It’s easy to get swept up in all the negatives that surround is. Living in the age of the Kali Yuga gives us plenty of that. But if we focus only on what is wrong we are missing the point. Yes pointing out what is wrong is important but it’s purpose is to then change it or if not possible withdraw from it. But even that is not what our ultimate focus should be on. Our ultimate focus should be on things that are good and worthy. It’s important to take time to notice the beauty and goodness that is around us.
Some will say that it isn’t there anymore but they would be wrong. It is still there but you must seek it out and cherish it, you have to look for it. Ditching the news is a good start, not so you’re ignorant of what’s going on around you or unaware of the sea changes happening that will affect you (that’d just be foolish) but rather to disconnect yourself from the constant “2 minutes of hate” and propaganda. To take a breath and soak in that light that still dwells on the earth.
Nature
I’ve long recommended going out and getting lost in nature and I’ll always recommend it. Whether it’s going for a walk in the countryside, a hike up a mountain, or anywhere else. There is not much that I can think of that is more healing to the soul (and for many the body). I think it’s important especially in this age to disconnect and get away from the people of it, at least for a time. I don’t recommend becoming a hermit but rather to take small periods of hermithood. If you can afford I’d even recommend vacationing in places with beautiful landscape.
I remember when I was in Alaska doing some work and during an off day went off to a park I think it was somewhere close to Denali (been awhile). I remember walking down to this lake that was turquoise in color, at first I thought it was a reflection but upon closer inspection it seemed to be the lake. It was one of the most beautiful things I’d seen in awhile. Another place I’ve been in deep in the 10,000 Islands off Florida’s East coast close to the Everglades on a fishing trip. It was like visiting an ancient land with islands upon islands of Mangrove trees. I’d highly recommend exploring somewhere near you and freeing yourself from the modern world and modern humanity at least for a time.
Music
There is more to beauty then that which can be seen with the eye. There is a beauty and order to music as well that is pleasing not just to the ear but also to the mind and even the spirit. Here I’m not talking about music for working out, though it’s useful it’s not beautiful. Rather I’m talking about music to uplift the mind and spirit. At night there are times that I’ll let music play that helps me to think I’ll also usually have music going on with I’m writing to help with the mood of whatever piece I’m currently working on.
I’ve also done this while meditating or even out in nature. For example put Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata while watching the stars at night when camping. Certain combinations work wonders. The Lord of the Rings soundtrack has a couple tracks that I like to listen to when taking a step back from everything and realizing that for better or worse this world is just a pass through to something greater. Find something that lifts your spirit and mind, remember this will be very different than something you would work out to or something that you simply enjoy for the sake of enjoying. It needs to be something more.
Old Books
There are many good things out there. Old books contain many of them. I have a list that you can email me if you want to go deep into this. But it’s good to go beyond the make money/get girls/gain status stuff and go into something deeper. Plus when you take care of and understand many of the deeper things those other lesser things tend to take care of themselves. Not a subject I have time to go into here but something to keep in mind. It’s amazing how much of what has transpired and will transpire was plain as day to many that came before us.
It’s also interesting to see cycles repeat themselves. Knowing these things helps to keep one above the fray and focused on things that truly matter. Go deep in knowledge and wisdom look for books that are 50 years old or more. Books that interest you. Again try to focus on something beyond basic “material” things. Things that aren’t about the physical and mental (though both those things are important) but rather about the spiritual and about timeless things. This can be fiction or nonfiction.
Cultivate Goodness
There are other things you can do as well. Lift weights and build your physical form, get land, raise a family, work hard to build the good in this world and not be overwhelmed by the negative. We have dark times ahead anyone who thinks otherwise is a naive fool but with that being said all you can do is prepare, work hard, keep your wits about you, and while you should always stay aware of the base, keep your focus on the good.
If you have any questions you would like to see answered in a future post send them to me at charlessledge001 (at) gmail (dot) com. If you found value in this post then I would encourage you to share this site with someone who may need it as well as check out my books here. I appreciate it. You can follow me on Twitter here.
-Charles Sledge
