“Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever.” — Zahid Abas

Worry is a distraction conjured by the mind. We have plenty we can worry about in this world, but what do we gain by doing so? We gain ground when we focus on the direction we wish to go in, not by looking sideways or behind us. How many Olympic sprinters win looking sideways for the entire race?

In general, we become what we focus on. This blog tends towards the positive and the productive for a reason. I will continue to hold the line on character while seeking to raise the bar towards personal excellence (arete). To squander this gift of life on petty grievances is as wasteful as staying inside on a beautiful day. We must always venture outside of ourselves if we hope to find beauty, and we ought to be inclined to share what we encounter along the way.

I won’t tell you that life is all roses and sunshine. There are challenges and setbacks, painful loss and pervasive madness and cruelty in the world working to grind us down. We may be aware of all of this and still focus on beauty, grace and connection. The richness of a wonderful life is sown through awareness of everything, while still favoring the light.