect for all living creatures. All things on earth have just as much right to be here as I do. All things are made of the same fundamental ingredients as me, so I shall try to treat all things as my siblings. I chose to consider myself a part of this world and love the world in return.
Going back to protons and electrons and that spark of negative or positive energy. I like to think this energy is what connects us all, for that I chose to put out good when I can and I try to take charge of my own existence with positive energy. I might not suddenly have a string of amazingly good luck, but I see the world in a more positive light. My attitude is a little bit brighter and my self confidence has gone up. So much in our lives is determined by self confidence. If you believe you can, you’ll at least try and trying is always the first and most important step.
It is a hard balance — to force yourself to see and appreciate all the good and hidden spectacle around you, while still pushing forward your own existence toward a goal or at least full potential. But you can do it.
I choose to follow a Buddhist lifestyle. I don’t do a fantastic job, but it’s the closest thing I’ll ever have to a religion. I like Hinduism. The idea of Brahman and Nirvana is a similar principle in Buddhism. There is a quote, that I think was from Brahman, but I’ll reword it as such — we as human beings are like a single drop of rain in all the ocean; yes, exactly. How could I ever believe anything else? Well I could believe nothing, but I’d rather spend my time thinking happy thoughts. I’d rather focus on my mental attitude and outlook on life, which is at least something I may be able to change. Anything beyond the confines of your own skull will always be outside of your complete control.
I hope to find happiness simply in the moment with no big pressure of a larger goal bearing me down. Such larger goals are held in mind and it’s a good possibility, but I want to hold on to nothing and always be ready for opportunity.
The pursuit of happiness is everyone’s right, so go find yours however you will. While you’re at it, enjoy the ability to reason and think because it’s a rarer gift than you realize.