A walk with a friend, as I remember it

“I was discussing the meaning of life with my mother…” my friend was saying. I thought to myself that is a special relationship to have with one’s mother.

We were strolling aimlessly around Tapiola a Saturday night after a long dinner, and my friend was staring intently forward as he often did while thinking as he continued: “Her life was always spiraling around work, work, work — that is the number one priority. I told her I live by different values, I value my own health and the health of those nearest to me over any work.”

His voice grew more enthusiastic as he continued musing: “I prefer to light a fire in my own soul, and then use that fire to light the same in those around me. If I were stuck in some dead end job I’m sure I would not have the energy to light the fire even in my own soul. That doesn’t seem worthwhile to me.

“Yeah” I agreed and continued his train of thought as we often do while in flow of discussion, “why would you value the health of society over the health of yourself and those closest to you? Its madness.”

“Especially since recently I’ve noticed almost everyone is feeling down. Its been hard times these past years — for so many people. It seems lighting a fire is more important than ever. It doesn’t take much… You just need to be aware and present, being genuine. If you can simply help one person that's enough”

I was impressed how close my friend’s line of thinking was to that of Jiddu Krishnamurti — a fierce philosopher of the 20th century. Then again, most good framework of thinking about life and spirituality often have many common denominators.

He looked over at me, straight into my eyes as he continued: “If I meet you and you somehow get me in a good mood, I’ll go home to my girlfriend in a better mood and probably get her in a good mood as well. Then it is much more likely I’ll be in a good mood the next time you and I meet, which returns the original favor to you, since you’ll probably get in a good mood from that! Its such an awesome way positive reinforcement if you can light a fire in just one person.

“Sounds somewhat like Karma,” I thought out loud, “good deeds are rewarded”.

“Yeah! People often say you can’t affect your surroundings but thats simply not the case. You most certainly can, and it all starts with your inner being and what energy you project into your surroundings.”