What do wisdom traditions have in common? Probably more things than we have time to discuss in this piece. However, one universal truth is the emphasis on removing desire. Epictetus and the Buddha suggested that freedom is not secured by fulfilling one’s desires but by removing desire.
What is the opposite of desire?
The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche called his approach to life Amor Fati. Nietzsche explained,
My formula for greatness in a human being is Amor Fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary, still less conceal it… but love it.
Nietzsche’s approach doesn’t attempt to erase the past but instead accepts what has occurred, the good and the bad, the mistaken and the wise, resulting in all-embracing gratitude.
The Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky suggested a similar approach, “Only to live, to live and live! Life, whatever it may be!”
In the new book The Enlightenment Project, author Jonathan Robinson (an upcoming podcast guest) highlights the power of gratitude. Robinson writes: “When I originally interviewed many well-known spiritual leaders for my book, The Experience of God, I was surprised at how many of my interviewees mentioned the value of gratitude in connecting with the Divine.”
Theologians are no strangers to the topic of gratitude as well. The writer Henri Nouwen explained, “Gratitude goes beyond the ‘mine’ and ‘thine’ and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift.”
Similarly, the Benedictine Monk Brother David Steindl-Rast advises,
You think this is just another day in your life. It’s not just another day it’s the one day, it’s the one day that is given to you today. It’s a gift it’s the only gift you have right now — and the only appropriate response is gratefulness.
How might your life change by adopting a grateful perspective on life? Would you be happier, healthier, and wiser? Although philosophical and spiritual traditions go far beyond the gratitude journal approach.
In the excellent book Wakeup Grateful, author Kristi Nelson (a previous podcast guest) stressed the difference between gratitude and being grateful. Nelson explains gratefulness is gratitude for life. It reminds us that we are continually receiving in simply being alive.
The path to becoming wiser or learning how to live in general may have more to do with being grateful for life (despite the challenges) than we realize. Nouwen put it this way, “I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline.”
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Until next time, be wise and be well,
JW
P.S. Feel free to leave a comment or question!