Living Well and Being Happy
The answer to this question, the meaning of existence, or as some people would say: "what is life? ", pertains to the purpose of life on the material, physical plane. Some other related queries include: "what is life like on other planets", "what is life like on other planets without getting a telescope?" or "where did the planets go?"
The meaning of existence is, in essence, the pursuit of happiness. The quest for the meaning of existence is most often fueled by the need to find the meaning and purpose of one's existence. Most often, it is said that finding meaning and purpose is what keeps us going, that sustains us when times are hard, that propels us through life when things look bleak, that sustains our relationships with others, with the community and society in which we live and work. It is most often said that purpose brings happiness.
The truth is, most often, it isn't what defines our purpose in life. When we ask, what is the meaning of existence, it isn't the destination we must ultimately arrive at when all else fails. Rather, it is our journey along the journey to reach this goal of happiness that defines our purpose and our happiness. For example, when I am asked, what is my purpose in life? What do I want to accomplish?
When I answer this question, what amazes me is how many times I find myself posing the same questions, over again, however, never finding the true answer. As humans, we often allow the question of what is the purpose of life to cloud our judgment and prevent us from making good choices. We become paralyzed with the meaningless question of, what is the meaning of life? Instead of finding purpose, why not focus on finding positive meaning in life? By answering the questions of what is the meaning of life first, and becoming aware of your own personal core values and beliefs about who you are and where you are headed, you will be able to take steps towards finding your own unique purpose in life.
Many times, we base our sense of purpose on the type of career or line of business that we hold dear. This is not to say that these are the only things that matter in determining your purpose in life but, rather, they are things that tend to come up time again. Therefore, if your purpose is to make a positive difference in the world, you will likely find yourself following a career path that is dictated by these areas. If, however, you are looking for a purpose that is less based on careers and more based on creating meaningful connections with people, you will likely want to choose a different path in life. Nevertheless, by making a choice based on what is the purpose of life as opposed to what you think is a good career or line of business, you can begin to feel happier and more fulfilled.
Another important factor that will have a significant impact on your quest for finding meaning in life is finding your unique calling and purpose. In most cases, when we find ourselves identifying with one thing, we often become content to live life just according to that one thing. We forget that happiness and fulfillment truly depend on our ability to step outside of our comfort zone and do something that is not familiar to us. Instead of thinking that you are alone in your quest for meaning, consider the fact that there are others out there who also need to figure out their meaning in life. Remember, not all journeys begin in the same place but, instead, you can choose to follow a journey that may seem more difficult or less fun than others, but, by doing so, you will find meaning and happiness in your journey.
One great example of the search for a fulfilling and meaningful life is found in the works of Dr. Maharishi Dalai lama. In his book, "The Science of Getting Involved," he outlines exactly what is the purpose of life and how one can make a difference in this world. According to Maharishi, when you understand what is your purpose, you become in tune with the universal energy that governs human relationships. The goal is not just getting enough or living up to someone else's expectations, but, rather, you must give your very best in everything that you do. To Maharishi, happiness is knowing that you have made a difference and, by your actions, you have contributed something to this world.
When we choose to follow the path of self-actualization, which is one that guides us through our lives, we will inevitably become aware of our true purpose. Once we have come to this realization, it becomes quite easy to determine what our purpose is and, if we are blessed, this will manifest in many ways, including being happy, healthy, and successful. To know your purpose and the difference that you can make by your actions is priceless. This is why the most important thing that you should do is to find out what your purpose is today. By doing so, you will be able to live well and be happy.