Aethereal Appeal

We live in a time where so much pressure is placed onto the individual yet simultaneously, society is the most fixated on conforming. No where was this most seen than in the pandemic of 2020. When a neighbor was put against another neighbor simply because they didn’t believe a face mask would stop transmission of an “airborne” virus. I am not here to write about the mishaps of the last few years. Instead I want to change the perspective of the entire conversation all together. I would like to look forward so that those same mistakes are not repeated by anyone anymore.  Perhaps that is a lofty goal but if you found yourself here reading this then understand that this is my endeavor. The best way for me to frame this conversation is to posit it as “a race” and my intent is for you to win it.

When I think of “a race,” I often think of a runner sprinting down the track with a fierce look on their face. With visible sweat rolling down their foreheads. Perhaps even a horse galloping past a turn with his jockey nearly floating above the saddle, reins in hand. I think of a racecar making its way onto the finish line with the driver flashing the thumbs up out the driver side of the window. I think of the victors of the race not the losers. Not second place. Not third place.

In the contest of strength, speed or agility it’s in our nature to desire to be set apart and how often does humanity collectively and individually strive to do so. Ideally, we all want to be the victor. Yet the reality is that in order to be the victors we have to train, we have to cultivate the habits and the mind set needed to set the goal and develop the will to persevere even though we may not know but still we anticipate the more favorable outcome. The victory.

Consider this:

Saint Paul also refers to life as a race, in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.
²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize”

There is so much that could be defined as “the race.” As Christians, one understands this prize to be your crown in Heaven.

Therefore, I want to explore the reality that this life is in fact “a race.” The day we are born, we are in a race against time; for we are mere mortals who are born innocent into a world that promises life and death, with the freedom to make one self aware of the knowledge of good and evil. As infants, we enter into a realm dependent on the love and compassion of our parents and our family members, those blessed to have parents and family that is, because many are not born into loving families at all. This station inevitably defines how one begins this race as well. How the nature or nurture of our youth cultivates the adults we will be in our approach to life, and our building of character.

It is true that many people do enter into this life, poor, from the very beginning.. and maybe those are the people who I am speaking to when I write this. Poor for me doesn’t necessarily mean lacking monetary wealth though it could.  Many people enter into this life with setbacks which may be monetary, familial, physical handicap or social caste.  Is it possible for individuals who suffer from these sorts of hurdles to “win the race” of life? Is it not unfair that they have to race at all given their circumstances?  Some may think so and the reality is that in spite of these forms of setbacks they too must participate in this race because the race is life itself.

Life is a beautiful experience for some. There is a multitudinous amount of words and phrases to describe life in this realm.  Life in its simplest expressions is biologic – an amoeba cell under a microscope – yet from the perspective of mortal mankind it is the culmination of experiences, emotions, reactions, interpersonal & intimate relationships, ephemeral perceptions and constant flow of exchanges.  As the thread of time unravels with the fate of our destiny whispered by the voice of God into our very DNA, his plans for us to prosper and to be in good health, we deserve to actively participate in this life experience, we should actively aspire to be victorious over the mortality that is temporal in this existence.  

To put it plainly, we should definitely stop and smell the roses and appreciate the stars in the night sky, or the songs of the bluebirds and robins at dawn. Taking a moment to enjoy the view is an aspect of life that makes it beautiful.  Part of winning the race is recognizing the beauty around you.  Yes, it sounds cliche but calling everything cliche will not eliminate the nuance of a person who stops for a second and conscientiously decides to appreciate the beauty around them.  

Appreciation and gratitude are prime generators of peace and tranquility.  A behemoth in the arena of mental fortitude and prolonged stamina. For some reading this, they may be in an environment where it may be difficult to distinguish what in fact is the beauty surrounding them. This is such a desolate state of existence yet in these places, the most vulgar is true, surviving such a situation is in itself –the beauty.  To survive such bleak situations and to maintain a sense of gratitude and appreciation is a miracle.  Cultivating this type of attitude helps to create a foundation of psychological and spiritual grit which can guide the individual to persevere and endure until the end of the trial or setback. It will help them to reason that there is light at the end of the tunnel because they are alive and are thankful to be aware that they are alive.

