A layman's take on now

Here is my take on my life; I do not presume this will work for anyone else and I truly believe everyone has a right and must live within their own ramifications.(Hell, if we were all the same, life would be #$@%&*^ boring.)

I do not wonder on the “getting it” I simply react to life. I feel that if I truly understood life, it would not be near as fun as it is. There is only the “here and now.” Of course, the future does come it’s as unstoppable as the tides or the Laurel Creek. But it’s the “here and now” that determines the future. For example, if it rains in the high country there may be a flood in the low country or when oceans’ temperatures change, it changes weather patterns all over the world. Again there is no need to “get it” only a need to be a part of it.

Stillness is an unattainable goal, life, like our world, is kinetic. Of course, there are times of calm where we can relax and reflect, (just as there is in nature), but these times will always be limited. Eventually, things have to change. (Again just as it is in nature)

I know many people will disagree with me, but there is nothing “out there” to find; it’s all right in front us. Life is the “here and now.” Also, I understand that my views flow from the belief that there is no divine anything, that in life, we are simply on a conveyer belt that we’re half sunk into headed for oblivion. To some this may sound morbid. On the contrary, for me, it makes life that much more precious, fun, exciting, valuable, enlightening etc., etc.

Maybe I am different. Maybe I am wrong. But, my belief system allows me to be free of the bonds of wanting more. If more comes then so be it. If things are taken away I’ll fight to keep them.

Finally, when on the rare occasions, that I find myself wanting I always refer to this poem by Wendell Berry.

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children’s lives my be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake rests

in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into peace of the wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.

I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind star

waiting with their light.

For a time I rest in the grace of the world,

and I am free.

Remember Nature Has No Remorse or Love. It is indifferent. And, within that neutrality there is the greatest potential for enlightenment. (What ever that may be)