The Trade by VanDweller

The Trade
by VanDweller

We've all heard it... "I'd love to trade places with him..." or "I'd trade it
all" for something or other. Sometimes we even hear similar words from
folks who, on the surface, appear to have it all. Or at least society's idea
of "all", which could be the problem.

Some can waltz through this life making money, buying stuff and "relaxing"
on Sunday without the need for anything more than the mundane offers.
I could not.

So for those of you struggling with the daily inner dialogue of one whose
personal will to awaken is at odds with the pressure to remain in the
semi-coherent state encouraged by our entire social culture, I offer
you these words of inspiration.

"I wouldn't trade my life for the world;
I have traded the world for my life."

This is a personal constitution.

I have traded social acceptance for a way of solitude, the many for the few,
having found that by the time I pleased everyone there was nothing left for me.

I have traded the society-approved facilities of so-called “higher education”
for an intensive hands-on course of study in all that I do.

I have traded textbook knowledge for greater understanding and hands-on
experience; the accepted method for that of practicality and simplicity,
memorized procedure for thought.

I have traded the television and newspapers for good books and a healthy
appetite for knowledge on a broad range of subjects.

I have traded being plugged in to society for truly being connected to life; the
talking of someday dreams for the living of the fortune of today’s hours and minutes.

I have traded the conspicuous luxuries of the way of the many for the subtle
beauty of a path I am not isolated, sound-deadened or climate-controlled from.

I have traded the pavement, streetlamps and strip malls of suburbia for the
dirt paths, starlight and fewer needs of a truly embraced rural life.

I have traded society’s obsession with the future and “What will happen” for a conscious
living of each day and belief that my simple ways and strong will shall persevere.

I have traded their concepts of so-called “security”, the big bank account, career
and credit systems, for simple life systems and knowledge of how to fix them.

I have traded the conveniences and gadgets of the modern age for understanding and
involvement in the systems of my life, the complex for the simplicity of its absence.

I have traded the pursuit of ever higher status through possession for the attainment
of evermore sentience and inner peace through not having anything which owns me.

I have traded upwards mobility in lifestyle for self-sufficiency along the path, ever-
increasing consumption of true selfishness for doing well with less for the benefit of all.

I have traded the prospects of substantial steady income for the enjoyment of the
time I would have sold away in its pursuit.

I have traded the pacification of a full-time job for the inevitable fulfillments of working
full-time towards goals in the creative, functional, spiritual and personal aspects of life.

I have traded the acceptance of a job as necessary for the understanding that
meaningful work is essential, and will provide in ways greater than paper dollars.

I have traded a greed for money and the kinds of power which can be bought for a lust
for life and self-control to realize that some things should be above being bought or sold.

I have traded (for the relatively few things worth “owning”) payments, rent and interest
for actual ownership of the less prestigious lots in life that I could afford outright.

I have traded society’s enslavement to family and job for a lifestyle where I may place my
devotions and attentions where I choose, and they are not constantly demanded of me.

I have traded the true selfishness of those who see my ways as selfish for the
self-centeredness of all who are committed to having their affairs in order.

I have traded widespread chatter of mass opinion and judgment for smaller, focused,
quiet and deliberate acts of change and assistance wherever I’ve found them needed.

I have traded conceit for confidence, selfishness for self-centeredness, self slavery for
self control; all very fine lines but moments of clarity show clearly what side one is on.

I have traded scheduled responsibility for sanctified necessary task; the sounds of sirens,
horns, car stereos, alarms and other societal “white noise” for birdsong and crickets.

I have traded the expense and complexity of newer modern accoutrements for the
simplicity and durability of well cared-for, higher-quality items from simpler times.

I have traded bigger for more manageable, shinier for well-worn patina, faster for
unstressed, an existence for a life, making a living for learning to live.

I have traded the world of plastic surgery and miracle elixirs for one where my skin
will age and gradually begin to look like the land, then one day shall return to it.

I have traded insurance payments and prescriptions for physical activity, good diet, and
right thinking. If I get really sick I might die, but that’s life and I’ll not live enslaved.

I have traded the world of insatiable wants perceived as needs for one of few needs
and fewer wants. Give me fresh air and free time, and I’m pretty much satisfied.

I have traded emotional, Pavlovian response to succumb to the Great Materialist
Bombardment for rational logic and adherence to the path of the principles that guide me.

I have traded push-button ease and hired hands for muscles, scars, wisdom, experience,
satisfaction, and the inner growth one gets from repeatedly rising to life’s challenges.

I have traded in a life sentence of scheduled mediocrity for a self-parole. If I don’t attend
the functions or reunions, know I wish you well but I’m too well to attend.

I have traded religion for truly knowing God through the blessings and lessons of a followed path.

Go now and live; do not be afraid.

~VD