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Lotus Flower Suckers

In mythology, they tell of the Lotus plant that " induces a dreamy forgetfulness and an unwillingness to depart." (Encyclopedia.com))and Odyssey depicts it as such..

"Those who did so were overcome by a blissful forgetfulness; they had to be dragged back to the ship and chained to the rowing-benches, or they would never have returned to their duties." - Britanica

I think this is a very relevant story to our time.  Recently, I listened to an audiobook called Dopamine Nation and have mentioned it in the past, how society is being geared to follow what feels good and how that inherently destroys us... as we seek satisfaction from things that become less and less satisfying, so we get more extreme and less reasoned.  It also has the effect of making us weaker in my opinion, because like eating of the Lotus we forget our purpose or goals in life and end up trying to blissfully forget the past, instead.

Change is hard, because it takes effort and drive, in spite of being unpleasant.  If we eat food that tastes sweet like sugar all the time, our bodies decay, but eating more vegetables and protein can build us up.  If we sit around and do nothing, our bodies decay and get pains, while an active life improves both.  You can work hard and have more money and less stress, or you can lay in bed and eventually have the power shut off for non payment.  Following what feels good is not always your best path.

I'm not saying that pleasure is bad, and I would suggest that sometimes it IS good to drink some wine or relax or do things that make you feel good.  But, that has to be in moderation and CANNOT become a substitute for growth and adaption for a life that is always changing.

I am getting older, but I am not dead, yet.  If I begin seeking the easy path and giving up on taking new goals or seeking a better way, I am already beginning my descent into the grave, and I would rather not do that till I am actually dead.  May we all LIVE until we enjoy our days in the present, always expecting a better day, tomorrow.... until there are no more tomorrows.  THAT is what it means to be alive.

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