The Paradox of Our Times

A friend of mine recently posted this on Facebook and  it describes our times so incredibly well I thought I would post it on here so I can find it again when I want it.

THE PARADOX OF OUR TIMES

Is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers
Wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints
We spend more, but we have less.
We have bigger houses, but smaller families
More conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees, but less sense
More knowledge, but less judgement
More experts, but more problems
More medicines, but less wellness.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often
We have learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We have added years to life, but not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back
But have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbour.
We have conquered outer space, but not inner space.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted our soul.
We've split the atom, but not our prejudice.
We've higher incomes, but lower morals.
We've become long on quantity but short on quality.
These are the times of tall men, and short character;
Steep profits, and shallow relationships.
These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare,
More leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.
These are the days of two incomes, but more divorces;
Of fancier houses, but broken homes.
It is a time when there is much in the window, and nothing in the room.
~The Dalai Lama

This was actually written by the official holy leader of the Tibetan people. I have heard our leaders say similar things. In fact 12 years ago I remember hearing a talk to the women of the church by Margaret Nadauld who taught:

"Women of God can never be like women of the world.
The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender.
There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind.
There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined.
We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith.
We have enough greed; we need more goodness. 

Joy really does come in the qualities and characteristics Sister Nadauld extols. It is time for individuals to overcome the paradox of society and seek those things we lack. As the Tibetan leader points out we each need more patience, tolerance, frugality, higher values, love, peace, cleanliness, higher morals, deeper character, stronger relationships, internal peace, health, stronger families and homes and fuller lives filled with quality time spent with those who matter the most. When we make those things our focus, the negatives melt away and take with them the daily frustrations and irritations that so easily fill our lives. With those things gone there is time to focus on spending quality time with family and friends. We can focus on balancing our lives by prioritizing those things that will bring spiritual growth, charity, tolerance and joy back into our daily lives. 

I am grateful for the insights of others. They help me see clearly and focus on the things that are most important and bring JOY surging into my life, infusing my days with light and peace.