For the past two days, I have been brimming with insights, but it has been difficult for me to pen these down. Still, let me try.

I was thinking of the title of the blog that I intend to start soon.

I choose to take an opinion poll at home. When I asked my eight-year-old daughter which of the titles she liked, between The Art of Understanding, Aware Living, Enlightened Existence and Un
folding Existence, she beamed and said “My hamsters will like The Art of Understanding as they seem to be too naughty these days, and have to be kept in separate cages as they do not understand that if they keep on giving birth to six new babies every three months, we will run out of cages and food soon. They will certainly benefit from your Art of Understanding essays.

Then I asked my wife, who liked Unfolding Existence more. I asked her why, and she said “at least your journey towards maturing will start.” I was a little quiet for some time and am still reflecting on her comment. She may be right.

My 12-year-old daughter liked Enlightened Existence and I am curious to find out why. Our 12-year-old son, when given the choice, picked The Art of Understanding. Finally when I asked my partner in writing, my 26-year-old son, he said all four of the mentioned titles, were too scholarly and there should be a title with some humour in it.

So, I suggested a new title: Journey towards Enlightenment for Dummies.

I stopped thinking on the subject further and decided to meditate and reflect.

My personal preference was Journey to Enlightenment but, again, my wife seemed to think that I’m trying to teach others something that I do not practice enough myself.

I really do not know who can guide me. I am at a crossroads. Maybe A dumb man’s Journey to Enlightenment is the best one. At least it does not intimidate, promise nirvana or eureka moments to anyone.

Sometimes I feel animals are much luckier than humans, as they do not judge, classify or feel degraded by any action of peers, humans or nature. They remain in a state of acceptance for the most part. Unless kicked or threatened, of course. Thus a title like Learn Enlightenment from Animals may just be a good choice for enlightening a rat such as myself — forever running in the fast lane.

By John Kingz