It’s interesting how we perceive the need to survive. Life often revolves around merely existing, or the notion of survival of the fittest. However, I adopt a different perspective. As spiritual beings, our essence is survival, as we cannot truly perish. Therefore, survival is inherently a part of our identity. In this world, we tend to focus on basic survival, echoing Darwin’s ideas, and it can be difficult as we grapple with the challenges of existence. We often concentrate on the fundamental requirements of life. This is where effort comes into play, yet it contradicts our true nature, as beings with pure survival, life should not just be about struggle.
The word ‘survive‘ comes from the Latin supervivere, from super- ‘in addition’ + vivere ‘live’. To the true meaning is super living.
The Scale of Survival
Survival actually operates on a gradient; there’s a scale of survival. One can be barely getting by or thriving with abundance. Consider how plants and nature survives. Nature survives through abundance. For instance, millions of seeds are needed for just one tree or plant to flourish. Thus, survival is fundamentally linked to abundance. Unfortunately, humanity, through various means and often harmful intentions, creates an illusion of survival being a struggle. This illusion serves to control people by promoting a sense of scarcity—be it in energy, water, food, or money. If you examine the finances of any country, you’ll find trillions of dollars and pounds. There is an abundance of money and the idea of scarcity of money, in its essence is unfounded.
Visit the ocean or a large lake and ask if there is a lack of water. Look at the vast number of trees and untapped resources and question if energy is truly scarce.
These beliefs are traps designed to make us pay for what is often freely available.
Consequently, survival isn’t merely about scraping by; it’s about recognising abundance. Once you understand this, it allows you to adopt a mindset similar to that of older individuals, who tend not to worry about trivial matters and ‘don’t sweat the small stuff, as they have survived hard times and come through them.
I recently felt like I was struggling, barely making ends meet, anxious about my next paycheck. However, I reflected on past experiences when I had little money and lived on rice for weeks, yet I survived. Those memories stand out because the struggle was integral to my life journey, and I look back on those times with fondness knowing I persevered. This is why we find enjoyment in survival shows that pit us against nature; we even go camping to test our resourcefulness and skills.
You can't help but survive
Ultimately, as we age, we come to realise that survival is not a challenge; it’s about our mindset and approach. Understanding we survive no matter what and that there is abundance in the world is a key step to living a happy life.
