In fact, once could safely if cynically say that the hole is not only deepened but created by modern, techno-industrial culture, which has all but stripped away our most precious spiritual resource: a sense of belonging, of being at home. We have been made to feel forsaken and out of place, not only in our prefabricated houses and soulless apartments, in our claustrophobic work cubicles and stultifying jobs, in the cities where we live alongside so many strangers, but also in the cosmos at large. We have been taught by science that our lives are random accidents, and by religion that we’re fundamentally different from, and superior to, other terrestrial creatures. With this guiding narrative, is it any wonder we’re an addicted society? Fortunately, recovery is possible, on the personal level at least. There’s a way to overcome the void, a method recommended by sages of all ages, including Louis CK. Towards the end of his Late Night diatribe, his tells the story of being struck by a wave of sadness that made him want to reach for his phone. But he resisted this impulse, allowing himself to fully feel the sadness, which quickly transformed into an equally powerful rush of happiness. Lest we think that “good feelings” are the goal, however, Louis concludes, “Sadness is poetic. You’re lucky to live sad moments.” Just as the archetypal s/hero must enter the dragon’s lair to retrieve the treasure, so must we delve into the void to find freedom. Indeed we must make the journey repeatedly, day after day and moment after moment. This is the essence of meditation, which basically involves a full and unconditional acceptance of present moment experience, whether pleasant, unpleasant, or existentially dull. Meditation, in turn, is the essence of the spiritual path, which is said to be the only way out of addiction. Each time we confront instead of avoid, the void becomes less frightening and less empty, until eventually it becomes full-to-bursting with an unshakeable faith, peace, and love. Even if we never reach this state—commonly called enlightenment—we can at least let go of our digital de-vices and learn to abide comfortably in discomfort, so that we might regain that long-denied sense of belonging that is our birthright.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 14:40:10 +0000
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