The Third Stage

The Third Stage

Just finished a huge project and I’m over the moon about it.

Everything else fades in comparison, the mundane cares of the world are stayed in their orbits.

Why?

It’s like the song: “Cause I’m Happy… happy… happy.”

I’ve accomplished something that I have invested time, sweat and not a few fears into (as opposed to tears.) Love to finish a worthy project.

What is worthy?

That’s up to me. And that’s because the closest we can come to truly possessing anything is when we exercise the ownership of our minds, our thoughts and the work of our hands. And we own all that. No one else has the right to insert their big nose into the personal space of our being.

You know, it’s a great irony of life that we own nothing of this world. Not money or material goods, not property, and certainly not the loyalty of others. All is on loan, or rented, or passing through our fingers like desert sands.

And at any moment goods may burn up, money disappear as if by magic, and people-they are the most transitory of all-mortal beings with minds that shift like changing wind directions, feeling allegiance to and trending only toward “What’s Happening Now.”

This is why many are fascinated by the study of history and past historical figures. They are case studies of people who stood out in their endeavors and sacrifices of self-determination, or excellence , or perhapsmisdirected by their worst natures-driven to fulfill the evil side of their personalities.

But they owned and followed their own destinies.

Regardless, it is in the fruits of our labors that we are made known to our fellow creatures. It is in our best leaders, our highest consciousness, our finest givers, that we find the finest treasure in this world and not where ‘X’ marks the spot to buried riches on a worn-out map, or in numbers printed on a lottery ticket purchased at some convenience store, or in fickle fate stepping in to have one born to wealth and inheriting a standing in society.

Although I’ll admit, it doesn’t necessarily hurt.

But, ‘Where’s the Beef,’ as an old commercial used to ask?

In other words, where’s the fulfillment part come into play?

I mean, there’s got to be something more to this life than just slaving away at the daily grind and dragging ourselves home, just to repeat it all over again the next day?

Or, if you are filthy rich, more than throwing wads of dollar bills at others and hearing yes-men or women tell you how wonderful you are for doing so.

And there it is.

But there’s a catch.

You have to look for purpose.

It doesn’t come up to you like a cat and rub your leg.

Humor me… I’m getting around to my point soon.

And you… you thought I didn’t have one.

Setting a goal is dependent on only one solitary figure in the whole of this world… and that person is you!

Others may demand your submission and complete allegiance to their cause. And the ownership of things tends to dominant our thoughts.

But you won’t be able to help others or enjoy the things life has to offer if you are a basket-case with no rest, peace or fulfillment in life.

The famous psychologist, Carl Jung, in his writings, pointed this out. He had third stage people (that is, oldsters) he was treating for mental disorders-mainly depression.

And he had a problem.

He simply could not diagnose accurately why they were depressed.

As he was to later find out, that was because they were all depressed for different and personal reasons. It varied on their makeup, their life missions, their goals and their unique personalities.

So, Jung’s approach to helping them changed.

He gave them assignments to paint, draw and create art.

When they did, they expressed their desires in their subjects, and Jung simply inspected those works of art and they discussed them in therapy.

Turns out, their personal projects-that is, the things they had dwelt upon and held precious in their own lives-was what came out for discussion.

Once discovered, their symptoms could be treated. People have things to get out.

We all have an inner sanctum, and this world-while millions live in it-consists of beings who are unique and separate, alone and meet their sole futures.

So, make your plans, live your dream and create your own Utopia.

Do it now.

Don’t wait until you are old and resentful and bitter. Find a dream and live it.

By Robert L. Hall