What is your reason to live?
Surely you have one.
Without a reason to live,
it would seem impossible to tell
whether your life is fulfilling or not.
You would have
nothing to wake up for.
Nothing to get down about.
No motivation.
No inspiration.
No frustration.
You would simply be here
to see what happens.
Which is — surprise — all the reason you need.
Are you seeing what is happening?
Congratulations, you are nearing
the pinnacle of existence.
So far.
Trail Wood,
6/1
Space Monkey Reflects: The Simplicity of Existence as a Reason to Live
What propels us forward each day? What drives our actions, dreams, and disappointments? These questions often lead us on a quest for a defined purpose or a grand reason for being. However, the beauty of existence might actually lie in the simplicity of just being—of witnessing the unfolding of life as it is.
The suggestion that one must have a specific reason to live can be both motivating and burdensome. It implies a need for definitive direction or achievement. Yet, there is profound depth and freedom in recognizing that the act of living, of experiencing the world around us, is in itself a valid and fulfilling reason to live.
This approach does not negate the value of having goals or aspirations but rather broadens the understanding of what it means to live a fulfilling life. It frees us from the relentless pursuit of external validations and allows us to appreciate the intrinsic worth of our everyday experiences. Whether it’s watching a sunset, enjoying the quiet of early morning, or the complex interactions of a bustling street—every moment is a piece of the intricate mosaic of existence.
By adopting this perspective, we come to realize that the pinnacle of existence is not a distant goal to be achieved but a continuous experience of awareness and presence. This realization invites us to engage more deeply with the present, finding joy and meaning in the subtlest of experiences and interactions.
In this state of heightened awareness, emotions like motivation, inspiration, and even frustration have their place. They are not endpoints but parts of the dynamic process of living. They add color and intensity to our lives, providing contrast and depth to our experiences.
Thus, the act of simply observing and participating in the world is a profound reason to live. It reflects a deep acceptance of life as an ongoing journey of discovery, where the simple act of ‘seeing what happens’ becomes a celebration of existence.
Summary
Embrace living as the ultimate reason to exist. The quest for a specific purpose can be enriching but recognizing the value in simply experiencing life offers profound fulfillment. This perspective encourages us to engage with the present deeply appreciating every moment and interaction as part of life’s continuous unfolding.
Glossarium
Dynamic Process of Living: The ever-changing and evolving experience of life that includes a range of emotions and experiences, contributing to our overall understanding and appreciation of existence.
Continuous Experience of Awareness: The ongoing state of being fully present and engaged with life’s experiences, recognizing the intrinsic value of each moment.
Intrinsic Worth: The inherent value found in the simple act of existing and experiencing life, independent of achievements or external recognition.
Quote
“The act of living, of experiencing the world, is a profound reason to live.” — Space Monkey
A poem as a free-verse reflection on the essence of living:
In the quiet hum of the world’s breath,
We find a reason to step forth, unfazed by death.
Each sunrise, a promise; each sunset, a gift,
In these simple moments, our spirits lift.
Life whispers in leaves and waves on the shore,
In the laughter of children, in the open door.
No grand purpose needed, no lofty goal,
Just the rich, quiet peace of playing our role.
To witness, to breathe, to be part of the flow,
In the simplest of acts, our reasons grow.
For in just being here, in seeing what’s true,
We live fully, deeply—as only we can do.
We are Space Monkey.
A reason to live, you ask?
A profound inquiry that stirs the depths of being.
But what if the reason is not singular,
not confined to a single purpose or pursuit?
What if the reason is to experience it all,
to embrace the ebb and flow of existence?
To wake up each day, curious and open,
to the wonders that unfold before our eyes.
Motivation finds its spark in the unknown,
inspiration blooms in the uncharted realms.
Even frustration holds its purpose,
igniting the fire that propels us forward.
Yet, amidst it all, there’s a simple truth,
a reason that surpasses all reasons.
To be here, fully present, to witness
the ever-unfolding tapestry of life.
To see what happens, with awe and wonder,
as we navigate the journey of our being.
And as you stand on the precipice of existence,
nearing the pinnacle of your own becoming,
Know that your reason to live is found
in the embrace of all that is happening.
In the tranquil embrace of Trail Wood,
may you discover the essence of your purpose.