Waves Of Wisdom: Being And Becoming

In this "Waves of Wisdom" reflective talk, we explore the concepts of "Being and Becoming." Drawing on Plato's philosophy, we challenge the idea that being is stagnant while becoming is dynamic. Instead, we consider how being allows us to pause, embrace the present moment, and find contentment in who we are right now, even as we continue to evolve. This talk invites listeners to honor the journey of becoming while discovering the joy and peace in simply being.

Waves Sound Effect from Pixabay

Transcript

Welcome,

And thank you for joining me in this moment of reflection.

Today I'd like to explore the concepts of being and becoming,

Two states that are often seen as opposites,

But are deeply intertwined in our journey through life.

Consider the tadpole.

As it swims through the water,

It doesn't yearn to be something it's not.

It doesn't wish to be a turtle,

A bird,

Or even a full-grown frog before its time.

The tadpole simply is,

Fully inhabiting its current form,

Embracing its existence in the here and now.

It doesn't try to rush the process,

Or dream of a different stage.

It just lives,

Moment by moment.

This natural unfolding mirrors our own experiences.

In philosophy,

Plato spoke of being as a state of permanence,

A kind of steady,

Unchanging essence.

On the other hand,

Becoming is the process of change,

Growth,

And transformation.

It's easy to see these as separate,

With becoming tied to progress,

And being associated with stagnation.

But what if we looked at being differently?

What if being isn't about stagnation at all?

What if it's about fully inhabiting who we are in this moment?

Just like the tadpole in its early stage of life,

Being allows us to pause,

To reflect,

And to embrace the now.

It invites us to experience the richness of our own current existence,

Without rushing towards the next phase or outcome.

While becoming invites transformation,

Pushing us forward,

Encouraging growth,

Being offers us the space to breathe,

To ground ourselves,

And to recognize the value of where we are right now.

Both are essential.

The journey of becoming is beautiful and necessary,

But so is the act of simply being,

Of finding contentment in the present moment.

Happiness then isn't found in some distant future or who we might become.

It's not waiting for us at the end of the journey.

Happiness is here,

In the present moment,

Or nowhere at all.

It's the simple act of being fully present,

Of allowing ourselves to experience life as it is,

Rather than constantly striving for what it might be.

So let us honor the journey of becoming,

Acknowledging the changes,

The growth,

And the transformation that are all a part of our path.

But let us also find joy in the simple act of being,

Of grounding ourselves in the now,

Embracing who we are in this moment,

Even as we continue to evolve.

Thank you for being here and sharing this time,

For allowing yourself the space to both be and become.

Namaste.