bb_article_sept2000

The Fog of Life

by Becki Balok

Everyday there's a new diet to try, a new magic pill to erase pain, a new toy to increase joy. Yet, cluttered with all our gadgetry, all our technology, we still have the same old problems. We are over-weight, over-drugged, techno-crazed, and unhappy.

It's as if we are in a fog -- the fog of life--and with 20/20 vision we clearly see only that we are not good enough, not thin enough, and we don't have enough toys.

If we want to see through the fog, if we want to see who we truly are, a vision better than 20/20 --extraordinary vision-- is necessary.

The fog of life settles in whenever we look at ourselves and see only 'fat'. It creeps into every moment when we only want to erase not embrace our pain. It hangs around when we give up because things aren't going our way. It becomes pea soup thick whenever we think we are better than another because we have more stuff, or are the 'right' color or culture, or the 'right' religion. It is impenetrable when we keep looking back, holding on to the past.

To see through the fog of life, to see with extraordinary vision, we need a new eyeglass prescription. It requires one lens and one lens only, the lens of detachment.

Detachment is noticing what is going on around you, and knowing no matter what it is, you are going to be alright. You are going to make it through, and you'll be better for it.

Detachment is knowing you are more than your physical body -- there is a part of you that is divine, you are more than any situation, more than your circumstances. Divinely respond only with love for yourself and others.

Detachment is seeing clearly that you are worthy, you are healed, you are whole. Everyone else is too.

Detachment is the ability to embrace pain, hear the message your body is sending you, and focus on health. Glorious health.

Detachment is the extraordinary vision to see that you are not your past. Don't look back, you are free, move forward.

Detachment is letting go of your beliefs -- even if only for a moment -- to hear and respect another's. Learning about other cultures and religions opens your soul.

Detachment is giving children, friends and partners our best advice and then allowing them to make their own mistakes and learn their own lessons. All without saying 'I told you so.'

Detachment is 'in-your-face' vision that doesn't seek to erase the fog of life, but sees through it -- it's what life is all about.