Plan of Life
For most of us, the first thing we must do is to work -- to have a roof over our head, bread in our mouth, fire in our chimney -- for ourselves and for those who are dependent on us. Work chosen and loved by a few, accepted and hated by most.
Then there is the joy we give to those we love, those who love us. Joy and happiness given unreservedly, graciously, with a smile. Gift of our time, strength, resignation, health, concentration, sleep, money, abgengation, calm -- received with or without gratitude.
There is that part of our life which we give to the world -- to show our gratitude of having had the privilege of being in this world -- the part we leave ... to others. It may be a painting, a sonata, a hospital, a vaccine defying death, a law improving justice, writings opening the minds of some, actions and words bringing comfort to others.
Then there is the part which we give to ourselves, to develop the potential talents received at birth, or to give us the joy and serenity we need -- for ourselves or to share with others. It may be music, philosophy, ballet dancing or mathematics, and reading, gardening, walking in forest or dreaming on the beaches.
But what portion of our time, strength and love must we give to each of these?
--Nicole Grasset, at the age of 20
(Nicole passed away last month at the age of 79, after having led a team of doctors to eradicate smallpox in the world, having started Seva Foundation and served the world in many ways, small and big.)
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15 Past Reflections
On May 24, 2015 Anthony Meyer wrote :
Nicole , a close friend from 1944, was a quite remarkable person even at an early age, with such clarity and belief in the purpose of her life and the quiet focus on achieving her objective , no matter what sacrifice she would be called to make . Looking back over the years , it was a privilege to have know her and her family. I have such tender and amazing memories of our friendship and of her many challenges and journeys , humane , physical and emotional. She was given to Humanity and made the personal sacrifices as only such unique persons do - and survive - with scant life time recognition. Through her obstinacy, determination and moral strength she challenged the unchallengeable and oft succeeded where others of lesser courage would not even have ventured. So many thousands have benefited from her life and work. May her soul forever rest in peace.
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On Apr 13, 2010 Bill Emmet wrote :
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On Dec 16, 2009 lorna wrote :
I liked this passage so much that I wrote it out long hand, and found the act of writing to be meditative in itself. Very beautiful, profound and educative words, that I could never have written at age 20, and am loving and learning from at age 59.
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On Sep 22, 2009 Kisstheground wrote :
It is inspiring to read such insight coming from one so young. When I was 20, I had no idea what gratitude was. At 43, I'm only starting to understand how being of service is central to my life purpose.
Thank you for sharing this. I will be linking you site on my blog.
http://kisstheground.wordpress.com
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On Sep 15, 2009 Lucia Gallardo wrote :
The indigenous peoples have always lived this way, i.e. without a plan, depending on each other, caring for one another, living in community. And through the ages, to the present even, the western cultures impose their values telling the indigenous that they are wrong, that they need to get with the times, that they need to acculturate, to become more westernized. All this without giving value to the wealth the indigenous have in their communities, to what they have held for us, to the example they set for the rest of humanity. Thank you, Niphun for keeping this inspiration alive for us through these Wednesday circles of Truth. We live in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, and there is a subtle violence that feels like a clash of three cultures, of different sets of values: the original peoples (indigenous), the mestizo, and the new western arrivals from all over the world. I hope we can get to at least hold hands together on even ground.
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On Sep 14, 2009 susan bradley wrote :
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On Sep 14, 2009 susan bradley wrote :
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On Sep 11, 2009 Maria Rogers wrote :
Reading about the Law of Reversed Effort reminds me of the ancient teachings.
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On Sep 10, 2009 Pancho wrote :
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On Sep 10, 2009 Somik Raha wrote :
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On Sep 8, 2009 mitrani wrote :
Good to think about Gratitude of being the privilege of this world.
We could revert.
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On Sep 8, 2009 chasgribbs wrote :
The balancing question (or quandry) came and went for much of my life. Now, at age 69, I almost never hear it. Seems to have answered itself.
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On Sep 8, 2009 Kanchan wrote :
I loved the question posed: "But what portion of our time, strength and love must we give to each of these?"
This is a balancing act I need to learn how to do this.
Right now, my way of balancing is, switching between phases of giving too much and then becoming selfish for some time :) Finding the right balance will be very helpful.
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On Sep 8, 2009 mangala wrote :
We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough
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On Sep 8, 2009 Tricey wrote :
I thought this was good.... she wrote that at age 20 in her journal
and then at 79 died having lived her life the way she envisioned.
I really resonated with what she wrote.... hope you can too. Love Tricey