ESSENCE VS FORM

"Appearances are just what they are -- face value appearance. The real living happens in the essence." (Unquote)

I'd go for the person who when he opens his mouth makes sense. An elaborately clad individual will catch my interest in fashion, style, and trends maybe, but that's as far as it goes. Because in life and living, it's essence not form that matters where it should matter most.

We seem to have lost sight of this. The media and business isn't any help either because their goal is to make us want to copy, acquire, possess, and purchase. Not that am against that, has its uses. In fact, I surely would love a lappy myself to make the writing and blogging easier and convenient anywhere I go. Lols! One that fits into my tote bag, that is.

But surely it's not the end-all of our existence. If our happiness and enjoyment depends solely on acquisitions or the impression it generates, something must be askew with us somewhere. We should know ourselves better than that.

Honestly, it's who we are and not what we wear or possess which makes the bigger impression. Essence, not form. All other things fade with time --- except this. We are who we are till the end of our life journey. Make that count.

TRY SLOWING DOWN

Many think that by working on a fast or faster pace one gets there quicker whatever it is one is doing or wherever it is one is going. Well, not all the time. Faster doesn’t always mean it’s done or that it’s good or that it’s worthy. Besides we know that quantity is not entirely synonymous with quality except when automated or mechanized. That’s a whole different story.

There was this young person I remember a couple of years back. He was smart, ambitious, an achiever, limitless energy, and aiming for the stars like all young people his age. Everybody expected him to one day join the ranks of the brightest stars in the corporate firmament.

A dream he chased and couldn’t wait to get there pronto. So he did all that was required and more – took on projects here and there although deadlines came close and tight. Neither did he refuse more assignments not wanting to risk his superior’s displeasure. That virtually didn’t help with the quality of his work in the long run. To make a long story short, all that hurry and haste cost him a heavy price – he got sick. Including the fact that he almost lost the people he loved dearly in his life with neglect. The rest of the story is everybody’s good guess.

That’s sad, isn’t it? --All that work gone to waste and the man himself – wasted.

Well, there’s a better way to get there where you want to go. Try slowing down. It can’t hurt you if slowing down means getting the chance to review, alter, or change plans, recharge or energize, evaluate progress or its absence, rethink strategies, get rid of an obstruction or irritant, or simply to breathe. It’s not a crime to do all that.

In fact --- “Sometimes to gain ground, you have to slow down.”

TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE

Do you know why quotes on some lips ring empty while on others seem like gems? Famous lines or words have travelled for ages, in different places, and through diverse people. The lines don’t grow old but in the wrong hands fail to serve its intrinsic worth.

When quoting something somebody said long ago or maybe even in the present, be wary of when or how or why you are doing the quote. You can’t simply fling it to the winds expecting a good harvest from those who may catch it. Sometimes it does, most times it does not.

Famous words originally spoken are from people of different backgrounds, point in time, issues or concerns, nuance of character. Out of these they speak their observation, insight, belief as they watch life and the world parade before their eyes. They too stand not only as spectators but are involved in its drama. They are students in the school of life and have learned well.

So why do ‘quotes’ fall flat on some and on others come out genuine? It’s simple….… they mismatch. Maybe it’s the lack of understanding of the idea presented, or the rush to prove wise, or the feeble attempt at 15 minutes of fame. I’ve seen that on TV interviews just recently (such embarrassing blooper!), unfortunately.

Quotes will come out as gems when spoken with honest conviction and true understanding of its origin and purpose and then is used in the same context and principle into the present circumstance. It can't be any other way because being genuine is 'to thine own self be true'. Truth delivered is wisdom served. That is the essence of a quote.