Keeping it Personal

Life is lived by each person alone but within relationships to the rest of humanity. The ‘rest’ part is often in groups, family, colleagues and strangers. But each person lives life as an individual to make sense of all the rest. What does any one fact mean? Or an experience? Who are the other people in my life and what do they mean to me and to themselves? Why are they in my life experience? What am I supposed to do with this?

With these simple questions we set out on a journey to experience and learn from life. Much later each of us is equipped to make sense of our surroundings. That leads to questions and answers leading to broader understandings. We follow that with exploration and discovery. We study, ponder and research much more. We expand the breadth and depth of our own understanding the world surrounding the self.

In this manner we slowly evolve into a self-determining adult person. At no point are we perfect at this mission. No, we are imperfect beings growing and becoming a fuller developed adult person. Perfection may be an objective, but it is unlikely to be met. That is a striving rarely achieved.

But we try. We solider on. What then do we do? What comes with all of this becoming?

That is a good question. To what aim are our actions? Self-aggrandizement? Wealth? Happiness? Fulfillment? What are we trying to accomplish and why? Why is this endeavor such a thing, vexatious or compelling?

At the core of our self, I think we struggle to do the right thing for ourselves and others. We feel good doing good, being of assistance, of value to others. This is perhaps a reason for do-good institutions – animal rescue, charities for kids, poor, sick and disabled, refugees, and so many other people-oriented causes. Arts and education also figure in our interests of good outcomes. Activities surrounding these subjects are good for us to pursue. The doing of something in these areas makes us feel good. We grow from this engagement as well.

Yet people do other things, too. Following Twitter stories, news feeds with alluring headlines of fear and violence. Why do we waste time on these pursuits? Human nature chasing curiosity? Why the interest in things not pertaining to the self or the good of others? Why the curiosity?

I suppose we do frivolous things as a form of idle curiosity and relaxation. An escape from the serious matters of life so we can continue to do our duty refreshed and energy restored. I am not certain of the answers but I think we are on the right track.

So much entices us off the track. It takes discipline and stamina to remain on course. Of course, music is not a dalliance! Nor concerts, plays or movies. Ah no! those are pursuits of art, meaning and discovery. Is this always so? Of course not. But then, it is the art of it that beckons. Where will this lead us?

October 11, 2022

 

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