Rediscovering Wisdom and Serenity

Stanley Ma Hang Park, Hong Kong

“What is the meaning of life? That was all-a simple question; one that tended to close in on one with years, the great revelation had never come. The great revelation perhaps never did come. Instead there were daily little miracles, illuminations, matches struck unexpectedly in the dark…”

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

Surprisingly, despite the crowds of people, Stanley Ma Hang Park was very peaceful. Peace, as I grow older, becomes more and more important. I don’t have time for drama and turmoil. I do my best to keep all of it at bay. I admit, not always successfully.

I would like to think that with age comes a better understanding of one’s self. I believe I am capable of introspection. Does that mean I know who I am? Maybe, some days. Other times I stumble around, “Like a chicken with its head cut off.”, as my grandmother was fond of saying.

I experience profound frustration that I can’t accomplish what I once did with ease. Why can’t I climb on top of the kitchen counter to get down that crystal vase I want for the flowers? Although, climbing on top of the kitchen counter may have never been a good idea, now that I think about it. Does that mean that it’s not a matter of physical limitations. I’m just older and wiser. No, there are definitely things I can no longer accomplish with the same ease I once did. I don’t like it, but I have no choice in the manner.

So, away from that tangent. Moving on to the meaning of life, as per Virginia Woolf. Do we gain perspective with age? I believe we do. Does that give us a unique insight into the meaning of life? That’s a big ask. Maybe, as we live more years on this earth we, as Ms Woolf suggests, experience glimmers of understanding. Some days, I feel wise beyond my years. Others, I shake my head in disbelief that I could have come this far and learned so little.

Life is a marathon, not a sprint. If we’re fortunate, we gain some perspective along the way. Other days, we wonder why climbing on the kitchen counter is not a good idea.