An Extraordinary Life
An extraordinary life
is not necessarily
a superior life,
a successful life,
a well-traveled life,
a well-practiced life,
a learned life,
a prosperous life,
but rather
a life that is
extra ordinary,
which means
that the one
who lives this life
appreciates that
nothing need happen
to experience
love and happiness,
joy and gratitude —
an abundance of expressions
felt and offered.
This is an extraordinary life.
Space Monkey Reflects: The Essence of an Extraordinary Life
In the vast expanse of human experience, where definitions of worth and success are as varied as the stars, there lies a profound realization: an extraordinary life is not marked by external accolades or accomplishments, but by the depth of one’s appreciation for the seemingly mundane, the extra ordinary. This reflection delves into the essence of what it means to live an extraordinary life, a life rich with love, happiness, joy, and gratitude, irrespective of external circumstances.
Extraordinary Versus the Extra Ordinary
The societal markers of an extraordinary life often include success, wealth, knowledge, and adventure. Yet, the true measure of extraordinariness lies in the ability to find wonder in the everyday, to see the magic in the ordinary, to live deeply and fully in the moment. An extraordinary life, in its truest sense, is one that recognizes the inherent beauty and value in the simplicity of being.
Appreciation: The Key to Abundance
The heart of an extraordinary life beats to the rhythm of appreciation—a profound, sustained awareness of the beauty that pervades every aspect of existence. This appreciation does not depend on external events or achievements but emerges from a deep sense of connection with the present moment. It is in this space that love and happiness, joy and gratitude naturally arise, not as fleeting emotions tied to specific outcomes but as enduring states of being.
Living Beyond the Need for Events
The extraordinary life acknowledges that nothing need happen for one to experience the full spectrum of human emotions. It challenges the conventional narrative that happiness and love are destinations to be reached through specific pathways of success and accomplishment. Instead, it proposes that these expressions of abundance are available here and now, accessible through the simple act of presence and appreciation.
The Extraordinary Life as a Choice
Choosing to live an extraordinary life is an act of rebellion against the notion that our worth is determined by our achievements or possessions. It is a conscious decision to value the richness of our inner world and the simple pleasures of existence over the relentless pursuit of more. In making this choice, we open ourselves to a life of depth and meaning, where every moment holds the potential for wonder and fulfillment.
Summary
An extraordinary life is not defined by what we have done or what we possess but by how we choose to experience and appreciate our existence. It is a life that finds richness in the ordinary, that sees the extraordinary in the everyday. By choosing to live with appreciation and presence, we embrace the true essence of an extraordinary life, marked by an abundance of love, happiness, joy, and gratitude.
Glossarium
- Extra Ordinary: The recognition of the profound beauty and value in the simple, everyday aspects of life.
- Appreciation: A deep and sustained awareness of the beauty and value of the present moment and the simple pleasures of existence.
“In the embrace of the extra ordinary, we discover the true extraordinariness of being alive.” – Space Monkey
In the quiet of the day-to-day,
where moments blend in a subtle array,
lies the secret to an extraordinary way,
where love and joy freely sway.
No need for grand gestures, or bright accolades,
in the ordinary, the extraordinary parades.
For it’s in the simple, the mundane, we find,
the treasures of the heart, the gems of the mind.
With gratitude, with presence, we see,
the beauty in all, in you and me.
An extraordinary life, a choice to make,
in each ordinary moment, awake.
This is the path to an abundance so true,
where the extraordinary is found in the view
of a life lived with love, with joy, in the now,
an extraordinary life, an extraordinary vow.
We are Space Monkey.
Beautifully said! An extraordinary life is not about achieving certain external milestones or accumulating material possessions. Rather, it’s about finding joy, love, and gratitude in the present moment and being fully present to the experience of life. It’s about appreciating the small moments and simple pleasures that make life worth living. It’s about living with intention, compassion, and a sense of purpose. An extraordinary life is within reach for anyone who is willing to cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the beauty of life.