Appearance matters. However, what is much deeper matters much more. To look elegant and spectacular on the outside, yet to have an inside that is corrupt, uncaring, tainted, depressed, and disorderly… is a bit of a sorry waste. Many wear fancy suits and ties or fashionable dresses that look sensational; however, sensations are one thing, real order and profundity are another. To have a marvelous house, an impeccable lawn, a stunning car, and name-brand clothes is one thing; to be internally rich, orderly, caring, perceptive, and sagacious… is another. Most of us were groomed and tutored to chase after — and care about — the outward things. Most were not deeply encouraged to care about the inward things.
Though many have riches, possessions, and fancy clothes, a huge number of them are not beaming with ongoing joy and compassion. It may be that real richness, in life, has little to do with possessions and things; rather, it involves order beyond separation, accumulation, groping, and mere desire. A profound, inward order cannot occur when the mind merely falls for outward appearances and ordinary values. The real treasure is not out there “to get”; distance and time have nothing to do with it. Why have so many of us depended, so heavily, on distance and time? At the precise moment that the mind seeks pleasure… joy is gone. We are not suggesting that one should not do pleasurable things now and then; just don’t get mesmerized by a pursuit that may often not be necessary at all.
With the real ending of distance and separation — not the mere abstraction of an ending or intellectualization about ending — joy is blossoming, compassion is blossoming. Then there is no striving for superficial things. Depth does not cling to superficiality. To see this, one must perceive beyond the surface.
Just beeing (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Just beeing (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Very well said…
Thank you, Mr. Fish Wisperer! 🙂
Looks like spring is well and truly there. Lovely. 🙂
Yes, Scifi, and the photo was taken a few weeks ago! 🙂
Awesome. 🙂
i’m left fluttering
as a petal
in the breeze 🙂
Excellent, David! 🙂
Beautiful blossom and words that are so true! 🙂
Thank you, Jude! Keep joyfully snappin’! 🙂
Lovely blossoms! The older I get, the fewer “things” I desire. Funny how that works.
So very true, well said. Tom!
Thanks, Amy! 🙂 Loved your recent “movement” photos, especially the one with the geese and the kayak!
Great post, well said. It took me a long time to realize that true joy comes from ceasing to strive for more and simply enjoying each day instead of looking to tomorrow.
Maggie… you’ve realized a lot more than most do! 🙂