January 21 – The “Meaning of Life”: Take a community survey with regards to the question “What is the Meaning of Life?” Ask at least one elderly person, one child, one friend, one preacher, one relative, one homeless person, one “wealthy” stranger (anyone in a business suit &/or driving a “fancy car”), one dog and one tree … Then, write down the answers they give and share your findings with one friend, one associate and one stranger. Discuss ways you all could make your lives more Meaning-full.

This one was very interesting, especially for a person like me who has been searching for a satisfactory answer to this question ever since I was a child. One of the unexpected things I learned was the vast difference in experience between simply researching how others have answered this question and actually interacting with folks “on the street” and asking them in person. After doping both, I think the purpose of the day’s task is more effectively satisfied by the latter – getting out there and making connections with others; inspiring them to think “bigger” about their own lives and being inspired by them similarly.

The second thing I rediscovered about the “Meaning of Life” is how many people have an opinion as to what it isn’t. I too have done my research in this regard (maybe that is what living the consciously life is at first – discovering what doesn’t function, in order to more readily notice what does thereafter). Most folks are aware of the apparent fact that the Meaning of Life is neither to be found by adhering to societal conventions …

… nor is it attaining traditional measures of wealth or “success”.

We can all feel the intuitive Truth that the Meaning of Life is not overly complicated …

… and yet at the same time, we know that it isn’t overly simplistic.

Some have noted incorrectly that the Meaning of Life is tied to material things …

… while others believe that it is hidden in esoteric philosophies.

Some people succumb to the whisperings of their ego & believe that the Meaning of Life is self-satisfaction (or finding personal “happiness”) …

… while believe that it is hidden within; that it can be uncovered if they could just see inside themselves with any degree of clarity..

When responding to my survey, several people noted what for some of us is now obvious: that life has no objective meaning at all; that there is no single Truth that is consistent for everyone; that life has no innate Value waiting to be discovered. We are all unique, we all have unique gifts, and therefore all of us will eventually (and, I believe, inevitably) rediscover a meaning that is unique to each of us.

And yet I don’t think this is what the question is really all about. Focusing on what does not exist in life does not help us uncover what is there – and Meaning does in-deed exist in every moment, regardless of how inconsistent and malleable it might be.

Maybe the question should be re-framed as “What is the meaning in living?” For indeed, every moment is rife with potential depth; there is a latent Value hiding within every instant of every person’s life. And it is one’s chosen responses to these unique circumstances that reflect the equally valid Truth – that conscious actions can indeed give our lives Meaning, even if that Meaning is not present inherently.

My dear friend Mary Petruska seemed to sum it best when she wrote,

“I have no idea what the meaning of life is – but I do feel compelled to live a meaningful life.”

Indeed, this is a Mission available to all of us; not to uncover some “objective truth” that is constant in every one of our moments, but rather to accept each individual moment of our lives as it is and then to create something Meaning-full with it. I have heard homeless people tell me that the Meaning of Life is their next hot meal and I have heard homeless people tell me that the Meaning of Life is giving their next meal to a brother in need. We make our moments Meaning-full or not … It is we who decide the quality of our moments, and we alone.

So, here are some responses that flow with that theme. See if any of them resonate with you … And if you come up with any, please contact me and let me know!

………………………………………….

“[The meaning of Life is] to experience the gifts of listening, reaching out in meaningful ways, removing doubt and encouraging & uplifting others. ~ Evelyn

“To me, Life means real-eyes-ing that I am one with the Love I search for, and from that essence, to then beam that Love throughout my being …” ~ Pam, musician

“[The meaning of Life is] to come to know our true oneness with our Creator, and realize our self and our Creator in everyone else.” ~ Valerie

“To be Kind.” ~ Elijah (age 5)

“For me, the Meaning of Life is about the development of the soul. How that is done is different for each of us … Our Creator deals us a hand to help with that process, and it is up to us to make the most of it, or not. The choice is ours.” ~ Patti

“Maybe we are looking at changing from an [instinct-based] survival mode to one that engages a caring response for others, including things of nature.” ~ Doreen

“[The Meaning of Life is] to co-create with God to be our best selves, to love and spread love, and to help others. By loving we promote peace.” ~ Cecile

“To make the world a better place.” ~ Ezra (age 8)

“Passion … Without a passion for what you are doing, you’d have to ask “why do it then?” ~ Rob, high school coach

“Perhaps it is to listen, really listen, to the “still small voice” long enough and intently enough to figure out what it is that you are supposed to be about and then act upon it, not half heartedly but with all you’ve got.” ~ Wallace

“We’re put here on earth to take care of the cats.” ~ Don Lev, poet

“Maybe… the meaning of life is to simply to LOVE IT – flawed as it may be.” ~ Mary, artist

“I’m not sure, but I think we are here to help others. That’s all I seem to do.” ~ Paula

“Love.” ~ Joanna (note: this is also the first response of most dogs I interviewed)

“I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.” ~ Jim Carrey

“Life has meaning only if one barters it day by day for something other than itself.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

“To grow toward the Light without struggling to do so; to accept all that happens with grace, regardless of time or season.” ~ a tree

“The meaning of life is to experience the Divine potential within you, to say YES to it completely, and to then actualize it on behalf of all life.” ~ Barbara Marx Hubbard

See You when I see you …

… and until then, Be Now!

Scaughdt

Filed under: 366 Days of Kindness by Scaughdt