Dream of Harmony
"Out of clutter find simplicity, from discord find harmony; in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity"
Don't we all dream of a world where harmony reigns, relationships thrive, work-life balance is perfect, and we find deep fulfillment in our purpose?
However, as we float through the grey tides of everyday life, we often become tired, impatient, or simply fed up, losing our sense of balance. We look to nature, hoping to draw inspiration from its order, coordination, and near-perfect harmony, wishing for the same equilibrium in our own lives.
But let’s not spoil the dream — it remains a dream! In “real” life, we all occasionally get upset by world events, irritated with friends, frustrated with work (or the lack thereof), and affected by social or political situations around us.
Some of us are neat freaks, believing that the disorder around us reflects our inner state; if there’s chaos around us, then there’s chaos within us.
Indeed, activities like tidying our spaces, decluttering, embracing an eco-friendly lifestyle, gardening, caring for indoor plants, praying, and meditating can help restore our inner order. Similarly, creating an atmosphere of happiness and tranquility through pleasurable activities like cooking, tending to flowers, playing an instrument, or drawing can lead to a fuller sense of harmony. Finally, finding a balance between work, hobbies, and social life by gradually making small changes to our daily routine, adding activities that bring us joy, meeting loved ones in cozy settings, and making time for sports can contribute to a more satisfying existence.
Harmony, being a dream, can’t be total or perfect. We might achieve it in one area of life while other aspects may falter. Think of it like dreaming of sunshine every day. Even if your house is powered by solar panels, your garden sunflowers need it, or you crave vitamin D, the sun won’t always shine. Sometimes, you’ll be left powerless, struggling with energy bills, or too pale to wear summer clothes. Yet, you might enjoy the soothing sound of raindrops on your windows or the spectacle of a thunderstorm. We often expect a particular kind of beauty in our lives, overlooking the less obvious ones. The quietness of unemployment, a break from the noisy city center, or quieter days in relationships can offer time for self-discovery.
Remember, the world is a chaotic place and, no matter how much you strive for a “zen” state, there will be times when you feel tumbled and tossed. Training your positive perception of the world and people doesn’t mean losing touch with reality. Focus on the little things that bring joy to your life, celebrate even the smallest victories, take care of nature and animals, and enjoy small moments instead of waiting for grand celebrations. Treat the people around you with care, and live in the present.
In the end, if life were music, we wouldn’t listen to grand operas every day, nor would we be satisfied with whatever the radio plays. Some days we enjoy energetic drums, other days we might find solace in rap or hip-hop with its contrasting beats, and sometimes we are content just with the sound of the sea or a rainstorm.
