The Unexamined Life

Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

In our fast paced world, it is far too easy, and common, to lost sight of the absolute magnificence, majesty and magic of life.  PLEASE, stop for just one moment and reflect on this incredible experience we call life.  Leave all the nitty-gritty details and complications behind, ever so briefly, and let the sheer awesomeness of the wholeness of life remind you what a precious gift it is.

The trait that most distinguishes human beings from the rest of the beings with whom we share this planet is that in addition to living our lives we can reflect on our living.  We can examine, analyze and ask questions.  We are consciously aware of our own existence and capable of viewing our thoughts, words and deeds objectively as well as subjectively. We can look at how we are being, and make assessments about the quality and value of what we see.  And we can choose something different.

I do not wholly agree with Socrates.  Life is such an amazing gift that I think IT WOULD still be worth the experience even without reflection.  I also think that those who choose to go through life without examining the experience they are having/creating, actually experience a mere shadow of the fullness of life.

Life is a creative process.  It is your own personal work of art.  Every moment of your life you are creating who you are.  In every moment you can reflect on what you have created, what you are currently bringing into being, and where you actually want to go with your creation.

You are the author, the sculptor, the painter of your life.  Take courage and express the truth of you.  Question the stories you have been told all your life, the rules and codes that other people have expected you to incorporate in your living. Question yourself as well.  What beliefs do your thoughts, words and actions express?  Do you truly embrace those beliefs?  Have you chosen them, or were they chosen for you?

You are responsible for what you are expressing - even when you did not choose the beliefs from which those expressions spring.  You are responsible for choosing differently.  You are responsible for the work of art/life you are creating.