Julian had struck a chord deep inside of me. I guess I had known for some time that my workaholic pace was slowly but steadily loosening our family’s ties. But it was like a smoldering ember, burning quietly, slowly gathering its energy before revealing the full extent of its destructive potential. I knew my kids needed me, even if they might not have told me so. I needed to hear this from Julian. Time was slipping by and they were growing up so quickly. I couldn’t remember the last time my son Andy and I had stolen off early on a crisp Saturday morning to spend the day at the fishing hole his grandfather loved so much. There was a time when we would go every weekend. Now, this time-honoured ritual seemed like someone else’s memory.
The more I thought about it, the harder it hit me. Piano recitals, Christmas plays, little-league championships had all been traded for my professional advancement.
‘What was I doing?’ I wondered. I really was sliding down the slippery slope that Julian described. There and then, I resolved to change.
“Happiness is a journey,” Julian continued, his voice rising once again with the heat of passion. “It is also a choice that you make. You can marvel at the diamonds along the way or you can keep running through all your days, chasing that elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that ultimately reveals itself to be empty. Enjoy the special moments that every day offers because today, this day, is all you have.”
“Can anyone learn to ‘live in the now’?”
“Absolutely. No matter what your current circumstances might be, you can train yourself to enjoy the gift of living and fill your existence with the jewels of everyday life.”
“But isn’t that a little optimistic? How about someone who has just lost everything they own due to a bad business deal. Let’s say that not only are they financially bankrupt but emotionally bankrupt as well?”
“The size of your bank account and the size of your house have nothing to do with living life with a sense of joy and wonder. This world is full of unhappy millionaires. Do you think the sages I met in Sivana were concerned with having a well-balanced financial portfolio and acquiring a summer home in the South of France?” Julian asked mischievously.
“Okay. I see your point.”
“There is a huge difference between making a lot of money and making a lot of life. When you start spending even five minutes a day practicing the art of gratitude, you will cultivate the richness of living that you are looking for.
Even the person you spoke of in your example can find an abundance of things to be thankful for, notwithstanding his dire financial predicament. Ask him if he still has his health, his loving family and his good reputation in the community. Question him as to whether he is happy to have citizenship in this great country and whether he still has a roof over his head. Perhaps he might have no assets other than a masterful ability to work hard and the ability to dream big.
Yet, these are precious assets for which he ought to be grateful. We all have much to be thankful for.
Even the birds singing outside your windowsill on what looks like another magnificent summer’s day appear as a gift to the wise person. Remember, John, life doesn’t always give you what you ask for, but it always gives you what you need.”
“So, by giving daily thanks for all of my assets, whether these are material or spiritual, I will develop the habit of living in the moment?”
“Yes. This is an effective method for putting far more living into your life. When you savour the ‘now,’ you kindle the fire of life that allows you to grow your destiny.”
“Grow my destiny?”
“Yes. I told you earlier that we all have been given certain talents. Every single person on the planet is a genius.”
“You don’t know some of the lawyers I work with,” I quipped.
“Everyone,” said Julian emphatically. “We all have something that we are meant to do. Your genius will shine through, and happiness will fill your life, the instant you discover your higher purpose and then direct all your energies towards it. Once you are connected to this mission, whether it is being a great teacher of children or an inspired artist, all your desires will be fulfilled effortlessly. You will not even have to try.
As a matter of fact, the harder you try, the longer it will take you to reach your aims. Instead, simply follow the path of your dreams, in full expectation of the bounty that is certain to follow.
This will bring you to your divine destination. This is what I mean by growing your destiny,” Julian offered sagely.