Contentment regardless of circumstance is on my mind this morning. I admire those people whose emotional state seems connected to a deep well of contentment and joy in life. Like a ship with a massive hull hidden under water they can cruise through stormy seas without being tossed about. They are the opposite of needy, instead calmness rules the day, confidence and assurance seem to emanate from them.
Maybe I’m just remembering the Qui Chang Caine character in played by David Carradine in the television series “Kung Fu,” from the 70’s. He would beat up the bad guys and stay super calm, if not peaceful, using a flowing elegant martial arts style. He would endure pain with little more than a wince. He was kind, unassuming, humble, and generous, yet fearless and brave and wise. I idolized his character as I was growing up. His strength seemed both physical and spiritual.
Maybe it’s the spiritual week in the mountains I’m currently experiencing that brings this kind of character to mind. One who can be content and competent regardless of the environment, living by a code of honor and grace at all times.
I know that right now I want to be like that! To be one who has learned to be content when rich and content when poor, to be content when healthy or injured. Someone with the capacity to give due to an inner source of energy, a wellspring not connected to everyday circumstance. Someone who carries their own weather with them.
I’m not sure how to do this, but I do know that it begins with a vision and a desire – which I have. It begins by seeking. It begins by knocking at the door. Maybe it is a simple as deciding to play the part? Fake it til you make it? Certainly self mastery is part of the equation, and the 365 Commitment is a process that helps us grow in this area by practicing self discipline, commitment keeping, and spiritual development. Certainly this state of being can be a goal that can be pursued – why not?!
Good things happen in life and bad things happen in life, maintain the center, see their current situation as temporary in the big picture, in the grand scheme of things. Learn that wanting what you have is better than having what you want. Be courageous and seek adventure. Have gratitude and joy in just being.
Just thinking about this has caused me to tune into this goal and embody it . . . a bit. I’m excited on the inside, yet my exterior is calm and full of gravitas . . . maybe I’ll go and beat up some bad guys . . . better watch some old episodes of Kung Fu first to figure out how to do that!
Ben Wagner (193)
Member The 365 Commitment
