What is living, really living?

Is the mere fact that you’re alive, living? Or is it doing something with your life? Is truly living a quest, like the pursuit of knowledge, of power, of humility, of perfection, of living in service to others, of discovering spiritual truth?

Perhaps it’s a combination of all these things. But I believe the real question is, “How do you use the time you’re given?” because it’s one thing to think you know what living really means and it’s another to put that in practice.

As you approach life, do you take each day by storm or sit idly by as the world spins beneath your feet?

There’s a gap between existing and living, a place where many are trapped. Idleness beckons us with seemingly important things. It speaks to us with fun and distraction—often at other’s expense. Some people even laugh at the pain and misfortune of others and call it fun… Things like video games, online communities, movies, internet videos, even watching sports or a television series, beg for our attention and can keep us from doing things that matter.

But who’s to say what’s wasted time? Who decides if the things we do matter? And why does it matter if they make a difference or not?

Ultimately The Answers to These Questions Come From Within.

For me, wasted time is time spent doing things that don’t actively make a difference. That difference might be in my life, my family’s lives, or the lives of people I’ve never met. The key is that as long as I’m moving forward and doing something that has a positive impact, I’m using my time well, I’m living well. Let’s use meditation as an example. Some people might feel that meditating is wasted time because you’re sitting still, doing nothing for ten to twenty minutes. For me, daily meditation is a gateway to peace and creativity. It opens my heart, mind, and soul to the greater truths of life. When I meditate regularly, my writing flows easily, ideas come freely, and I’m a much calmer, nicer person. In that regard my practice of daily meditation has a positive impact on those I interact with and those who read my books and blog.

So, even though I’m sitting there doing nothing—to all outward appearances—for me meditation is definitely time well used.

Now, that same time could be used to watch videos or shows or play games. The time invested is the same. But unless those things are somehow making life better for others or me, then what’s the point?

What about play? Is that wasted time?

We need to play, to have unstructured free time where we can reset emotionally and physically from the normal routine. For me that’s time on my skateboard ramp in my backyard or hiking in the mountains with my family, exercising, watching a good movie, or reading a great book. But the secret is this; play should enhance your life instead of overtaking it. And the best way to live is when your work is play. That’s how I feel when I’m writing, like I’m playing!

So one difference between living and simply existing is how you use your time. What’s another difference?

Gratitude!

Do you appreciate the small moments in your life? Do you notice the beauty that surrounds you? Are you grateful for the things you have, even the little things like…breathing and the fact that your heart is still beating?

When you feel gratitude for everything in your life, you not only appreciate life more, you also live from a place of love and connection—with those around you and your world. When you live in a state of gratitude you simply get more of everything from life. And that’s truly living!

Ultimately we’re the judge of our actions. We know in our hearts if we’re fulfilling our higher calling or simple wading through the mire. We know if we live in gratitude or if we keep a tally of everything that’s wrong in our lives.

What will you do today, right now; to make sure you’re really living?

 

You Are The Master of Your Destiny!

Roland

Copyright © 2014 Roland Byrd — All Rights Reserved