Chapter 1: The Illusion of Paradise

Take a moment to pause and observe the beauty around you—a gentle river, majestic trees, and a flock of white birds soaring overhead. In that instant, you might exclaim, “What a paradise!” This conviction is so strong that it feels undeniable. You may even acknowledge it as an opinion, yet it still feels like an irrefutable truth. You find yourself immersed in a paradise filled with nature's splendor.

However, the thought that defines this paradise is not originally yours. Perhaps it's influenced by a cinematic portrayal, a biblical narrative showcasing Adam and Eve in an idyllic setting, or a cherished childhood fairy tale depicting a prince and princess living in a realm of beauty. Such images shape our perceptions of paradise.

This concept extends to all our thoughts. When someone inquires about your name, you automatically respond with what you’ve learned throughout your life, having recognized your reflection and the identity of “Martin” since childhood. When asked about your home, you might describe it as beautiful, even if you’ve never experienced a true paradise as depicted in religious texts or films like "Ben Hur" or "The Ten Commandments."

As you gaze from a bridge at the picturesque landscape—the trees, the flowing river, the graceful egrets—your mind retrieves memories to label what you see. It’s akin to exploring a library in your mind, locating a fitting memory to express the beauty before you, perhaps labeling it with the phrase “What a paradise!”

But what if someone asks for directions to a street you’ve never encountered? Your only honest response would be, “I don’t know.” This illustrates the nature of our knowledge: we possess memories of experiences, sights, and sounds, yet there are countless things we cannot name or recognize simply because they are unknown to us.

This lack of knowledge can feel embarrassing, especially when faced with a vast audience, as if you were a sloth slowly admitting, “I dunno!” Yet, from a broader perspective, your existence and understanding are not defined by your physical stature but by the vastness of what you can perceive.

This morning, I paused on the bridge, taking in the trees, the river, the hills, and the white birds as they flew past the towering firs. I absorbed the myriad colors and sounds of nature, reminding myself that I exist in a paradise. I allowed the memory to fade and continued to observe without labeling or commenting, simply experiencing the world as it is.

Please take a moment to engage with this reflection; your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Medium rewards those who share and connect.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Unknown

Discover the beauty of blended families in "February 23, 2020 - The Beauty of Blended Families - Relationship Reno." This insightful video offers perspectives on navigating relationships and understanding diverse family dynamics.