It’s been raining a lot recently -as is the norm in April. So we’ve been spending more time at the library and- I’ve been reading the second book in a trilogy by Philip K Dick – of which, he wrote towards the very end of his life .
I won’t get into the details of the book -but-basically, deals with the final battle between good and evil and – it isn’t as cheesy as you may imagine. He describes the “dark force” or Belial- as working on the inner psyches of each individual- causing him to see the worst in any situation or person.
I thought back to a time where I consistently sought out distraction- could not stand to sit with myself and-only had the capacity to see the negative potentialities of every situation.
Earlier today, while at the library- I saw a mother transfixed by her phone. She would occasionally look up to bark at one or both of her children before resuming her attention to the phone. The funny thing was – she was missing context. One of the children was using the floor pillows to construct a safety path – from the oozing lava coming out of an imaginary volcano. When the mother looked up – all she could see was a mess and ordered him to clean it up.
There seems to be a simple equation in the midst of this . When our tendency is a preoccupation with something other than the present – it yields a negative predisposition. I’ve heard the belief- of our consciousness getting hijacked by invading spirits-most commonly when the person is intoxicated or under anesthesia.
If we strip the mystical notions-of the why such behavior would lead to a perpetual pessimism- I’d say, your missing out on the true essence of life which – can only be found in the present moment.
I witnessed an interaction yesterday -between a mother and daughter, that stood out to me. The mother asked her young daughter to thank the librarian and to come to her- so they could leave. There were a lot of kids there and hard to hear- so the mother quickly repeated herself and the young girl did as she was asked- quickly running back to her mother.
Upon reaching her – the mother asked “are your ears working ? and, the girl- looking a bit confused, said -yes and the mother enthusiastically said “good job!”
It seemed like a confusing mix of messages – but, she relayed to the girl the list of things on the agenda for the day – so they needed to hurry.
I am – like most of us, also guilty of this. My attention sometimes focused on the things I have to do – rather than, what’s in front of me and- this, is yet- just another distraction. One distraction in an infinite sea of distractions – that – may cause us to spurt confusing messages- even potentially hurtful ones – to the ones we love most.
So – whether you’re fearful of Belial sneaking in through the back door or-just wish to have a more positive outlook coupled with a happier predisposition- keep guard of your thoughts and- let’s do our best to remain present.
10-4 – OVER and Out
