A wise friend recently reminded me of the absurdity of the Garden of Eden story. Two people are in paradise. They have a bounty of food, are surrounded by endless beauty, and perhaps most importantly, have the companionship and love of one another. And yet, it is not enough.
It is an apt metaphor for the state we often find ourselves in today. Most of us are blessed to have enough of what we need – someone who loves us, food on the table and more than enough beauty in the world to go around. Still we constantly seek more and better things. Tempted by the idea that there is a better version of ourselves or our lives ready to be plucked off the nearest tree. Feverishly trying to live on this hedonic treadmill where the only satisfaction is fleeting.
Lest you think this is only about material possession, a similar point was made in a more recent book, The Emperor of Gladness. The main characters all work in a fast food restaurant, in a New England town that most would describe as a “dead end” – just as their lives appear to be. One character, an elderly woman suffering from Alzheimer’s says in a moment of clarity, “People don’t know what’s enough, Labas. That’s their problem. They think they suffer, but they’re really just bored.”
Even in destitute Gladness a version of Eden exists. They have the companionship of each other. They are surrounded by plenty of food to eat. And, as the book demonstrates, there is so much beauty both around, between and within them.
Imagine a day where you acted in pure contentment with what is around you. You don’t seek out anything new. Don’t envision anything better. You don’t go online in search of anything. You don’t spend a minute thinking about tomorrow or yesterday. There is no more – only this: You enjoy the day with someone you love. Eat a few good meals. Taking in the beauty around, between and within you. Enjoying their companionship with your complete presence.
I would guess it might be uncomfortable at first. Temptation would be all around you. Eventually though it would begin to feel natural and calming.
Sounds like a wonderful day. String a bunch together and it sounds like an even more wonderful life.
Recommendation of the Week: No recommendations to do, watch, read anything new this week. Just enjoy your Eden.
Consider sharing this with someone who you’d like to share Eden with.