David's Blog

Inheritance: The Only Gift That Lasts

Inheritance is a strange concept, isn't it? When we hear the word, we might think of family heirlooms, money, or even property handed down through generations. Yet, at the heart of it, what do we truly want to inherit? For most, it’s satisfaction, a peaceful mind, and a sense of certainty. Yet, in a world as unstable as ours, we've come to believe that money and possessions might buy those things, at least temporarily. And to some extent, that’s true. Wealth can bring ease, comfort, and fleeting happiness. But those feelings don’t last. Soon enough, the sense of satisfaction fades, and we find ourselves craving more.

Perhaps, we've been looking in the wrong place or for the wrong thing. The world around us is in constant flux, a perpetual state of change that extends from our immediate environment to the vast universe. Think about it: stars explode, continents shift, and societies evolve. Just as our desires evolve, today’s "must-have" becomes tomorrow’s discard. It’s no wonder that so many find themselves in an endless pursuit, continually searching for fulfilment outside themselves.

But amid this ever-changing world, there's one thing that remains constant: our essential self. There is a core within us, an unchanging "me" that has been there from the beginning, watching, experiencing, and bearing witness. This self, I believe, resides three inches back from my forehead and two inches from the top of my skull. From that point, I experience my life, unchanged by my circumstances, my body, or even my age. My surroundings change, my body grows and ages, but that essential "me" is ever-present, seeking stability.

The Illusion of Stability in the External

Our craving for stability is natural; it’s in all of us. Yet we often try to fulfil it with external achievements. We strive for a bigger house, a higher-paying job, or the next gadget, thinking it will give us a sense of grounding. The irony is that the external world can never offer stability. It’s like building a house on sand, forever shifting with the tides of time and circumstance.

This is why so many people find themselves dissatisfied, even after achieving the material success they once dreamed of. The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously said, "The only constant in life is change." This truth speaks volumes in our fast-paced, materialistic society. As long as we look to the world outside for satisfaction and stability, we’re bound to be disappointed.

So where do we turn if we’re seeking a lasting sense of peace and contentment? It might sound counterintuitive, but the only true constant we have is within ourselves. Socrates put it best: "Know Thyself." This ancient piece of wisdom encourages us to turn inward, to discover who we truly are beneath the layers of ambition, fear, and external expectation. It’s in this pursuit of self-knowledge that we find real, lasting stability.

Discovering the "Me" Within

For me, this realization began when I acknowledged that the "me" observing my life has remained unchanged, even as everything around me shifted. This "me" has witnessed my body grow and age, my thoughts and beliefs evolve, and my desires rise and fall. This inner self, unshaken by external events, is the only stable aspect of my existence.

The journey inward is not without its challenges. It requires a conscious effort to look beyond the superficial and to connect with something deeper. Many great teachers, like Rumi and Buddha, have spoken of the need to understand the self. Rumi expressed it beautifully when he said, "The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear." In quieting the noise of the outside world, we create space to listen to the quiet, enduring voice within us.

Letting Go of Fear, Greed, and Hate

When we understand that stability resides within, something miraculous happens: fear, greed, and hate begin to lose their grip on us. Fear often arises from uncertainty about the future, while greed stems from the desire to accumulate more to feel secure. Hate, too, can come from feeling threatened or wronged. But when we root ourselves in the unchangeable "me," these emotions start to dissipate. We no longer feel the need to grasp at things or harbour resentment, because our peace doesn’t depend on anyone or anything external.

For me, this journey has led to a profound sense of gratitude. Every day, I’m grateful for the simple act of being, for each breath that fills my lungs and each moment that I’m alive. This is the ultimate inheritance—an unshakable sense of contentment that doesn’t come from money, possessions, or status, but from a deep and lasting connection with the self.

The True Inheritance: Stability in a Shifting World

In a world where nothing seems certain, finding stability within is the most valuable gift we can give ourselves. Material inheritance may come and go, but the legacy of inner peace endures. We spend our lives looking outward, hoping that something will satisfy us, yet the answer has always been within. The next time you feel the urge to chase the next big thing, pause for a moment and ask yourself: *Is this what I truly seek?*

When we turn inward and connect with the "me" that has always been there, we find a stability that the outside world could never provide. So, in the words of Socrates, "Know Thyself." Because, ultimately, self-knowledge is the greatest inheritance of all. It’s a gift that brings clarity, peace, and a joy that doesn’t fade.