Humans always think or feel the grass is greener on the other side. We fail to be present and be attentive to our greener pastures with all its potential possibilities thereby fail to appreciate what we have with gratefulness. When I stop looking for more, better, or different, I experience joy, peace, … and can be attentive to all the many gifts that have been provided with numerous possibilities for me to explore and realized that I have enough and don’t need anything more, better or different. “Stepping out of the busyness, stopping our endless pursuit of getting somewhere else, is perhaps the most beautiful offering we can make to our spirit.” Tara Brach
I start doing – not sure this was the intended message, but nonetheless is an important consideration – seeking is different than doing. “Just do it” is very different than “Just seek it.”
I read a quote today which stopped me in my tracks! Austrian-Israeli philosopher Martin Buber said, “Real faith means holding ourselves open to the unconditional mystery which we encounter in every sphere of our life which cannot be compressed in any formula.”
Then I read today’s quote from Tara Brach, “Stepping out of the busyness, stopping our endless pursuit of getting somewhere else, is perhaps the most beautiful offering we can make to our spirit.”
For me, they relate and are a reminder that when I stop seeking something more, better, or different, I can see what is and use it to my best advantage which is mostly being present to the moment and fully embracing it. Be open. Be willing. Being free. I think it is basically healthy acceptance of myself and my circumstances.
When QVC was invented
people,
women especially,
were enchanted.
Of course
this was before the internet.
Just think!
To buy things
without ever leaving the house.
A person could sit
on the comfort of their couch
and buy things from clothing
to housewares,
to jewelry,
to gifts
and who knew what else?
It became an addiction
for a friend of mine,
and we lost touch years ago,
but I often wonder how it worked out for her.
At one time
if my circumstances were different
I could have been sucked down that rabbit hole,
but thankfully,
I escaped at least that one.
I had my own problems,
which were probably worse,
so I can relate on a different level.
I’ve stopped searching
for someone better,
something bigger or brighter . . .
not so much in material goods or people,
but in what I thought were ‘life enhancements–
ideas that could make my life more bearable.
And now,
in that empty space
is sukha . . .
contentment . . .
without the need of something outside of myself
(most of the time). ♥
I came to those crossroads when my old job where I work was being eliminated several years ago. Fortunately I made the right move to stay with the company in a different capacity. 12 years later and I am still with the Company! ✨🌞
I feel as though this question could be rephrased differently, what does “better” mean? For me, I notice that Even if I get the “better” experience of something going my way, I am still left with my heavy emotions. Yay, I feel relieved that I got offered a full time job with benefits after applying for months on end with no luck. But I still left with feelings of anger and resentment and sadness about other aspects of my life. I still feel those emotions, My numbness is still there, it’s not something that goes away like that. I just keep moving the goal post until I get to the next “better” thing. What if I don’t? What if I allowed myself to just be content (satisfied? Accepting? Non-judging) with where my feet are right now.
Two sayings have helped me with experiencing the same Jenifer. Happiness is the absence of striving for happiness. Lao Tzu
And no known author(to me) for this one . . . Resentment is taking poison, expecting the others to die.
Jenifer, I think practicing gratefulness is a key in your situation. And when all that sadness, anger and resentment (anger resent) comes up, don’t let it steal your energy. I find taking Buddist Jack Kornfield’s advise helps me. He says, “Ask yourself, What can I do about that right now–today? If the answer is ‘not a thing’ then let it go for the day.” I doubt we can be satisfied for every minute but we can learn to accept one day at a time. I think we are our own biggest task master!” I’m thankful you found a job with benefits. Sometimes it is a job that you really don’t find rewarding but it’s necessary at the time so you have to roll with it. Sending loving energy your way.
The human mind is a hungry mind always wanting, desires for more . This is the seeker who is a snake like mind. I think this question asks if my mind is ever at peace and content and the answer use to be no.
Now I can see my false mind full of thoughts which are mostly negative and repetitive from the day before . Most of which are also self serving and about me and my wants or expectations.
