Albert Kim

Stonecutter Albert Kim

We can no longer afford the luxury of being distracted by the lures of wealth and power. Though abundance in wealth and power may be reasonable goals to have at the initial stages of one's path, they are not worthwhile as the eternal goals in one's life. True contentment and meaning in life come from a realm beyond the pursuit of wealth and power. In fact, no pursuit of any kind can give one the lasting satisfaction. This is because contentment and meaning come from acceptance of the Now. Acceptance is not a mere empty reception of whatever that comes along the way. Acceptance is an active state of Presence that endows the individual with the clarity of vision to see what's been offered in the Now, so that one can choose the best suitable option available. In other words, acceptance is the complete acceptance of the given circumstances and situations of life without denial. The object of occupation, then, is not in amassing wealth or power, although this may seem strange. The object of one's occupation is to become Present by accepting one's given role. In that Presence, the baker bakes nourishing bread that sustains health, the CEO makes outstanding decisions that creates winners out of both corporation and consumers alike, and the police officer keeps the town in peace without resorting to force. This is the highest functioning state of being where meaning and contentment are replete.