I totally pulled a number on myself.
So I was reading this article on Eat Pray Love which was a major critique about the book. About how she was just a privileged white lady searching for enlightenment with lots of cash and time at her leisure. Now, I definitely agree with this critique...even though I don't want to because I loved that book. Because I love the idea of taking a year to travel and go to magic places and 'find myself' and blah blah. And reading that critique made me feel SO TYPICAL. And who wants to be typical, huh? Sure, we are all trying to fit in and be normal...but typical? yuk.
anyway... so after that critique I was all "but how to I find enlightenment without well to do women telling me of their amazing exploits? and then following in their footsteps and buying my way to a higher level of being?" and then I decided that to be the MOST enlightened, I would actively NOT seek enlightenment.
genius! Enlightenment is right here waiting for me on my couch!
Now, as stupid as that does sound, I believe a part of it. Because I am always, always searching for something better. I'm always searching for more and striving for the best. But if you are always striving for the best, chances are you may pass up good along the way.
The best path probably lies in the in between world of moderation. Enlightenment/happy/content does take work.....but maybe not to the level being pushed by what may evolve into an Enlightenment Industrial Complex. We may not need retreats and trips...just giving ourselves some more attention. The never ending quest for that better place has got to stop and I have to just take a look around and enjoy where I'm at.
I think you are on to something. Always searching outside your comfort zone seems a difficult and exhausting way to live. Finding tranquility and inner peace in your own life, while still not easy, seems like a great path to follow.
ReplyDeleteGood for you.
ReplyDeleteWithout reading that critique but having read Eat Pray Love, I'd say that just because she's privileged doesn't mean she doesn't have true things to say about finding yourself. The reason I enjoyed it at all is I think she's pretty self-aware about her own amounts of privilege and I respect that.
Also, it's not so bad to feel typical. Puts things in the broader perspective and helps you realize you're not alone in feeling dissatisfied with life, which is one of my big things because I often fall into the trap of looking at other people and assuming their lives are perfect.
preach the word, sister.
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