Seeking Meaning and Purpose

The search for meaning in life and our own purpose emerges as one of the most fundamental human motivations from the time we begin to examine the world in which we live as small children. Philosophers and intellectuals from many cultures have struggled with this profound, existential reflection for thousands of years. And in my own quest for self-awareness, it's a deep question that has remained and changed with me.

I think I had a more concrete, simplified view of what gave life meaning or purpose. Like many kids, I just wanted to pursue the things I was passionate about and that made me happy - playing sports, reading novels, making art. In those joyful moments being fully immersed in an activity I loved, I found a simple meaning and felt purposeful. My purpose was just to lean into those feel-good hobbies and interests as much as possible.

As I grew though, that perspective started feeling incomplete and almost self-indulgent. I craved greater depth and understanding beyond just personal pleasure and gratification. I started considering how we derive meaning not just from mood-boosting solo activities, but from the connections we make and roles we play within a larger human web. Our relationships with others, contributions to communities and causes, the values and virtues we uphold - these are all threads that seemed to give colourful context to the complexity of life.

In that vein, some may find profound meaning in parenthood - the biological and spiritual purpose of nurturing new souls and propagating the human family tree. For others, their purpose is tied to their career or vocation - be it serving the greater good through science, healing, or justice, or using their artistry to crystallize truth and beauty in the world. Leaving a positive legacy and making an impact that echos beyond ourselves can certainly imbue life with enormous meaning.

Similarly, many find meaning through their spiritual or religious beliefs about creation, the cosmos, and what or who has set all this in motion. Surrendering to a higher power, discovering one's place in the divine fabric, and aspiring to live up to sacred virtues or principles can provide a powerful sense of meaning and direction. Even for those like me who tend less towards formalized faith, a spiritual curiosity about our metaphysical existence and a fascination with the mysteries of the universe still endures.

Personally, when I sit with these huge questions of meaning and purpose now in my middle 20’s my perspective has become sort of an appreciative combination of those lenses. I've realized that for me, a big part of the meaning emerges from the acts of constantly growing, learning, wondering, and trying to become more aware and awake - not just in pursuit of my own enrichment, but to better understand my place in the world.

We are these achingly self-aware beings capable of pondering our own existence and wrestling with our feelings, beliefs, and ways of seeing. Just the ability to step back and look at life with such consciousness and question why we're here feels like part of the profound meaning itself. Our pure existence and sentience in this weird cosmic blink feels like a miraculous privilege to keep exploring with humility.

And so in that vein, part of my personal purpose has become about striving to live life fully as the multi-faceted, dynamic human I am. To engage my innate sense of curiosity about the world through perpetual education and open-mindedness. To exercise both the analytical and creative parts of my cerebral factory. To move towards making more ethical, informed decisions aligned with my values. To cultivate a stance of compassion and kindness in how I interact with others and all inhabitants of this planet.

At the same time, a key part of my purpose has revealed itself to be in nurturing my most meaningful relationships - romantic, familial, platonic - and uplifting those around me by showing up as supportive, giving, and generous of spirit. I want to be someone who sparks joy, inspiration and depth of connection in others' lives while also receiving that in return.

In terms of "leaving a legacy" or "making an impact", I have some ephemeral ideas about types of contributions I'd like to make. But I also have this sense that a lot of life's meaning comes through being open to wherever inspiration, interests, and opportunities lead in an organic way over time. I want to remain amenable to evolving into the highest realization of myself, while also being of service to grand things beyond just my own material success and gratification.

Essentially, I believe there are layered meanings threaded together like a tapestry. There are individual meanings in how we each decide to seek knowledge, express ourselves, realize our talents, and experience wonder, beauty, joy, connection, and growth through our circumstances. And there's a collective, shared meaning in how we choose to be of service to each other, the causes greater than ourselves, the betterment of the human condition, and the future wellbeing of our planet.

Navigating my own personal sense of purpose will likely be a lifelong exploration as I continue listening to my inner voice and staying attuned to what ignites feelings of truth, fulfillment, and aliveness. But I have faith that if I lead with curiosity, compassion, courage, and consciousness, the highest meaning and purpose will keep revealing itself. If nothing else, the very act of being present and contemplating these big questions while being in relationship with the world around me, is imbuing life with profound worth.

_{All images used here are mine}

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