The universe mind is free from this ego and it simple does its job and doesn’t have a mind about better or best . Each flower or tree 🌳 grows and bears fruit/ it does its job without a mind of having given or done better or best . The universe does everything perfectly and gives unconditional and lives for the whole.
If I were to see from the universe perspective I wouldn’t need to seek or judge anything. Only humans do this and count and judge everything.
To be free from those would be joyful and everyone would live well.
I love your reflection today,
dear Antoinette.
It stopped me in my tracks . . .
no judgement,
just doing our job.
That’s how I want to Live.
Imagine . . . ♥
The sun doesn’t stop shining- the rain rains and everything does its job for the whole – live as the whole and not for me, myself and I. Natures flow does its job with no minds but what it can get out of someone or something.
Thanks Sparrow . Sparrow’s also do their job with no minds about anything. Hugs 🤗
I’d have to quit my job! My purpose is specifically to work for more, better, and different transportation systems so we can truly serve everyone, not only those who can drive.
I’d have to quit advocating! Many small actions add up to big movements and that’s what we need to create a world that honors and respects all living beings.
I’d have to quit gardening! Each year I learn something about how and where things grow well in our yard, and adjust for the coming year. I make notes in a gardening journal so I can refer back and remember which seeds germinated, which plants grew well.
My list could go on. I understand that this question is aimed at recognizing a sense of dissatisfaction with something that’s right in front of us that we could pause to appreciate as it is. Each year’s garden is wonderful in and of itself, without comparison. We need to be able to recognize that and live in the moments as they come. But I don’t think seeking change is inherently bad or wrong.
I too,
subscribe to The Marginalian,
dear Barb,
and this poem by Mary Sarton
struck me as well.
On another note,
more in tune with your first post perhaps,
I don’t think striving for change
necessarily has to come from a place of dissatisfaction,
but from a desire to make the world a better place . . .
a place where others
might live in peace that we have already cultivated for ourselves. ♥
Lol. I get it. To not strive for improvement or variety we could atrophy. My mother I think is depressed as she does/says the same things over and over without any variety and I don’t think she is particularly grateful for what she has, in fact I think she’s not but has given up trying to improve.
I’ve never really been a striver. I’ve always had pretty simple dreams. . Not that I don’t fall into the comparison trap every now and then.
What I’ve always seemed to desire, was experiences.
Part of this gratitude journey, is learning how to be content with what is. My goal of seeing things as they are, and not how I want them to be or wish they were, has been enhanced by this practice.
I can be content with very little.
Interesting question, because I do seek new and different experiences. I think the problem with this would be wishing my experiences were better, or different in the moment. Looking into new things is good as long as it does not become a need. Most important is experiencing the moment.
I feel the calm of a deep breath. It’s not easy for me since I have spent much of my life as a planner, but I need to remember to trust that what is important will unfold in the right time.
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Humans always think or feel the grass is greener on the other side. We fail to be present and be attentive to our greener pastures with all its potential possibilities thereby fail to appreciate what we have with gratefulness. When I stop looking for more, better, or different, I experience joy, peace, … and can be attentive to all the many gifts that have been provided with numerous possibilities for me to explore and realized that I have enough and don’t need anything more, better or different. “Stepping out of the busyness, stopping our endless pursuit of getting somewhere else, is perhaps the most beautiful offering we can make to our spirit.” Tara Brach
I start doing – not sure this was the intended message, but nonetheless is an important consideration – seeking is different than doing. “Just do it” is very different than “Just seek it.”
I am arriving in the very moment.
Thank you Ose just keep letting go. 💓
I read a quote today which stopped me in my tracks! Austrian-Israeli philosopher Martin Buber said, “Real faith means holding ourselves open to the unconditional mystery which we encounter in every sphere of our life which cannot be compressed in any formula.”
