The Color of Contentment

“Be content with what you have;

rejoice in the way things are.

When you realize there is nothing lacking,

the whole world belongs to you.” 

(Lao Tzu)

As the end of my 50th year peeks over the horizon I find myself oftentimes bathed in a deep sense of contentment. My life is filled with nourishing elements - healthy family, friends, meaningful work, and at this point in July... a backyard filled with flowers of every color. In fact, I can truly say that I lack for nothing.

“I am content;

that is a blessing greater than riches;

and he to whom that is given

need ask no more.” 

(Henry Fielding)

My sense of contentment is, however, hugely counter-cultural. The flyers in the paper, the local billboards, and every bit of social media seek to inculcate a sense of discontentment. In fact, our consumer society depends upon my discontent to fuel its endless drive for economic growth. "Newer and better" beckon from TV and radio commercials, even as the Jones' next door drive up in a shiny new something-or-other. 

“Are these things

really better than the things I already have?

Or am I just trained

to be dissatisfied with what I have now?” 

(Chuck Palahniuk, Lullaby)

I am content. Content to follow my passions, to forgive any perceived wrongs, to be kind, playful, and occasionally when I am tired and hungry - content to be a bit grouchy. I don't feel like I have any energy to be running after the next best opportunity, guru, or thingamabob. I walk down a gravel road with my hound and I am deeply grateful for the whisper of the wind in the fields of barley, billowing white clouds (or more often than not the dark grey thunderheads) overhead, and the incredible beauty that permeates life.

In all of this I am grateful. I have many growing edges, I am far from the person I will someday grow to be; in this too, though I am content. I am okay with me today. That is enough. I do not have the power to end this world's suffering and madness; I do, however, have the ability to make a choice about how I live my life. I will not contribute to the war of endlessly hungering for more. Today is enough for me. 

I leave the last word to the apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians:

"...for I have learned to be content

whatever the circumstances.

I know what it is to be in need,

and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content

in any and every situation,

whether well fed or hungry,

whether living in plenty or in want."

(Philippians 4.11b-12)

The color of contentment...

a deep sigh of peace.

Enough

is

enough

is

enough

You cannot

add

to

already

full

Breathe

Pray

be at Peace

To Ponder Further:

- From the Bible: "Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain[a] we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." (1 Timothy 6.6-8)

- From Confucianism: "The Master said, 'In the morning, hear the Way; in the evening, die content!'" (Analects 4.8)

- From Buddhism: "Just as a deep lake is clear and still, even so, on hearing the teachings and realizing them, the wise become exceedingly peaceful. (Dhammapada 82)