The Search for Meaning
The search for meaning seems to be an indeterminable process. Now, in a world bombarded by connectivity, we seem to be overwhelmed with decisions, small and large, which inhabit our lives in a way never before in History. First came phones, then voicemail, then email, then texting, then Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Skype, and Zoom. It’s not all bad of course, but it is hard to find downtime during the day, and everyone expects to move to the front of the line once they contact you. It is hardly surprising that we don’t hear back from many busy people, with everyone doing their own “shortlisting and prioritization.” These are challenging conditions in a world where we seek calm and peace.
Our species was never expected to operate under these conditions, and our minds always move towards the things that will least disturb our peace. That means staying with cycles that we are not challenged with, routines that maintain their own rhythm, even it that rhythm is mind-numbingly boring!
What is a Christian to do?
Well, bombarded by smaller decisions and the challenge of prioritization, we need to revisit our objective. What is the meaning of all of this? Are we being fulfilled in our lives or just surviving the onslaught? OK, some overexaggeration here, but you get my drift.
We often roll with the punches to complete yet another task, but have we reached this point through personal planning, with some guidance from the Holy Spirit, with the expectation that we will eventually reach some nirvana? Probably not.
Maybe we should be searching for meaning in what has actually brought us that nirvana we all seek—unshakable Inner Peace. The times, roles, activities, people, places, and experiences that have brought us not just happiness but real meaning in our lives. When we felt active, alive, refreshed, peace-filled, and loved in some special way. You paint in your own color here.
When we take an inventory of where we have been, over time, we can see that we are traveling on this journey, not to reach a destination, but rather to be who we are. Who God intended us to be. Those reflection points that gave us meaning tell the story to a sometimes over cooked mind. Where we are confused by all the distractions, just like those we experience at times in Centering prayer.
What are your thoughts on the matter. Is meaning staring us in the back? Is all we have to do is revisit where we walked in those special places to receive the signs of where we are/should be heading?
Copyright 2024 Reflection by Michael J. Cunningham
Reminded of a teaching of Thich Nat Hahn. Paraphrased: ‘Focus on the suchness of each step’. Like one would be mindful of how that was such a great dinner or what a great reflection even. It’s pretty hard to focus on the dappled things when you are overwhelmed with distractions. Thanks for A Spiritual Break!
Cool place with bench at Benicia port area, view of Strait between south direction Benicia bridge and railroad bridge. Nice place for coping.
Another favored coping spot is the bench on the upper trail of the Forrest Deaner Native Plant Botanic Garden at the Benicia State Park. Shaded under oak trees with the garden in the foreground and the Strait beyond.