I am rich.
Wisdom is the oxygen in my heart,
Love is the light my mind.
I am rich.
In words that carry meaning,
In actions that are energy of kindness.
I am rich.
Each day unfolds new lessons,
I grow, I change, I become.
I am rich.
Recognition feeds my faith,
Wisdom shines in my grace.
I am rich.
Life flows in me
Like a river
Through my veins.
I am rich.
In breathing moments
Of now and of eternal.
I am rich.
Not in gold or silver,
But in being.
The Wealth of Being
Seneca writes, “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” This sentiment aligns perfectly with the poem’s redefinition of richness: “I am rich. / Not in gold or silver, / But in being.” Both Seneca and the poem suggest that true wealth is found in one’s state of mind and approach to life, rather than in external possessions.
Isn’t it remarkable how true richness comes from within? This piece beautifully captures the essence of wealth that transcends material possessions.
The idea of wisdom as oxygen reminds me of what Socrates meant when he said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” It’s this constant breath of curiosity and learning that keeps our minds alive.
Furthermore, the emphasis on wisdom (“Wisdom is the oxygen in my heart”) echoes Seneca’s belief that philosophy and wisdom are the paths to true fulfillment. In “On the Happy Life,” Seneca states, “The wise man is content with himself,” which parallels the poem’s self-affirming declarations of richness in various aspects of life.
When the poem speaks of love as the light of the mind, it echoes what Martin Luther King Jr. believed about the power of love. As he put it, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
The line “Each day unfolds new lessons, / I grow, I change, I become” aligns with the Stoic concept of constant self-improvement and learning from life’s experiences. As Marcus Aurelius, another Stoic philosopher, writes in his “Meditations,” “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
This notion of growing and changing each day brings to mind what Carol Dweck discovered about the “growth mindset.” She found that people who believe in their capacity to learn and grow tend to achieve more than those who think their abilities are fixed.
So what does all this mean? Perhaps it’s about recognizing that true wealth lies in our experiences, our growth, and our connections. It’s about understanding that being rich in spirit can bring a fulfillment that material wealth alone can’t provide.
Remember, every moment you spend learning, loving, or simply being present is adding to your true wealth. As the Dalai Lama said, “The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds.”
So next time you consider your wealth, think: How rich are you in wisdom, love, and presence? Because isn’t that what makes life truly abundant? This richness of being that no bank can hold but that fills every moment with value. Your true wealth is always with you, growing with each breath. How will you invest in your inner riches today?
