Calculated Enlightenment

I cogitate over the idea that a structured life may lead to some kind of calculated enlightenment often.

Measuring one's state of mind, creativity, and energy throughout the day and making auspicious decisions on what kind of activities should be undertaken at what times and how often they should be repeated. Deciding that I should exercise in the evening, meditate in the afternoon, read in the morning. These are the kind of actions I speak of. However the ubiquitous manner in which work finds itself overwhelming the middle class leaves me with very little hours left throughout the day to do the things I truly want to do. I want to spend my day keeping up with current events, writing, drawing, reading, meditating, exercising, watching movies, eating, enjoying a beer or a cup of tea. These are the things that bring me peace of mind and a sense of calm. But when I am forced to leave my sanctuary for 8-10 hours each day, that leaves me with very little time to accomplish these tasks.

The question I raise though is this, does working give me a better appreciation of the little things or does it steal away my ability to enjoy them? Am I happier to come home after a long days work and enjoy a beer and watch a movie, or am I better off having an entirely stress free day filled with only the things I love. If I only do the things I love though will there be a counter balance to them to remind me why I love them?

I spend alot of time not working, I am very good at saving money and living incredibly frugally. I can go 2 months without even considering getting a job. Those months give me the best opportunity to just sit back, relax and do the things I love. However sooner or later I have to get back in to the work force to save up for the next 2 month hiatus. My goal is to start to appreciate work much more. To co mingle the things I love with the things I feel are responsibilities.

It is more than possible, it is probable. Too many people spend the entire work week miserable, coming home to sit in front of the TV for an hour or 4, eat some dinner, go to sleep and do it all over again the next day. Leaving their enjoyment to the weekend when they end up going overboard, becoming a weekend warrior (not necessarily with alcohol but with any excessive enjoyment) or even worse spend their weekends doing the choirs and errands they couldn't take on during the week because they were so busy.

Where does this leave time for enjoyment of life? What is the point of working and paying for all these fancy luxuries we take for granted if we don't spend time simply relaxing and enjoying them? It's time to stop worrying so much about money and start worrying more about joy. We need to get away from this overly consumerist, overly worldly, society we live in. Be an intelligent consumer, and an intelligent citizen and you will not need as much money. Then you can use the excess overflow as free time, or as accumulated savings.

Live on the cheap, make sure to find something you enjoy that is free, and do it every day, don't go out to expensive places so much, find places that are free to enjoy like parks, museums, forests, libraries, etc. Rid yourself of excess possession weighing you down. Cleanse your mind of negative or menial thoughts. Find peace in the present, and you will always be happy and relaxed.