We are constantly searching for that sense of fulfillment that would give us ultimate inner stability—the feeling of having achieved our goal.
Satisfaction is unique to each individual and remains largely fleeting, given its transient nature. We are better able to experience the state of satisfaction(as reflected in our familiar reactions to pleasure) than to define what satisfaction is and what it represents.
Yet, after meeting people of more nationalities than I can count, ranging in age from children to retirees, and from every social circle imaginable, I don’t recall ever meeting a single person who would describe their life as fully satisfying. There is always a pause in their answers, that fragment of silence where all the “ if only ” weigh heavily and leave a void where all those opportunities to have achieved or lived up to their hopes might have been.”
Where does this constant and inevitable gap between what we get and what we want to get come from?
Human beings are destined to be eternally dissatisfied, for it is through their endless quest for happiness and complete joy that they evolve over the course of their lives, without ever finding meaning in the treasure hunt they have embarked upon. They remain constantly in this zone of exploration, a sort of springboard toward other horizons, which, instead of being a temporary phase, ends up becoming a lifetime of endless waiting.
The very nature of satisfaction, with its subjective quality, lingers and leaves a lasting impression. We spend more time thinking about what would make us feel whole, fulfilled, and satisfied than actually experiencing it when we are. Satisfaction is an ever-present phantom waiting to be called to the stand.
Take, for example, a gemologist (a specialist in precious stones): if he or she is not educated about the value of the treasure they are seeking and studying, they will not have the necessary knowledge to determine the shape, clarity, and authenticity of the stone before them.
Consequently, when he encounters such a marvel, will he truly be able to appreciate its richness, or will he remain eager to continue his research and analysis in search of another rare gem? Or, for that matter, will he even realize that he was holding a rare gem in his hands to begin with?
We’re all in this precarious state of searching for treasure, because we don’t realize the value of what we have until we lose that sense of closeness— that familiar feeling of only realizing what we had once we’ve lost it.
The eye is drawn to what is new, what is shiny, what intrigues us. In the unknown, we find the thrill of having made a great discovery, whereas others might take for granted everything we consume on a daily basis and everything that already belongs to us.
In our relentless search for rare gems, we have lost our ability to appreciate what we already have, choosing instead to completely deny what could bring us happiness in the moment. For many, acknowledging their current wealth would be tantamount to saying that they have reached their full potential and thus taking refuge in renunciation.
They will constantly ask themselves: Why should I love my possessions when my neighbors, colleagues, and loved ones show me that they have better ones? Why should I allow myself to love this body when others have sculpted a more perfect one?
These questions always lead to the same answer: I have and possess only what I allow myself to cherish, and my greatest satisfaction will come only from this realization.
Recognizing the authenticity of what brings us joy in the present moment in no way diminishes the surprise of experiencing that same feeling the very next day. Can you imagine, for just a second, marveling at that house that’s so dear to you, completely forgetting it, and then reliving that sense of wonder the very next day? Perhaps we all lack this partial sentimental amnesia to remind us of the vivid warmth that spreads deep within our guts when we realize what we have accomplished?
We take for granted the universe’s gift of a wealth that defies all reason, even before we question whether we truly deserve such a gift. A gift is precious; it must stem from the kindness of giving rightly and without any pretense. Yet few of us have the ability to repay life for the value of the time it gives us.
As temporary visitors to this Earth, is there any greater satisfaction than acknowledging that we have shown life all the gratitude we are capable of? The true conclusion would be to end our days saying that we were satisfied with never being satisfied, for our flaws have taught us to love all those voids, filling our hearts with moments shared with all those who paid attention to them.