Existence as One Body
If you think about all of existence as one single body, us as humans are merely single cells (if at that-perhaps just singular atoms, but for this illustration lets go with cells). As single cells we have rolls to play, work to fulfill, and every part conrtibutes to the whole. There is no good or bad really, there is just direction; each of these single cells is moving in the direction that is true and necessary for them. When each cell is functioning in its optimum capacity and fulfilling its purpose, the body works excellently. When the cells are not completing their function, the body is ill.
The body as a whole is in need of a diverse range of cells, in optimum state to operate at its prime. There is the need for muscle cells (to do the lifting) fascia (to connect), organ cells (to process) nerve cells (to feel) , bone cells (to maintain structure) skin cells (to contain), red blood cells (to transport), white blood cells (to protect), sex cells (To reproduce), fat cells (to store energy), stem cells (to adapt to the varying needs).
And on the other hand, there is the parasite, the virus and the bacteria. Their survival is based on the ability to take over the host cell, rendering that cell useless. Their objective is to multiply, and in achieving their objective, ultimately to completely take over the host.
The entirety of existence existing well is dependent on each cell pulling their weight. Rather than looking at the distinction of people as good or bad, we can perhaps view them as healthy or ill.
[Health in this case being of body, of mind and of spirit]
some cells have clear distinct functions, the artists, the athletes, the geniuses, the proteges, etc; who have since early gravitated to their path and spent their life refining and redefining their craft/direction.
Other cells are mutable in nature (eg. Stem cells), at different phases of their lives they have different skills, different strengths and different interests. By following their abilities at the given time they are able to complete a variety of functions, and do so well.
For cells that are functioning as suffering: they are not anywhere near optimum function but rather in a state of decay. The decay is contagious if unaddressed.
There is no better or right or wrong as long as the cell is healthy and is working. And as outlined above work may refer to different things at distinct points in a persons life. Work also doesn’t necessarily mean in the contemporary sense of work a 9-5; work means be of use. Be a force of usefulness to the greater ONE body that you are a part of. Usefulness may also be defined by each individual; to some that is creating, to others that is cleaning, or teaching, or simply being a present conscious being. For in presence one can respond fully and adequately to any stimulus.
Now, imagine a sick individual. When the infection begins to take over a host, the idea is to keep the host living long enough to support the virus; if the host is consumed rapidly, it is of little use to the virus, which then must find another host. We see this more and more in the modern world, people are sick and live sick lives for long time without actually getting better. There is a pacification, nursing them through the illness but not actually overcoming it. When you are in a state of continuous suffering, the parasites may be of body or of mind or of spirit; and it is only so long before the illness of one transforms into the illness of the next, leaving the entire being parasitic if left unchecked.
The alternative to a once ill being is to cleanse the body, the mind and the spirit. Due to change in habits, consumption and routine, the once sick cells are forced to regenerate, fight off infection and are thus renewed & ready to work. And there is no point in solely focusing on one (mind/body/spirit) because whatever has dominion will spread. The being, like a garden, must be free from weeds on all plains, or the weed takes over and uses the garden to sustain itself.
This is also why attempting to change the world without addressing yourself comes with its fair share of limitations. If you feel a pull to be a voice of change of any sort, make sure that energy is channeled inwards as well. Have you ever seen two drunk people try to help each other walk up some stairs? One is more lost than the next and in this state of intoxication neither is functioning optimally. It is a matter of efficiency. If your goal is truly to make a change in the world, to strive for progress (Whatever that may look like to you), then the efficient path is to clean up shop: start local then act global. For the external work without internal work often results in dissonance, desperation and confusion as to why the effort has gone without impact.
In observing people who have dedicated their work as well as personality to social movements and external causes, they often lack the same dominion in their own personal lives; there is a notion that the outside work is more important and that justifies their sacrifice. In reality, it shows a limited capacity and their use of logic to diverge from the work ‘in house’ that they (at some level of consciousness) know must be done. And the exceptions, the leaders that make a worldly difference while taking account for their own role, at home (as parents, as children, as lovers, as neighbors, as beings etc..) are the ones who are amassing tremendous change on all levels. They are the ones who are seemingly able to move mountains effortlessly, who are real influencers, change makers and dictators of social progress. They dictate social change by being, rather than demanding. Change is inspired, not coerced.
Additionally, for those who are lost and in desperation attempting to find their purpose: first become healthy so you can see what skills/strengths you actually possess. Once capable, the way to implement your abilities will become much more clear.
Returning to the greater metaphor here, we are in critical times. The body of existence is at a cross roads, are we collectively going to strengthen the body so we can move towards living in full range or are we going to passively allow for its deterioration? The answer lies in each one of us individually.