When a triumphant general returned to Rome, he would ride through the street while the crowd cheered on both sides. Yet he always had an attendant sitting in the carriage to whisper in his ear, “Respice post te! Hominem te esse memento! Memento mori!” (“Look behind you! Remember you are only a man! Remember you will die!”) The general would smile.
I believe that perspective is always required when we view our lives. Just as we eat plants, the time will one day come when we will become fertilizer for plants. It is just a fact of life. One thing that we know for sure about life is that it will one day end. In the time that we have, our true goal should be to recognize, embrace, and celebrate the true oneness of things and the beauty of nature. Everything else is just a distraction.
By recognizing that we are just a part of the universe, we can unburden ourselves of the cares of the world. Flowing with nature, taking care of each other (and all creations), and taking things less seriously is the key to true peace….that, and knowing that love is always the answer :)
Photo source: The Colosseum, Rome