“I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.” — T. S. Eliot
Most of us are perpetually measuring with the brain. We, so often, compare ourselves or our possessions with other entities (or what they have). We measure time, perpetually, as the past, present, and the future. We endlessly categorize things, label things, analyze things, and recognize things via a series of measurements and sequential paradigms. And, since the observer is really not so separate from the observed… we are what measurement actually is. We think that we are somehow separate from this measurement… but we are not. We are actually what the measurement is. However, life — real life — is so much more than what mere measurement entails.
Many are very proficient at measuring their monetary achievements; some think of little else. Many measure their power. Many measure their day by how much entertainment they experienced. This entertainment, however, is often merely an escape from their own emptiness, their own limited vacancy. Recognition (of things), along with their categorization, is a continuity of measurement. Thinking that you are “in the ‘now'” is a continuity of measurement. Considering possibilities of what the “future may be” is a continuity of measurement. Thinking that you are a separate “controller” with power over “other thoughts” is a continuity of measurement. Trying to be silent (and supposing you are silent) is a continuity of measurement. Calculating the length of your kitchen countertop is a continuity of measurement.
Many of us are perpetually measuring. Is that what life is about? May it be that there is much more to life than mere measurement? Is real love measurable? Is real compassion what can be measured? Is profound insight the result of mere measurement? Can wisdom be measured?
It may be that all measurements, by man, are limited, partial. We have been indoctrinated to frequently use measurement; we have not been encouraged to consider living (at times) beyond mere measurement. We will not be an intelligent divergence away from habitual reactions (with their limitations) if we remain exclusively in (and merely “function as”) measurement. It may be possible to go beyond mere measurement into what may be — all measurements aside — truly unlimited. Does it take a limited amount of time to get there? Of course not.
Beyond Far (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Beyond Far (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
We could somehow say that, in the cute photo, each and every fluffy blue plant looks like it’s trying to reach out and “measure” the sweet guest, its presence, each according to their height and shape, even hue, but then they just end up shining wonderfully, enjoying its walk and hop there. Maybe they feel it is… playfully priceless. 🙂 Lovely photo, so expressive! And very interesting text.
Thanks much, Nicole! Mourning Doves have an innocence that is beyond measure. 🙂
Thought provoking. The intangibles of life are what make it special.
They are meant to be felt, not quantified. But this is certainly easier
said than done, as you point out.
Yes, not quantified! 🙂 … and, yes, easier said than done…
Really moving and true words, Thomas. You always think a lot about the world how it is and how it could be. You are completely right, that people are always measuring everything, the biggest car, the most expensive house, the latest cellphone, etc. But what does it really mean? You are right about the complete emptiness. One could really feel sorry for such “empty” persons. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us, regards Mitza
It gets way out of hand with people trying to show-off their things; we all do it! 🙂 Hoping you run into a week beyond measure, Mitza! 🙂
:))
Love this post Tom.
Thank you, Sylvia! Mourning doves have an innocence that more humans ought to have. 🙂
Reblogged this on A Healing Grief.
Many thanks, ebiml! 🙂 Some people even measure butterflies! 🙂
Very interesting Tom, I am at this moment, in the search for a path that makes my mind change and open the maximum and break all those paradigms that taught us from small, I am focusing on appreciation, and admiration for nature. Thank you for sharing those deep thoughts that make us reflect.
Sorry for the English language, I’m using google translate.
The English is more than good enough, Marcela! 🙂 Thank you for the “Thank you”! It is so great that you are inquiring and looking to change! I feel that the deepest perceptions do not come from any path but, rather, are of the “pathless”, and search has little to do with it.
Thank you for your insights. Our job performances are all measured by numbers, sadly to say…
Thanks much, Amy… (and that’s unfortunate.)
The dove has such a sweet expression.
Anyone who begins a post with a quotation from T.S. Eliot will get my attention! The thought of measuring life out with coffee spoons reminds me of something my parents and grandparents would say from time to time: “Don’t be chintzy.” Life pours out her gifts. We would do well to follow her lead.
🙂 give thanks you for the “give thanks you”!
good-for-nothing for the English linguistic communication, I’m using google understand.