The memory of God comes to the quiet mind.
There is no time, no place, no state where God is absent.
(A Course in Miracles)
When she was little, she was always waiting for the mail. What exactly she was waiting for, she didn't know, but she knew it was important though. Perhaps someone would send her an important letter, so she kept on waiting day in, day out. Yes, occasionally she did get a few letters, but her happiness didn't last long. Soon she would be checking the mailbox for new arrivals. Perhaps she was happiest when several boys were courting her. She got love letters almost every day. However, after she got married these letters disappeared. Nonetheless, she was still checking the mailbox every day.
As time went by, no one was sending letters anymore. Instead, email got popular. She checked her e-mail box several times a day to make sure she didn’t miss anything. But most of the time she was disappointed. There was so much junk that was sent to her. She didn't realize it then, but she was almost acting like a beggar looking for food. Why did she have that craving? What exactly was her anxiety about? Was was she looking for?
When Facebook came into her life, the situation was getting even worse. Every hour, she checked out her account especially after she had posted some updates on her page. Anxiously, she was checking to see if anyone had responded to her posts. She was so occupied by the social media that she even skipped meals without even realizing. Sometimes she lost her sleep over checking her pages. One day a friend asked her, why are you acting so restlessly? This was a breakthrough of sorts for her. No one had ever described her as restless. She was always known for being quiet and peaceful. But yes, all the evidence was pointing in this direction. She was craving love and attention. When this insight came to her she felt peaceful for the first time in a long while. That night she slept like a baby.
Perhaps this theme will resonate with you, either because you are addicted to social media as well, or just by recognizing this restlessness in other areas of your life. We have the same craving for success, for knowledge, for being considered attractive, for food, for sex, and so much more. Nothing you can ever do or get will ever satisfy this craving. The woman in our example was always surrounded by love, the love of her parents, her friends, her husband, her children; but their attention and love was just not quite enough; there must be more to life, is there? Well yes, there is. The ego substitutes our birthright for our divine connection with the craving for external pleasures. Peace and love is always at our disposal, but we look in the wrong places. Quiet down, recognize the restlessness inside of you and discover that incredible peace and love as you open the treasure chest deep inside of you. May peace be with you!
By Christian and Su Zhen