 “We never know the worth of water till the well is dry” -Thomas Fuller.

The truth is that perspective is key. Perspective is often molded by experience yet perspective can also be influenced by opinions of others.  Perspective can be shifted by changing narratives or information.  This is why in order to win the race of life, a person needs to have a set of ideals, and just as I mentioned earlier, to have appreciation and gratitude. Part of the ideals should also include the reasoning to not make any decision without first examining the matter to the fullest capability.  This will ensure that the individual does not make a choice under duress because they will know immediately that they will not agree to anything without first researching.

This is a reality that people have to accept.  In this life there will be many choices to make but the end result of such choices will have ramifications that could last a lifetime. Nothing should be overlooked or taken for granted. Look into matters deeply and value the effect it will have on you and the possibility of the future outcome. Not that you will be planning the future but you can expect a result grounded in the expectation of the knowledge that you have accrued to prepare you for what is to come. Notably, a sense of rationale and reasoning to deduce a desired outcome.

Also, choose to embrace challenges yet maintain a sense of grounding and resilience knowing that failure is not the end and a missed opportunity may not be a setback. Instead, it may be a redirection. All of these things are ways in which life teaches us if we allow ourselves to perceive it as such. Whether or not we learn depends on whether we should allow ourselves to be humble enough to accept this idea and learn from the lessons. Recognizing our faults is a major component of this type of self development because self awareness is a prerequisite to maturation and maturation is the beginning of self discipline. Yet one cannot achieve self discipline without humility. The key to winning the race of life is to grow in mental toughness and self discipline.  In order to do these things, we must first appreciate what we have and be open to examine ourselves, so that we may start the course towards becoming the victor.

Winning the race of life is a mindset more than it is a mantra. 

It is discipline and conscientious action.  It is a resolution met with dedication. A choice to say that “today and everyday I will put my best effort in and conquer my challenges.”  It is acknowledging that which you are capable of and assessing that which you need to work on proactively.  The thought of doing all this may sound exhausting to some but you truly must have this type of mentality to deal with the challenges that life may bring your way because in this life, one thing is assured;  you will encounter challenges, so it’s best to be prepared for them as best you can.

 It is true that challenges will come in many forms and it is also true that not all challenges will be a test of strength or a call to action.  Some challenges may help to edify you, while others may guide you towards the better choice. These nuances all depend on the given situation or circumstances surrounding but one thing is for sure, the inner person of the heart, the spiritual discernment of the soul, the groundedness of the calm that you have cultivated within you, through time and through your disciplined practices will help you.

Much of this life is learning when to cancel out the noise, and listen to the quiet in ourselves. There are many ways this can be achieved yet my writing this work is not necessarily to direct you to this or any particular modality. It is only to highlight that a modality and practice is needed, and it is up to you to discern what it may be. You will be confronted with many gurus, many authors selling books, or others peddling actualization methods. Some may work, others may not. 

Nevertheless, the onus will be upon you to navigate these things. Just understand that to get ahead in life isn’t about material wealth, or monetary gain. Yes, those are nice benefits when one gets to experience them. Still, they can be fleeting if one is not disciplined enough to be a proper steward of such things. Notice the cause and potentiality. That is a glimpse of discernment, and also a grounded framework on how to perceive what it means to attain such things.

To win in life, is to be of good character. To be of good character is to cultivate virtue and to be disciplined. Above all, to examine yourself so that no one fool you, not even you. Remember, all things are possible with God. So do not fret, you will never be alone. He will always be there to guide you.

Alas, I will leave this here.. If this resonated with you. Feel free to share and always keep in touch!

With much love & heart, Rosalina ..