Live, the root of living means to remain alive. Which sounds like a simple statement of intent. However, to be alive involves an incredible symphony of trillions of biological functions that work together in harmony and symbiosis with trillions of other life forms around us keeping your body ticking over. To live by this definition is mere survival.
Buddhists refer to this unconscious existence, as being in the realm of Hungry Ghosts. Hungry Ghosts are depicted as creatures with scrawny necks, small mouths and large bloated, empty stomachs. This is the realm of addiction, where we constantly seek something outside of ourselves to curb an insatiable yearning for relief or fulfilment.
This isn’t living its existing. And sometimes it’s from this place we make new years resolutions (more on this another time). This definition doesn’t account for the spark of life or consciousness that imbues your human body. In Taoism we have the concept of shen, which is the spirit and it’s the outcome of a life of meaningful connections. The shen flowers through the eyes, which are the gateway to the spirit. Shen is directed where we focus our eyes and our eyes reflect a healthy spirit. The twinkle in someone’s eyes, is a sign of vibrant shen.
The end of a year is a good time to take a moment to pause and consider all the ways you already live your best life. And of course, I’ve got some ideas to spark shen.
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