Why are we here? What is this thing called life and what is it all about? What is the point of it all? To get at the question "what is life all about?" it may be a good idea to establish exactly what life is. After all, it is important to know what we are working with.
In this post (a short article) we will begin to look at what the point is in our living life at all. Our concern for what life is all about may come from a place of hurting and pain, confusion or despair. If this is the case, then we need to establish some clarity over the value of life. If not, we may be curious about where we come from, or what the nature of life is.
For those is despair, know that this is not our natural way. In our overly-materialistic world, much focus is placed on things. We can begin to measure the quality of our lives by what we can call our own, and less on how we feel when, in the end, it is actually the feelings that we are after. We want to feel good.
Our health and happiness have this in common; feeling good. It is that simple. If our despair arises out of misplaced valuing, then we can begin to focus on what is inside of us instead of what is outside of us and the tables will turn by themselves.
If you were to corner anyone and give them a choice between living in their present circumstances or not living at all, the bulk of us would opt to continue living. This says everything. Life is inherently valuable and dear to us, regardless of the circumstances.
What we have essentially done here is remove "the point of living" from the whole equation. We are not living "for" anything or anyone. To live for a purpose is a tremendous weight and burden.
With this approach, everything in life is measured by how far from some goal we are making it virtually impossible for us to enjoy ourselves in the moment. These moments, back to back, are our lives. String enough of these along and it leads us to unhappiness.
The point of life is to be alive. The point of live is to stay alive, and by this I don't mean extend it, but instead be vitally in it in each moment. Every circumstance is rendered more fulfilling when we approach it from a point of this inherent freedom.
So, what is life all about? Life is about remaining free of overwhelming purpose, so that we can engage in purposeful and fulfilling activity with this perspective. Young children are in touch with this, and engage in various activities on a whim, and feel whimsy.
We too can recover our natural zest and excitement for life by dropping the burdensome ideas of what needs to happen. Care-free does not mean you don't care. Care-free means you are open to possibility, and are not letting obligation and duty steal life away from you.
A balance CAN be achieved. Despair is the sign that the balance is lost, and some loosening up needs to occur. Our feelings are the key. They let us know. We can be excited about our ventures and the things we would like to do. This is as it should be.
