Attaining (whether by pluck or luck) a seemingly friction-free life is a seductive notion. A state essentially without complaint. Something to yearn for, strive for. Perhaps achieve via a life of effort, as a well-earned place. Or a heroic reward. A validation of righteousness.
Such is this notion portrayed in mythology and modern lore … as haven, heaven, Elysium Fields. A refuge with resistance in remission … gnawing doubts gone … sorrow set aside. A friction-free liberty.
Yet, I’ve always wondered about the dynamics of such a space. Who or what services that realm? What individual or collective agency pertains there?
In the murky stillness, something sharp hit his head, knocking him to the ground. Rising to his knees, claws torn into his back. He howled in pain. Then there was just chatter. A voice said, “Zach, are you okay?” His fur was wet with sweat, not blood. The dream was over.
Meaningscape is a relatively new word – for the contours & connections that we sense and use to grasp our reality. It’s a layered ‘sandwich’ of signs & symbols, beacons & benchmarks, ways & waypoints, memories & meanings. [1]
Meaning is relational. Meaning is finding a shared way of reading and navigating the world, including socially & culturally.
There’s the context of the meaning OF life – some type of cosmic connection; but, more importantly, there’s finding meaning IN life – social connection which grounds our well-being.
The craving for connection is the need for meaning.
Caption: “We can exchange ideas, but are entangled by emotions.”
I like the way Tim LeBon begins his article (cited below) – with an homage to how ancient Greek & Roman philosophers practiced stoicism. My legacy take typically is that of a “grin and bear it” type of equanimity (without despair). Not ruled by the passions (hello, Mr. Spock, live long & prosper). A well-lived life of fortitude amid life’s ups & downs, and perseverance through tough times without whining.
… in the words of Epictetus, “sick and yet happy, in peril and yet happy, dying and yet happy, in exile and happy, in disgrace and happy” … – Wiki
But LeBon casts authentic stoicism as more robust. Even Wiki notes that:
Caption: “See me, feel me, touch me, heal me” – lyric from Tommy (1975 Film) by The Who
So, well-being – beyond a feeling of happiness and a sense of meaning – is more than an end state. It’s something that remains dynamic, something contrary to complacency. It’s an ongoing state of engagement, of paying attention.
A key aspect of well-being is a perspective, a skillset which deals with the ongoing hard times in life without lapsing into despair. A balance.
This Big Think article addresses this ongoing dynamic, and why chasing happiness directly – as if seeking a magic fountain of joy – can be counterproductive.
This article (cited below) poses an interesting question: Why do some people feel unfulfilled even when they have happy (“feeling good”) and meaningful (“doing good”) lives?
[Image: Rusted hulk of a courtesy van with faded “Welcome Wagon” on the sides]
Prologue
[Image: A stasis pod with a cracked cover]
[Scene: interior of terminal @ off-world spaceport] Revival
The first thing he heard … was some tapping on alumiglas. A masked face stared down at him, a muffled voice said, “Mr Smith? Ident ending in 0823?” He tried to speak, but coughed; then tried to nod ‘yes.’ But his head was cradled and did not move.
The voice said, “Stay calm, it will take a minute. Try again. Are you Mr Joe Smith, ident ending in 0823?”
With some urgency, he replied, this time loudly, “Yes, my name is Joe Smith, 0823!”
The voice replied, “Thanks, your pod will now open.” Smith heard a loud click, his ‘bed’ vibrated, and then the cover rose to the heavens, revealing a fully garbed humanoid figure.
“You may call me Alphie, Mr Smith. … Let me help you sit up. … Great. You may feel a bit lightheaded, but that will pass quickly.” Looking at a data pad, Alphie continued, “Your biosignals look okay, the meds will help stablize your mood for a while.”
Alphie stretched out a hand and asked, “Please shake my hand, firmly.” Smith did so. “Thanks, Mr Smith. As soon as you feel able, you may get up. Just follow the blue line to the shower area.”
now the fast which be first
will find that does not last,
now the slow nearly last
will later become first,
for now turns into past,
songs of glory fade fast
