Time to think…about the interconnectedness of things

“Meditate often on the interconnectedness and mutual interdependence of all things in the universe. For in a sense, all things are mutually woven together and therefore have an affinity for each other – for one thing follows after another according to their tension of movement, their sympathetic stirrings, and the unity of all substance.” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.

When things in the here-and-now seem overwhelming, or you find yourself becoming anxious, frustrated and irritated by small things that are not in your control, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. How does all this join together?

Similarly, when you are indulging yourself in the pleasures of the here-and-now – enjoying life to the point of satiety (which oddly never comes until you’re sick), take a step back and think of what the downsides of your behaviour and enjoyment might be. Because everything is connected and some day what you experience right now – it too shall pass.

Relax and be reassured in the relative insignificance of your existence. Your ego has built itself up to want to feel powerful by being seen by others as important and worthy. Let go of these yearnings and be humble for a while. The people you are most important to might just be the ones that your ego is overlooking.