In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, it has become the norm, hasn’t it? The routine that we all too often find ourselves in: the daily grind, the rush to complete our tasks, and the perpetual chase for material success. After a long day’s work, we return home, hats hung, chores to attend to (or perhaps not), and finally, the evening winds down. But amidst this relentless pace, we must ask ourselves: Do we truly have the time we desire for our children, for ourselves? Are we giving our loved ones the attention they deserve?
In this reflection, I find myself drawn back to my conservative upbringing and the staunch morals and principles that shaped the American nuclear family. I vividly picture the iconic 1950s family: a steady income, a comfortable home, a car, three home-cooked meals a day, and Sunday church. These elements have become markers of material success, and many of us strive towards this ideal, myself included. However, I’ve begun to wonder, do these achievements truly lay the foundation for a thriving family, one that can withstand the test of time?
Let’s take a moment to consider Christianity, a significant component of the system that has influenced our values and routines. Sunday mornings are often reserved for the spiritual nourishment that underpins our lives. Whether we align ourselves with fundamentalist or progressive Christianity, the core message remains unequivocal: Love God and love others. It’s a simple directive, but it’s where we start to diverge in thought – how do we practice and share this love? Some may proclaim that sinners will find themselves condemned, while others may dedicate their lives to missions or monasticism. But have we genuinely taken the time to evaluate what this foundational message means to us personally, or have we allowed ourselves to be swept up in the ideologies of others due to the frantic pace of our lives?
So, let’s assess where we stand. We’ve secured the job, the house, the car, and built a loving family. Our daily routine includes square meals and a religious practice that soothes our souls. But, in the quiet moments, we must ask ourselves the pivotal question: Are we truly happy? Do we find contentment, or does a hidden frustration gnaw at the edges of our consciousness? We contribute financially to our communities, but do we actively engage in shaping the values and unity they represent? Our children enjoy expensive extracurricular activities, yet are they learning the fundamental lessons of community and connection within the walls of our home? We may possess the markers of success, as dictated by modern society, but do we genuinely love and understand ourselves? Have we explored our beliefs about God and our place in the universe?
I’ve come to believe that our material attachments and relentless pursuit of success can inadvertently hinder our families and jeopardize the prospects of future generations. In our pursuit of a legacy, we may unknowingly push love, connection, happiness, fulfillment, peace, and unity to the back burner. We tell ourselves, “I’ll get to that later,” as we allow ourselves to be worn down by the demands of the day. While it’s not always this severe or somber, more often than not, we find ourselves compromising more than we initially bargained for.
As I embark on a more contemplative phase in my quest for a deeper understanding of the Divine, I’ve begun to establish new boundaries. There are indeed paths to material success where we can comfortably negotiate its impact on our personal lives. However, over the course of time and generations, what we leave behind should transcend the realm of financial and material wealth. Investing time in knowing and loving ourselves, in loving others, and in nurturing a sense of community has the power to leave a legacy far more profound than the fractured relationships that we might otherwise leave behind in our relentless pursuit of success.
I implore you to take a pause. Breathe. Reflect on something truly beautiful. Think about its beauty and what it means to you. How does it make you feel? Don’t rush to put your thoughts into words; instead, just sit with it. Remember that you are an integral part of that beauty, and its worth is immeasurable. There’s more to this world, to this life, and to this reality than words can encapsulate or our senses can perceive – it’s the metaphysical, a realm that holds all those deep feelings that elude complete expression. Make this dimension a valuable part of your journey, and share it with others. I firmly believe that embracing this aspect of existence can push the boundaries of what it means to be human, expanding our understanding beyond the narrow confines of the traditional nuclear family ideal that modern American society often champions.
Let’s not dismiss profound concepts like love and unity just because they are challenging to articulate. If we continue to relegate their importance in our lives, we risk losing sight of their true essence. In the relentless pursuit of material success, we must remember that there’s a deeper, more profound dimension to life that deserves our attention and exploration. Let us embark on this journey together, pushing the limits of what it means to be human and embracing the full spectrum of existence that extends beyond the narrow confines of societal expectations.
- Anthony Mailloux (Śrī Avirhotra Dāsa)
ŚrīFlections: Exploring the Depths of Love, Unity, and Spirituality