It's interesting how a dream can start you pondering...
My sister had barely made the suggestion that my brother and I accompany her to a lecture with a fascinating title when I woke up. "The Myth of Sufficiency" - I thought upon waking - "what a fabulous title!" I actually felt more than a little disappointed that I hadn't been able to finish the dream by attending that lecture!
As a result, these past several days I've been asking people what they think is meant by "The Myth of Sufficiency". The answers I received were varied, but all of them included the theme that we human beings are never entirely satisfied. For the most part we seem almost hardwired to not embrace the idea that "sufficient" is good enough. We almost universally (from what I've observed) want that elusive "something more" out of life.
I don't think that's a bad thing. It would be easy to cross the fine line between being content and becoming complacent if we didn't allow ourselves to see where there is room for improvement in ourselves and our lives. Our reach should always slightly exceed our grasp when it comes to making life happier, healthier, more stimulating - better. This reaching is good for us.
However, one other theme raised its ugly little head repeatedly when I asked my question. It would seem that we humans are often perceived as greedy. Many times I heard people give voice to the notion that we always want more and better stuff.
I disagree with that sentiment on a personal level, but only within reason. Let's face it, no matter how well set we are in any one area where things are concerned, we are never really "set for life". Everything deteriorates, and to make blanket statements like "I'll never buy another car (or house)" or "I'm through with spending money on clothes" would be foolish. We just never know what the future will hand us. Circumstances change. Perhaps you'll lose weight and the clothes you wear now will all be floating on you in a year (a girl can dream!), or your car will crash and it will make more sense to replace it than to repair it. There's nothing wrong with wanting things within reason. But to be constantly grasping for "more and better stuff" is NOT healthy. It is this "constant craving" mentality that leaves us feeling frustrated and miserable.
At the extreme opposite end of the title definition spectrum were a few wise souls who came to the conclusion that there are those among us who never strive. These are the people who never put more than marginal effort into anything. They get a bit huffy when you ask for something more from them than the bare minimum. "It's good enough for me!" they are apt to respond when disappointment or disapproval is sensed. We all encounter these people. Sadly, many of us have gone through stages in our lives where we were of this minimalist mindset. Most of us realize (in time) that our lives are richer and happier when we challenge ourselves to do better and be better.
I have a feeling I've barely scratched the surface on this theme, and that there are plenty more poems I can (and will) write on this subject, but this is my first attempt.
The Myth of Sufficiency - by Sharon Flood Kasenberg (January 16, 2013)
In culture rife with decadence
we value more than common cents -
success is weighed in goods obtained;
measured in fame and power gained
by those who tirelessly seek
to not be seen as poor or weak.
Consider lilies of the field -
they toil not and no riches yield,
and yet in beauty they outshine
all who are clad in raiments fine.
Can anyone be satisfied,
or must we seek what we're denied
while racing on this mortal track
crushed by the things we think we lack?
Unlike the fowls that fill the air
we're of deficiencies aware -
Concerns abound in every life;
all poor, or prosperous, know strife.
Each one of us in time will learn
for something more we'll always yearn,
and pondering upon our cares
will question ourselves unawares.
"What will I buy, or wear, or eat -
what do I need to feel complete?"
This truth perhaps will resonate:
Our neediness is human fate -
we barely satisfy one want
before another comes to taunt.
Insatiable we're doomed to be;
enslaved by insufficiency
until for final breath we gasp
our reach exceeding still our grasp.
