What does it take to make you happy?
I have been away from the world for my ten day silent meditation retreat. That for me created a wonderful sense of happiness and joy, quite euphoric really. The silence of ten days begins with apprehension, moves to fascinated interest, and then the real work begins as the past rushes out of the cupboard of the mind as everything that has ever been avoided demands attention. Eventually the storm passes and the ability to sit in silence at peace finally arrives. Recommend it to anyone and everyone take a look, Vipassana.
When I came back home into the world of words and sounds I was hit by another wall of euphoria that seemed to have gripped the nation in a collective sense of unity. Olympic fever seems to have been everywhere. It has been wonderful to watch the medals mount up and to see the shared joy of both competitors and spectators.
Because I was away I missed the opening ceremony, though It was recorded so I have caught up. But I did get to see the closing ceremony. How good to see the Brits doing something so well and being so proud of doing it. Not a normal trait for us Brits who find it so easy to run ourselves down.
Having been silent for so long I have found myself being the observer of all those around me. I have seen people that I would normally see as miserable who have been excited and inspired. Robert, my son, wrote the following on Facebook, that really sums it up…
“Do the Olympics really have to end!!?? Football aside, never have I ever been so consumed in not just a sport, but an event. I have loved and lived every minute, cheered for every medal as if I had won it myself, and just been so proud of Team GB. The plan was to make it the best and inspire a generation. Well it has been the best and I have been inspired, and for that I would just like to say thank you, to everyone and anyone who needs thanking. Now lets wrap this thing up in style!!!”
Well, they did wrap it up in style and with joy. A positive outpouring of the best of humanity working together.
As we move onto the Para Olympics I hope that we can maintain the same level of positive support. And after the Olympics what will we do?
The strange things about human beings is that they can work together when they choose to. In both conflict, war and poverty, people come together and work together to create heaven on earth. I have a simple belief that has been the driving motivation of my life and my work that simply is:
If we all look after each other we can have Heaven on Earth right now.
A bit of heaven would benefit us all.
May you and all beings be happy
Take care, with love
Sean x
