Chasing the Ideas of Others · How Our Satisfaction Is Lost
⁘ “So there you have your own ideas of what you should have — to be at ease, at peace, satisfied. Then you absorb narratives from the world, from others. You should have this, you should have that — otherwise it's not good enough. We're chasing an image in their eyes. Even when we give to others, if nobody noticed, if it wasn't recognized, we remain dissatisfied by our actions. We're constructing and curating identities instead of dealing with the real needs of life.”
So there you have your own ideas,
your own perceptions of what you should have
in order to be at ease, at peace, satisfied.
Beyond that, we absorb narratives
from the world, from others.
You should have this, you should have that,
otherwise it's not good enough.
And even while that might actually
just be well enough for us,
we jump on the wagon placed before us by others.
We are chasing an image in their eyes.
We are not satisfied with a belly full,
sharing a meal with a friend.
We must be seen as the belly-full person
with abundance, who gives to others.
Even when we give to others,
if nobody noticed, if it wasn't recognized,
we remain dissatisfied by our actions.
Because we are constructing and curating identities
instead of dealing with the real needs of life.
By all means, allow for more,
welcome more when the world provides it.
And when the openings are there, even pursue it.
But do not in that infringe
on the rights and needs of others.
And do not ever make the attainment of
even more, when you already have enough,
a condition for your happiness and satisfaction.