The Animal With the Key to Calmness

In a chat with Fatima regarding job satisfaction, I expressed my confusion about my path and past choices.

Her laid-back approach to advice was refreshing, as she tends to share insights subtly.

She looked at me, puzzled, and remarked:

"Just be like a goat—they live in the now."

— Fatima Hammad

She might not appreciate this comparison, but it got me thinking—she was onto something. Goats embody a carefree existence, unburdened by worries about past actions or future plans. They don't fret over social approval or potential missteps.

Of course, I’m not suggesting we abandon all goals and merely exist.

Living mindlessly is not the answer.

However, we can glean some wisdom from the way goats navigate life.

Their carefree demeanor and focus on the present remind us of our own animal nature.

Amidst the distractions of modern life—like alarms, artificial lighting, and fast food—we often forget that we, too, are part of this natural world.

At the end of the day, we share in the basic cycle of existence.

So, how can we adopt a goat-like approach and truly embrace the moment?

To Live in the Now—Here’s How

"The best preparation for the future is to live as if there were none."

— Albert Einstein

While we are often encouraged to take proactive steps, there is also merit in embracing a reactive mindset.

Consider the joy of strolling without a destination, stopping by a juice bar simply because the thought appeals to you, or shifting careers when your current one feels stagnant.

Routines and discipline have their place—they've positively shaped my life—but we must also carve out space for spontaneity.

As morbid as it may sound, any moment could be our last, so we should cherish the present. The future is merely a continuation of the now; it doesn't exist outside our immediate experience.

By tuning into our inner desires, we enrich our lives.

Yes, having short-term goals and long-term plans is important, but we must also be prepared to discard them if necessary.

A rigid life leads to boredom; not every action has to serve a grand purpose. Sometimes, we can simply enjoy our passions and learn from each experience.

Becoming Fluid

Just like a goat meandering without obligations, we should strive to be adaptable.

Take my friend Zander, for instance—he's leaving his engineering career to pursue medicine but will first work with an adventure group.

That's living like a goat!

He doesn’t allow one decision to overshadow another. Instead, he makes choices that align with his passions.

Though he achieved his goal of becoming an engineer, it wasn’t what he envisioned, so he’s willing to pivot and explore what truly excites him.

Who knows—he may even decide against becoming a doctor. That uncertainty is part of the adventure.

Life is like walking over hills; each step could lead to lush grass or barren land—it's all about the journey.

We often expect to fit into a defined mold, only to find ourselves in an entirely different one.

The key is our willingness to adapt.

If you’re open to the unexpected, you’ll flourish.

Life rarely unfolds as anticipated.

Every choice opens up new possibilities, and if you approach them with curiosity rather than fear, you'll lead a spiritually fulfilling and joyful life.

Goats embrace the day's events without resistance. They seek out green grass and, when it’s not available, they continue the search.

That’s the essence of living fully!

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Eren Elsewhere

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