No need to be a consumer; find contentment in what you have

The weather looked a bit daunting; like the skies were going to open and pour down the much-needed rain we have been looking for.

I only had my bike and I contemplated whether or not to ride from Devonshire or wait for the bus to take me to Somerset.

I opted for the bike because it afforded me dependability which, sad to say, is something lacking in our public transportation system these days.

I waited for an hour and a half the other day for a bus that was without notice cancelled. 

I hope things get better soon, as the way things seem to be going really can’t be good. Yes indeed, I opted for the bike despite the forbidding threat of rain.

As I was riding along, you bet, the rains came … and how good they felt. My whole self was quenched by the cooling drops and I might add heavy drops of liquid gold … rain. 

Though I was getting drenched, I didn’t mind for two reasons: one, we in Bermuda so desperately need the rain; two, the heat was scorching and I needed those heaven sent showers of blessings to cool me off. 

I just rode along, smiling and was reminded of B.J. Thomas’ pop song, “Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head, but that doesn’t mean my eyes will soon be turnin’ red, cryin’s not for me, cause I’m never gonna stop the rain by complainin, because I’m free, nothin’s worryin’ me.”

My constant prayer is that I am endowed with the ability to be content and see the mercy of Allah in whatever I am challenged with.

These days I am slowly learning to be content with whatever comes my way — I just deal with it by calling on Allah, the Al-Hadiy, which means The Guide — The Way. Indeed Allah, through his mercy, guides me and allows me see the lesson in the challenge presented. 

Dictionaries describe the noun contentment as the neuro-physiological experience of satisfaction and being at ease in one’s situation.

This is what I am striving for; to be at ease in my situation, no matter what it is.

It is said that a man complained about his old shoes until he saw a man who had no feet. A wise person once said: “Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have”.

Don’t get me wrong; I don’t sit around and let things happen without being pro-active, but my philosophy is somewhat of the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference”.

I also beg Allah for patience, because patience and contentment go hand in hand.

During the winter I did not put on a heater, mainly because I could not afford the electricity bill.

I wrapped myself in appropriate clothing, snuggled up and read numerous stories to my grandchildren — which I derived much pleasure as well as body heat from.

This summer I refuse to put on an air-conditioner, again for the same reason that I cannot afford the electricity bill.

I have a window fan and a floor fan, which is keeping me adequately cool, plus I only eat cooling foods such as salads, fruit, sherbet (I miss Simmons sherbet) and cold beverages, mainly water.

I figure at the end of the summer I will have dropped a few pounds as well, which can’t be all bad.

Also, I spend a lot of time in the early hours of the morning and the cooling hours of the evening outside or swimming, which is so relaxing and may I add … free.

There would have been a time, not too long ago, that I would have died just thinking about not having a car, not using my heater or my air-conditioner — yes my prayer has been answered — I have become content.

Alhamdulilah!

No longer do I need to be a consumer, I’m just grateful that I have clothes on my back. I don’t complain about the heat — it’s summer time and it’s meant to be hot.

One of the greatest means of feeling content and relaxed and of acquiring peace of mind is to remember Allah much and praise Him with the tongue (dhikr). Constant remembrance of Allah and dhiker are tremendous in bringing one contentment and peace of mind, whilst relieving worry and distress.

Allah says: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” Surah al-Ra’d 13:28.

 My prayer for all humanity is for that we strive for peace of mind and contentment. Ameen.