What is enough and not enough?

There are many illusions come up when we humans are brought up. A most common one is the idea of not enough. You most probably think: It is not enough the amount of work I do. It is not enough the lifestyle we live. It is not enough. My kids need to score more. And other examples like these.

But then I wonder: What is enough? What is not enough? No matter what you do, it seems like each time you have got to do more to satisfy your ego. Whether it is satisfying your needs or other people needs. There is no end. It is just wanting more and more till we end up questioning. What are we doing with ourselves? What is our intention behind the action we take? Is really more the solution to our internal craving?

When I cross through such mental cycles, I like to refer to the recites of the Holy Book of Quran. Many recites indicate our human rush and need to get more things faster. And then Allah asks: Where are you going? We need to remember the purpose of our existence here. It is not random or coincidence we have been created. Whether you believe it or not, we were created and given this precious life for a divine reason and purpose. Reflect on it and ask deeper questions.

It is tricky to process this thought in our current world set-up especially with the industrial revolution and culture. You see people working, developing careers, obsessing about money, building homes, raising up perfectly healthy kids and updating their belongings. It is a mental cycle. It doesn’t have an end unless you realize it and do something about it.

After reading this post, you might think: Then what is enough? I like using gratitude here. What are the blessings and gifts you already have? Start mentioning them one by one. Even if you see yourself so focused on the problem, notice the little hidden treasures you already have. It could be a career you don’t like but the purposeful work that keeps you going. It could be a spouse you often have arguments with but the way you fill up each other flaws and weaknesses that hold you both together. It could be an illness you are suffering from but the stillness and presence that come along in your day to day life that inspires you.

So if you still are pushed by what is not enough and what is lacking, remember life is precious. It is short and temporary in this earth school. If you are breathing, seeing, feeling, hearing and moving around with your human body, what else could be better?