“Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure.” – Thomas Alva Edison
As humans we tend to create absolutes. In areas of truth, in wisdom, in stature. Once established an icon can subsequently be found to have incredible lapses of integrity and virtue, yet still retain rock-star status.
The concept of satisfaction, like the virtue of surrender, often gets a bad rap. Frequently from those that fear. Whether the fear be of failure, falling short of goals, not living up to standards perceived of being worthy and other yardsticks of success and temporal satisfaction.
I appreciated the work of David Hawkins, particularly his discussion of the spectrum of spiritual maturity he presents in his book, Power vs. Force. In this book he compares intellectual achievement with spiritual mastery. He proposes his theory that spiritual integrity can be quantitatively measured, most accurately by muscle testing. His calibration scale measures from zero to one thousand, the near end the of scale being absolute destitution of spirituality and the far end, one thousand, the attainment of perfect enlightenment, the domain of christ’s and avatar’s.
His assertion was that at the mid-point, four hundred ninety-nine, intellectual thought breaks down and can go no further. The Einstein’s and Edison’s, purely by virtue of educated thinking, were incapable of advanced spiritual concepts. Only when we surrender to the limitations of the educated mind, allow it’s quiescence and move on, can we grasp and appreciate higher spiritual attainment and peace.
The quote I began with is accepted educated thinking. It resonates with that aspect of our human self that must feed and advance on attainment. Sort of the thinking realm’s motto of “Buy More Stuff!” that I observed being cynically touted by sign carrying demonstrators here in downtown Seattle this past Black Friday. Alternatively, the surrendered, accepting, allowing and at peace spiritual mind is at odds with equating satisfaction with failure.
Sure, there is slothful satisfaction, and perhaps that is what Mr. Edison was referring to. However I would like to address the fear of allowing. The fear at being at rest in a world that is on a dizzying spiral of accumulation. A process that is by all appearances contributing to significant personal and global damage.
As I ripen into my fifties more and more, I am increasingly aware of the impact of choices. Particularly choices motivated by my aggressive and dissatisfied thinking mind. With this awareness I am finding deep ‘satisfaction’ in choosing to be present. Allow quiet. Accumulate less. And smile more.
I also am less likely to take as gospel the observations of others, solely by virtue of their celebrity. I am granting them their humanity as I acknowledge mine.
May you find more balance in your life today. Especially as we move into this New Year and the time for making goals. Be kind. To yourself in particular. Select that which will nurture your true spiritual self. This to me is true success.
IN-JOY your day!
Perry
Dr. Chinn is a 1986 Life graduate Seattle area for 26 years and is a board member of the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society. He is the co-creator of the nutritional cardiovascular formula Acctrix (www.Acctrix.com) available at Amazon, co-founder of Unisal Wellness Technologies and is the author of Symphony of Wellness and Soaring Beyond Fear ( www.PerryChinn.com). His book Symphony of Wellness focuses on the science and benefits of the Nobel Prize winning science of nitric oxide for cardiovascular health and whole body wellness. He can be reached at DrPChinn@gmail.com
Dr. Chinn is a 1986 Life University graduate (Marietta), has been practicing for 37 years, currently in NW Montana. He has served as a board member and vice-president of the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society. As a Gonstead technique diplomate, Dr. Chinn is authorized to teach and coach the Gonstead system to other doctors of chiropractic. He is the author of Symphony of Wellness and Soaring Beyond Fear (www.PerryChinn.com), his book Symphony of Wellness (now in an expanded 3rd edition) focuses on the science and benefits of the Nobel Prize winning science of nitric oxide for cardiovascular health and whole body wellness. He is available for keynote speaking and coaching. Dr. Chinn can be reached at DrPChinn@gmail.com