Then I read today’s quote from Tara Brach, “Stepping out of the busyness, stopping our endless pursuit of getting somewhere else, is perhaps the most beautiful offering we can make to our spirit.”
For me, they relate and are a reminder that when I stop seeking something more, better, or different, I can see what is and use it to my best advantage which is mostly being present to the moment and fully embracing it. Be open. Be willing. Being free. I think it is basically healthy acceptance of myself and my circumstances.
Sometimes,
dear Carol Ann,
I think there are too many options. ♥
When QVC was invented
people,
women especially,
were enchanted.
Of course
this was before the internet.
Just think!
To buy things
without ever leaving the house.
A person could sit
on the comfort of their couch
and buy things from clothing
to housewares,
to jewelry,
to gifts
and who knew what else?
It became an addiction
for a friend of mine,
and we lost touch years ago,
but I often wonder how it worked out for her.
At one time
if my circumstances were different
I could have been sucked down that rabbit hole,
but thankfully,
I escaped at least that one.
I had my own problems,
which were probably worse,
so I can relate on a different level.
I’ve stopped searching
for someone better,
something bigger or brighter . . .
not so much in material goods or people,
but in what I thought were ‘life enhancements–
ideas that could make my life more bearable.
And now,
in that empty space
is sukha . . .
contentment . . .
without the need of something outside of myself
(most of the time). ♥
My mom loved QVC and I was just thinking (bc I made a purchase on etsy) how much she would have LOVED that site, LOL.
🙂
“(most of the time)” I get that one!
🙂
Me too – 😅👏
🙂
I came to those crossroads when my old job where I work was being eliminated several years ago. Fortunately I made the right move to stay with the company in a different capacity. 12 years later and I am still with the Company! ✨🌞
I feel as though this question could be rephrased differently, what does “better” mean? For me, I notice that Even if I get the “better” experience of something going my way, I am still left with my heavy emotions. Yay, I feel relieved that I got offered a full time job with benefits after applying for months on end with no luck. But I still left with feelings of anger and resentment and sadness about other aspects of my life. I still feel those emotions, My numbness is still there, it’s not something that goes away like that. I just keep moving the goal post until I get to the next “better” thing. What if I don’t? What if I allowed myself to just be content (satisfied? Accepting? Non-judging) with where my feet are right now.
Jennifer congrats on the job! I know you have been looking!
Two sayings have helped me with experiencing the same Jenifer. Happiness is the absence of striving for happiness. Lao Tzu
And no known author(to me) for this one . . . Resentment is taking poison, expecting the others to die.
Jenifer, I think practicing gratefulness is a key in your situation. And when all that sadness, anger and resentment (anger resent) comes up, don’t let it steal your energy. I find taking Buddist Jack Kornfield’s advise helps me. He says, “Ask yourself, What can I do about that right now–today? If the answer is ‘not a thing’ then let it go for the day.” I doubt we can be satisfied for every minute but we can learn to accept one day at a time. I think we are our own biggest task master!” I’m thankful you found a job with benefits. Sometimes it is a job that you really don’t find rewarding but it’s necessary at the time so you have to roll with it. Sending loving energy your way.
What if,
dear Jenifer?
You might be more at peace with yourself
and with your life . . .
the Divine in me
bows to the Divine in you.
Baby steps. ♥
The human mind is a hungry mind always wanting, desires for more . This is the seeker who is a snake like mind. I think this question asks if my mind is ever at peace and content and the answer use to be no.
Now I can see my false mind full of thoughts which are mostly negative and repetitive from the day before . Most of which are also self serving and about me and my wants or expectations.
The universe mind is free from this ego and it simple does its job and doesn’t have a mind about better or best . Each flower or tree 🌳 grows and bears fruit/ it does its job without a mind of having given or done better or best . The universe does everything perfectly and gives unconditional and lives for the whole.
If I were to see from the universe perspective I wouldn’t need to seek or judge anything. Only humans do this and count and judge everything.
