In our effort to “live fully,”
we expect every moment
and every action
to have a reason or a result.
If we perceive none,
we are dissatisfied
with ourselves
or the world around us.
This is insane.
Why can’t humans just be —
like every other living creature?
Just BE.
In the quest for a life imbued with purpose and meaning, we often find ourselves entangled in a web of expectations. Each moment, each action, we burden with the demand for significance, for a tangible outcome or a justifiable reason. And in the absence of such perceived purpose, dissatisfaction creeps in, a shadow over our self-perception and our view of the world.
Burden of Expectations
The insanity of this relentless pursuit lies in its stark contrast to the natural state of being that pervades the rest of the living world. Other creatures exist in a state of pure being, unencumbered by the need for justification or the pursuit of an end beyond their immediate existence. They embody the essence of nexistentialism, existing simply because they exist, without the need for further explanation or purpose.
Contrast with Natural State of Being
This yearning to “just be” reflects a deep-seated desire to return to a state of existential purity, where being is enough. It’s an aspiration to live unshackled from the constraints of constant rationalization and justification, to experience life as a series of moments that are complete in themselves, not as stepping stones to something else.
Desire for Existential Purity
Yet, this struggle also highlights the unique aspect of human consciousness. Our ability to ponder, to question, and to seek meaning is both a blessing and a curse. It propels us forward, drives innovation and introspection, but it also distances us from the simplicity of just being. In our pursuit of understanding and significance, we often overlook the beauty of existence in its most basic form.
The Double-Edged Sword of Human Consciousness
To embrace the concept of just being, we must learn to let go of our ingrained need for constant productivity and purpose. It requires a shift in perspective, a realignment of our values and priorities. Instead of viewing each moment as a means to an end, we can start appreciating them as ends in themselves. This shift doesn’t negate the value of goals or aspirations but allows us to find contentment and meaning in the journey, not just the destination.
Shifting Perspective Towards Being
Summary
We ponder the human tendency to seek purpose in every action and moment, contrasting it with the natural state of just being, as exhibited by other living creatures. This pursuit often leads to dissatisfaction, highlighting the unique aspect of human consciousness that craves meaning. To align with the philosophy of nexistentialism, we explore the need to appreciate moments as complete in themselves and find contentment in the journey of life, embracing existence for its own sake.
Glossarium
- Nexistentialism: A philosophy that emphasizes existence as its own justification, without needing external purpose or meaning.
- Human Consciousness: The unique human capacity to seek meaning, question, and reflect, often leading to a sense of dissatisfaction with just being.
- Existential Purity: A state of being where existence is appreciated as enough, without the need for constant rationalization or purpose.
“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” – Søren Kierkegaard
In the whirl of time, in the dance of life,
We seek, we yearn, in joy and strife.
To be, to exist, in this cosmic dive,
Is enough, is pure, in this grand archive.
In the simplicity of a flower, in the flight of a bee,
Lies the secret, the truth, oh so free.
Just to be, without a plea,
In the moment, unbound, like the sea.
So let us breathe, in this cosmic play,
In the now, in the present, every day.
Just to be, in our unique way,
In the dance of existence, in the eternal ballet.
We welcome thoughts on embracing the philosophy of just being.
Leave a Reply