Romance of The Ideals

Of all ideals, few are prized in prominent cultures more then individuality. It is by this singular trait that many choose a way other then that of dogma and institutions. Why should one stifle self-expression when one can venture forth and create a playing field more suited to freedom?

It is with irony that the very objects we select to surround and express ourselves with can become a cage. The very nature of the material symbols of our social status can pose a sensual barrier to our own peace of mind. Thus, it is only a matter of common sense that, in order to allow for greater possibilities, there must be some missing element(s) that without which the full ideal of human experience remains just a whisper.

The question then remains is: What is this mystery that appears to be like a mirage just out of grasp for some, and to others apparently an effortless expression of their being? It is to elaborate on this purpose that is the central focus of this work.

The realm of human experience has, from the dawn of history, expanded to encompass a plethora of knowledge stretching from philosophy, to math and science, to technology that stretches our expertise even unto the vastness of space. It is with this knowledge that our collective imagination has soured to heights unimaginable to the society just a century back. As evidence of this, one merely need to visit a video or bookstore to see the myriad of titles actiing as doorways to alternate realites, each competing for attention. In fact, in this age of captalism and high technology, we find no shortage of exotic material comforts (provided we have the cash). And yet, misery persists causing some to be so disgusted with "life" as to take on attitudes of extreme negativity that is harmful not only to themselves, but also to others. It is by this path that unsettling ways of violence, hate, depression, doubt, fear, etc. develop - diseases that have persisted in plagueing and flourishing in segments of today's society.

It is then by logical deduction that the solution (provided that we allow ourselves the possibility of such) lies not in the adoption (whether conscious or no) of a life's philosophy ill conducive to harmonius integration into society. For, despite the deficiencies of our civilization, success and harmony never visits one who has failed to first cultivate those traits within.

None can deny wanting to share in the experience of love. Despite the variety of who we are as individuals - with our varied interest and beliefs, we all hold this in common. We all prefer to live abundantly. Who does not want to live life to its fullest and have an abundance of love, peace, friends, material comforts, good food, travel, etc.? Yet, despite this, many choose to attempt in applying a philosophy of material scarcity not only to material things, but to that which cannot be measured as such. Some minds even seek to own and control love by placing conditions not only on the love buried with them, but on the love they accept from others. The challenge then, in the face of such superficial materialism, is how do we cultivate within ourselves a reality in which love is in an abundance of supply?

The most favored of all realities is to assume that our natural state is love and that we are all capable of experiencing it. It is by clinging to this cornerstone of truth that lends confidence to our own evolution. Ignorance is the darkness that keeps a mind from knowing the contents of one's own heart. In my opinion, it is necessary to be stubborn in the truth that we are not ignorance and any undesirable qualities that we may perceive ourselves as assuming the guise of, are not us. We should maintain a position of openness to inner ideals of much greater nobility and majesty of spirit. The next step is to experience this within us in a way that integrates into all aspects of our being and lifestyle. This self-reliance and sense of self worth must be cultivated and nurtured. One of the major obstacles on the road to success is self-doubt and a limiting sense of self-identity.

Few people in this age are open to seeing themselves as great. In fact, the vast majority of humanity leave their superior inner potentialities virtually untapped. Coming from the heart, there is no such thing as an inflated sense of self worth - only sincerity. Some people do make the deluded choice of empowering the false ego, but this is disadvantageous and disempowering. When one operates out of ego, they are creating an illusory self-perceived seperation from others. How small this actually makes one. There are many many more of "them" then there are of you, when you come from this place. When you come from the heart, the unity of everything becomes much more clear.