The Bare Necessities
We’ve spent the past month exploring the idea of a liberation-based livelihood. That’s as about pragmatic as it gets. We all have to live in this world and making a living.
So today I am going to confound you. Part of my role here on the LLP to support you with tools for living on this planet in a liberated way, and also to remind you that there is a bigger truth. That can be confounding, I suppose.
So here is the other side of the truth: none of this matters.
In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you do for a living, it doesn’t matter if you are “successful” in a conventional sense.
In the end, true liberation is about letting go of all that. It’s about being content with exactly what is, whatever it is.
This is why the LLP is actually a no-self, no-improvement blog.
My friend Lynette recently posted a song that I absolutely loved when I was a kid. I’m sharing with you at the bottom of this post. Listening to it now, I realize that it’s the perfect vehicle to remind us of this truth – what you have is exactly enough. Nothing else is required.
Consider this:
…Don’t spend your time lookin’ around
For something you want that can’t be found
When you find out you can live without it
And go along not thinkin’ about it
I’ll tell you something true
The bare necessities of life will come to you
Freedom is an inside job. If you haven’t “achieved” a liberation-based livelihood yet, no problem. In fact, if you are striving for it too much, that is a problem. What matters most is that you can live happily exactly where you are, no matter where that is.
My wish for you: may you enjoy your life, just as it is!
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6 Comments
I love this message! It’s one I need to hear again and again. Keep it coming!
April 18, 2012
I know, Sandra… I need to hear it also, repeatedly… probably why I write about it! Did you ever read the book Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach? It is SO right on in this respect…
April 21, 2012
this is coming at a really challenging time in my career. And your posts over the last while have been pushing at my edge! Should I thank you? 😉
How do I live my work, unhooked from the need for recognition by those I respect and whose opinion I value?
How do I engage in what I know fosters well being yet fill the coffers so I can continue to offer the sessions, programs, and personnel to fulfill that vision?
How do I stay the course when there are waves (or as my friend calls “wavelettes”) that dislodge my footing
How do I see these as just part of the startup costs of a lifetime of commitment to a path of service?
Tough challenges you set up, my friend! Keep it coming!
April 17, 2012
Dear Lynette,
I hope you’ve been feeling pushed to the edge in a good way!
I love your questions… and it reminds me of that quote from Rilke about not necessarily needing answers to questions right away, simply living into them. Be kind to yourself in the process : )
April 21, 2012
Ah, the wisdom of Ballou! Thanks for the reminder.
April 17, 2012
Wisdom comes in the most interesting packages, doesn’t it?!
April 21, 2012