I recently read that upon being asked what was the most important question for a human being to answer, Albert Einstein responded, “Is the universe friendly or not?”
Seems simple enough.
As we all know, every human at some point or another will struggle with life’s challenges. Some may be ‘no big deal,’ some may be a huge deal, and ultimately, as observers, we may never know when another is in that sea of challenge. There is no changing the hardships each of us must endure. What we can change, however, is our attitudes and reactions towards them.
Here’s where the subtle beauty of Einstein’s philosophical question comes to light. As soon as you, the individual, has decided whether or not you see the universe as friendly, you have set the foundation for all your reactions to events throughout your life.
If the universe is friendly, life happens for reasons, you have lessons to learn, and you open yourself to the wonder of everyday. If, however, the universe is not friendly, everything happens to you. You are no longer an active participant in the unfolding of Great Mystery, but rather, the victim of life’s cruelty.
I think contentment in the small things, the everyday things, helps to cultivate that friendly universe. It certainly eases any negative reactions that want to creep into any particular moment.
And, by the way, (just a little plug here for yoga), a yoga practice clears away much of the negativity, allowing the individual to live with a friendly universe. Like always, it is a choice. What do you think? What is your universe? Friendly? Or a malicious being with a purpose of bothering you?
