The Many Paths To Becoming a Better Human
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Come have a conversation about the very common human quest to improve oneself. Sometimes we want to make the world a better place and sometimes we just want to feel happier. One of the participants in this conversation group talked about his month-long silent retreat in Portugal. His very interesting experience struck me, a passionate devotee to the practice of daily conversation, as a near impossible feat. I was awed but knew it was not a path I was going to ever take. I wondered (ever the optimist) if silence and conversation might both result in self-improvement. I wondered if sustained intention, hard work and self-discipline are the most effective means of growing and developing as a human being or if sitting on the beach in Hawaii (see the picture above) watching the waves and the sunset over the sea, which I am presently doing, might also be a good plan. Come and discuss.
Many questions would lead to a good discussion. For example:
- How much and what kind of self-improvement effort leads to the betterment of individuals or the world?
- Should we cultivate self-acceptance or treat ourselves as “pathological patients in need of a cure” (Maria Popova).
- Is it hard work and discipline that we need in order to grow and develop our minds and hearts and souls or do we need more sleep, more curiosity, more friends, more patience with ourselves?
Feel free to bring quotes and experiences and ideas to discuss.
"The world of humanity is like unto a garden: there are many flowers in this garden, but one must have the highest qualities of character in order to adorn this garden and make it beautiful.”
Abdu’l-Bahá