The most paradoxical times in my life have always arrived in the moment just after a great success [see photo]. In my moment of triumph I always feel empty. Why is this so?
I have come to imagine that this feeling of emptiness comes to one because most successes quash a wish but do not necessarily fill the void created by a need. One might wish for a certain success and work devilishly hard to achieve it; however, this concentrated effort can only ever deliver a heartfelt sense of sustained emotion if that event, happening, breakthrough, etc fills the void created by an individual, or a communal, need.
Zen archery is a good example of what I am talking about here. The arrow can flop. The physical target may never be reached by any arrow on the day: but, the inner sense of success achieved by an archer truly vanquishes a need. The breathing is rhythmical and controlled. The strain on the bow string is tense yet relaxed. The mind of the archer has transcended his vision of a perfect strike on the bullseye to that of a metaphysical dance demanding the cooperation of bow, arrow, and archer. Indeed archer, bow, and arrow become one entity for the duration of this success.
Two things strike me about the modicum of real success that I have achieved in my lifetime. At the time that I imagined what "success looked like" I was addressing a need within another person or within a community. Each success happened over an extended period and the deserved credit went to others not to me: but, what was most surprising was that the real impact of that success lasted for years, tens of years, or a generation. Perhaps this is why so many of the great people throughout history, like Tesla, did not live to see the successes that flowed on from their genius and hard work.
I guess this is a silent plead from me to you to align your vision of success to a need not merely to a wish. Become a Zen Archer and focus on the little things in life that will lead you to a moment of bliss rather than a feeling of emptiness.
Richard.
If you find your unique version of minimal-you your successes will be multiplied. For more go to the homepage of my website at minimal-you.com
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