Written by Taraz Lalehzari
Photo taken by Taraz Lalehzari
“Restlessness is discontent and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man, and I will show you a failure.” —Thomas Edison
I’m never content, and apparently, I’m in good company. I just read an article that says the entire planet is also “restless.” (Translation: Seismic activity has been and is likely to continue increasing.) Well, at least my restlessness doesn’t result in devastating earthquakes.
Being restless can be frustrating: Something new, something better, is always across the way in that spectacularly green grass. Don’t misunderstand me; I’m not unhappy or ungrateful. I have a nice house, a fantastic family, and a list of about 17 billion other little blessings. All in all my life is pretty rad. It’s just that somewhere in the back of my mind lives an over-caffeinated Chihuahua who is constantly yelping, “Hey, look over there!” And I don’t know whether to listen.
I have often wondered what it might be like to feel satisfied, settled. It seems nice, doesn’t it? I’d certainly feel more rested if that damn Chihuahua wouldn’t keep me up all night barking about grass. Contentment sounds downright peaceful. In fact, the Bible and many Eastern religions spend a significant amount of time exploring calm and peace. Hmm. I’m not sure I would want that. I need to be able to explore my unsettled feelings on faith and God. How could I stop questioning, pursuing, learning, evolving?
Perhaps there’s nothing wrong with being a restless spirit. I’ve often heard it’s a curse of the creative type or the impetus of revolutions. Whatever it is, I’m beginning to think this whole restlessness thing isn’t so bad. As of right now, I’m officially content to be restless. (Wait. Can I do that?)
Do contentment and restlessness have to be mutually exclusive? I vote no. Plenty of moments can bring calm, peace, and prayer. And just as many moments can cause me to question and search for something I can’t quite identify.
