THE VALUE OF HOPE

THE VALUE OF HOPE

Hope is a powerful human value. It springs from a positive state of mind and kindles the belief that whatever the tests of life may be, their outcome will be constructive and beneficial. Like a ray of light shining through clouds, hope fills us with promising anticipation of an ending which is good for all, both in personal and collective settings, especially when they represent arduous challenges and a “happy ending” seems unlikely. The root meaning of the word hope indicates the process it entails: “confidence in the future”.

As we become more aware of how each experience in life is meaningful, formative and enriching, we learn to value both sorrow and joy while maintaining an attitude of detachment and equanimity towards both. By understanding that challenges are stepping stones towards growing awareness, we foster and preserve a steady balance in our lives. Hope is a motivating inner force that keeps us going, it encourages us to not “look down but up”, because there is always a solution, always a way out. By so doing it fosters deep introspection to find the best possible response (practically and psychologically) to the difficult times we encounter. This positive attitude arouses a surge of good energy, fosters Self-confidence and integrity. By “confiding in our hope”, we are cultivating faith in the power of a Higher and Ultimate Good which embraces our most cherished Ideals and Values.

How to explain hope to our youth 

When talking to young people about the importance of cultivating hope in our lives, we can encourage them to always look at the brighter side of things. In the same way that hope reassures the agriculturist who strenuously works to ensure a good harvest, though uncertain it may be, we must inspirit youth to carry on their activities with confidence and trust notwithstanding the obstacles down one’s way. This optimistic perspective connects us to an invisible field of infinite possibilities and activates a positive response allowing the right solution to come our way. It reminds us to not let passing clouds overwhelm us, though dark and dense they may be, but to keep our focus on the ray of light called hope because “every cloud has a silver lining”, as the saying goes. By experimenting and learning that there can be more than one solution to one’s predicaments, one’s mind becomes supple and elastic and one’s outlook broadens; and by, believing that “yes, things WILL be better tomorrow”, one becomes self-possessed and fearless. Another point we can certainly emphasise to young people is how according to our habits we can deplete positivity or cultivate it. A clear example is the way television programmes affect us. As Dalai Lama points out: “People who watch TV news or read newspapers only see these events on the planet and become more hopeless; they conclude that humanity is bad and that there is no hope for the future. Yes, there are very sad and very negative things but at the same time there are very positive things. When we realise this, we feel good.”

Signs of Hope in Nature 

Nature portrays hope in many beautiful ways. It can superbly instil this feeling in one’s heart and uplift a discouraged and disheartened frame of mind. A new day brings hope for a more cheerful and happy future; a young sapling, new spring leaves, a new born child are all bearers of the essential and pure force of life. “Hope springs eternal in the human breast” (Alexander Pope); its presence keeps us alive when the conditions we live in are rough, and the happenings in our lives are precarious.

QUOTES

“When I am in difficulty what keeps me going is hope, but it is not something that falls from the sky, it comes through the practice of prayer and meditation, thus kindness and compassion can develop and over time they strengthen the muscle of serenity and tranquillity.” Dalai Lama

In Christianity, Hope, Faith and Charity are the three divine gifts that God grants at baptism. John Paul I has affirmed that “hope is an obligatory virtue for every Christian born of trust in three truths: "God is almighty, God loves me immensely, God is faithful to promises".

“Why do you lose hope? God is in you. That is why the Lord says: why fear when I am here? Be always joyful, optimistic, and courageous. Hope will sustain you in all walks of life. Despair is a sin against God.” - Sathya Sai Speaks – vol. 1, 9 September 1959

“Hope is the golden thread that should be woven into every experience of life.” (Author unknown).