Contentment is subversive. That might sound like an odd statement in the midst of angry protests, marches, boycotts, rallies, and disruptions. But think about it. Our integrated systems of politics, religion, economics, law, and healthcare are all based, in one way or another, on discontent.
Our economy, to take one example, is driven by consumerism. We are encouraged to want something else, something new, something better. Spending money is downright patriotic. Contentment, on a mass scale would crash our economy. Think what would happen to the self-improvement industry alone if we truly recognized and accepted ourselves just the way we are. Living in contentment would effect a fundamental shift in where we place value, how we treat the environment and each other, how we steward our personal and global resources. It doesn’t mean we would never buy anything, or spend money for necessary services. It wouldn’t mean abandoning our basic needs for food, shelter, clothing, education, healthcare. But it would alter our purchasing behavior and priorities, naturally bringing about corresponding changes in corporate behavior and priorities.
Likewise, a basic orientation toward contentment would affect all other systems. It’s all connected. Contentment fosters community, health, compassion, generosity, enjoyment, harmony. Marches become expressions of solidarity rather than resistance. Organized religion yields to a spirituality that connects us to the sacred in each other rather than dividing us into us and them. Government serves the well-being of everyone instead of the powerful few. Law protects rights and opportunities for the disadvantaged and seeks reconciliation rather than retribution.
Ah, yes, that all sounds very nice, but not very realistic. How can we convince everyone to embrace contentment? The obvious answer is that we can’t. Contentment, preached from a soapbox, becomes just one more dogma to attract adherents, who then become zealots sent forth to convert the benighted hordes. It only feeds the established energy of discontent. It changes nothing and would soon become just another big business.
Contentment, to be truly subversive, takes root not in podcasts, but in our own spirit. Here is where we explore with curiosity and compassion the unquestioned social message that we never have enough, that we ourselves are never good enough, that satisfaction is forever just out of reach, that joy will always cost us just a little more. Who broadcasts this message? Who benefits from our belief in it? What might we discover within ourselves if we consider the possibility that there is another way to live? And what if, just for fun, we gave that other way a try?
Compassion is revolution. ~bumper sticker
Galen, you’ve been reading my mail. These very thoughts have been on my mind of late. I came across this quote the other day. Unfortunately, I did not reference it:
Self-silence is an act of rebellion in a society that demands constant attention.
That’s a great quote, Mona. Thanks for sharing it. And glad that you are exploring the same ideas. I certainly don’t have all the answers, or really any answers, to all the important issues of the day. But there is a saying “As within, so without” that invites me to consider starting with an inner revolution as a way to manifest the change I’d like to see in the world.
Morning Sensi (Galen)…thanks for this reminder. Reminders help me continue to follow the path of “Contentment”.. as it provides such peace and freedom. Yes & Yes….”Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” – Lao Tzu
We all need reminders — I know I do. Your quote reminds me of the Bible verse: “Give thanks in all circumstances.” I notice that it says “in” all circumstances, not “for” all circumstances. Thanks for commenting, Thom.
It is important to make clear contentment isn’t minimalism or doing without the stuff required for living. I couldn’t agree more with your thesis that contentment is against the grain for most, but is a very satisfying way to live for those that make the commitment.
Thank you, Bob, for emphasizing this point. Contentment is not about austerity or self-denial. It’s not even necessarily about simplicity. These can all become dogmatic, judgment-based codes of conforming. You are right that it’s important to distinguish strict practices from contentment. Thanks for commenting.
Slipping into Galen’s comments to say hello, Bob. Your blog was one of the first retirement blogs I read early in my retirement. I miss it. Wishing you & Betty well.
Mona, I remember you leaving comments and being an active park of our blogging family. There are times when I miss the interchanges, too.
Betty and I are just fine. Thanks so much for asking. I trust your life is full and satisfying.