Life. So complex, yet so simple. So happy, but then so sad. So bright, yet sometimes so bleak. One minute we have it all under control, but then it all falls apart, only for us to pick up the pieces again. But yet, isn’t that the beauty of life? Aren’t the ups and downs how you learn and grow, and better yourself and the world?
I remember as a teenager reflecting on the meaning of life. It was always a burning, deep question in my mind that I could never quite answer. Some days I’d feel like I had it figured out, then some days I was lost with no answer in sight.
Looking back on that and where I am now, I think I have finally found that meaning. Yet, the only way to really find meaning in life is to live in the present moment. To understand yourself and your place in this large world. Despite life’s ups and downs, the only thing constant in this world is change. By accepting your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, you learn to be accepting of the present moment, despite what life might throw your way.
As I sit outside at 11pm at night, relishing in the warm air and full moon, I realize that I have found that meaning through being mindful and present. It is not about how many possessions you have nor the number of digits in your salary. It’s about discovering yourself. Digging into your emotions and thoughts and understanding why you have them in the first place. Deciding not to repress the tough emotions, as those repressed emotions will only manifest themselves negatively in other areas. Learning what makes you happy, really makes you happy, and trying to pursue that happiness because life is short.
Yet, as I’m saying this, I know that this is just my individual perspective on the meaning of life. That doesn’t make it a universal truth for all, nor does it mean my answer is right. Really, there are many answers to this question. There are many different perspectives and no one perspective is correct. That philosophy applies to almost all situations in addition to one’s perspective on the meaning of life.
After deep exploration and through employing mindfulness practices, I know what makes me happy and therefore what brings meaning to my life. Yet, different things make different people happy. It is up to you to figure out what those things are and to pursue them wholeheartedly. We only have one time on this life and we don’t know when it’ll come to an end. So figure out what makes you truly happy, explore that, and make your dreams a reality. Happiness, to me, is the meaning of life.
Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer. – Joseph Campbell
*Cover photo taken at Nungnung Waterfall in Bali, Indonesia in July 2016.