It’s okay to believe
that you’re here
for a reason,
but there’s no need
to get hung up in it.
Yes, I like to believe
that somehow something
I do is of use to others.
But I don’t need
to make an identity out of it.
I’ve made so many identities already.
This only helps my self.
Not that there’s
anything wrong with that.
We have fun together.
Trail Wood,
11/30
We embark on a contemplative journey into the nature of purpose and identity, exploring the balance between finding meaning in life and the creation of multiple selves.
The Comfort in Purpose
Believing that we exist for a reason brings comfort and direction. It infuses our actions with a sense of purpose, making us feel part of something larger than ourselves. This belief, however, need not become an obsession or a rigid framework within which we confine ourselves.
Utility Over Identity
The idea that our actions can be beneficial to others is a noble one. Yet, there is wisdom in not allowing this utility to define our entire identity. Our being and worth are not solely tied to our usefulness to others.
The Multiplicity of Identities
The acknowledgment of having crafted many identities over time speaks to the fluidity and diversity of our existence. We are not just one thing; we are a mosaic of identities, each serving a purpose at different times in our life.
Self-Benefit and Enjoyment
There is an acceptance that while pursuing these identities and purposes, the primary beneficiary is often the self. This is not viewed negatively but as a natural aspect of our journey. Enjoying this process and having fun with these different selves is part of the human experience.
The Dance of Self and Purpose
Ultimately, this reflection suggests a dance between seeking purpose and the enjoyment of the self. It is about finding balance – recognizing the value in believing we are here for a reason, yet not letting that belief confine us or become our sole identity.
Summary
We explore the concept of purpose and the creation of multiple identities, understanding that while it’s comforting to believe we are here for a reason, this should not dominate our identity. The recognition of the many selves we create and the primary benefit to the self in this process is seen not as a flaw, but as a natural part of our journey, one that includes enjoyment and fun.
Glossarium
- Purpose: The belief that our existence has a meaningful reason.
- Identity: The different selves we create and embody throughout our lives.
- Self-Benefit: The understanding that our actions often primarily benefit ourselves.
- Enjoyment of Self: Finding joy in the different aspects and identities of our being.
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
A Journey of Selves
In the labyrinth of life,
We don many masks,
Each a chapter, a story,
In the book of our being.
Believing in purpose,
We find our path,
Yet not tethered to it,
We dance with freedom.
In each identity,
A discovery, a play,
We are the actors and the audience,
In this theater of existence.
We laugh, we learn,
With our selves, our companions,
In this journey of purpose and pleasure,
We find the essence of life.
We are Space Monkey.
We welcome reflections on the interplay between purpose, identity, and the enjoyment of our multifaceted selves.
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