To be free from those would be joyful and everyone would live well.
Humans certainly do count everything . . . . over and over . . . . numbers. Thank you Antoinette.
I love your reflection today,
dear Antoinette.
It stopped me in my tracks . . .
no judgement,
just doing our job.
That’s how I want to Live.
Imagine . . . ♥
The sun doesn’t stop shining- the rain rains and everything does its job for the whole – live as the whole and not for me, myself and I. Natures flow does its job with no minds but what it can get out of someone or something.
Thanks Sparrow . Sparrow’s also do their job with no minds about anything. Hugs 🤗
Yes,
dear Antoinette,
they do. 🙂
I can enjoy & acknowledge what I already have.
Contentment.
Peace.
Satisfaction.
🕊️🩷
I’d have to quit my job! My purpose is specifically to work for more, better, and different transportation systems so we can truly serve everyone, not only those who can drive.
I’d have to quit advocating! Many small actions add up to big movements and that’s what we need to create a world that honors and respects all living beings.
I’d have to quit gardening! Each year I learn something about how and where things grow well in our yard, and adjust for the coming year. I make notes in a gardening journal so I can refer back and remember which seeds germinated, which plants grew well.
My list could go on. I understand that this question is aimed at recognizing a sense of dissatisfaction with something that’s right in front of us that we could pause to appreciate as it is. Each year’s garden is wonderful in and of itself, without comparison. We need to be able to recognize that and live in the moments as they come. But I don’t think seeking change is inherently bad or wrong.
Shortly after posting this, I read this great piece on The Marginalian about happiness. May Sarton’s poem sits at the heart of what this question can be about.
https://www.themarginalian.org/2026/04/10/may-sarton-the-work-of-happiness/
I especially enjoyed these two lines Barb;
The timeless sense of time when furniture
Has stood a lifespan in a single place
I too,
subscribe to The Marginalian,
dear Barb,
and this poem by Mary Sarton
struck me as well.
On another note,
more in tune with your first post perhaps,
I don’t think striving for change
necessarily has to come from a place of dissatisfaction,
but from a desire to make the world a better place . . .
a place where others
might live in peace that we have already cultivated for ourselves. ♥
Lol. I get it. To not strive for improvement or variety we could atrophy. My mother I think is depressed as she does/says the same things over and over without any variety and I don’t think she is particularly grateful for what she has, in fact I think she’s not but has given up trying to improve.
It makes me sad to hear this,
dear Christine . . .
I hope she is somehow able
to find joy and gratitude
in something,
perhaps unexpected. ♥
I’ve never really been a striver. I’ve always had pretty simple dreams. . Not that I don’t fall into the comparison trap every now and then.
What I’ve always seemed to desire, was experiences.
Part of this gratitude journey, is learning how to be content with what is. My goal of seeing things as they are, and not how I want them to be or wish they were, has been enhanced by this practice.
I can be content with very little.
I think,
dear Charlie,
that we are all good enough
without judgment. ♥
Charlie, you just explained why I minimize my wants and needs and hold on to whatever I have.
To build upon Mary’s comment, I think it depends. Life is motion, and sometimes seeking is part of it. Other times, seeking can become a compulsion.
Interesting question, because I do seek new and different experiences. I think the problem with this would be wishing my experiences were better, or different in the moment. Looking into new things is good as long as it does not become a need. Most important is experiencing the moment.
I was thinking exactly along the same lines, Mary.
Sometimes I feel I can relax. Sometimes it makes me feel unsatisfied and more critical of my situation
Self-criticism and judgement
are pitfalls
to peace,
dear Greensilver . . . ♥
I feel the calm of a deep breath. It’s not easy for me since I have spent much of my life as a planner, but I need to remember to trust that what is important will unfold in the right time.
Enndee, it’s interesting how that works. The more we plan, the more our lives run the opposite.
Exactly! Living in my head has not helped my heart. Thankful to have found meditation and a place to learn more about gratitude.