Happy or meaningful life. Which to choose?
Heard a remark the other month: A person cannot lead a life that is both happy and meaningful. How depressing is the statement should you choose to believe it?
The basis of this proposed theory is that if one is to have a truly happy existence they must live in the present (akin to a Zen-like) state. Whereas if they were to choose the meaningful path there must be reflection on the past and considerations regarding future. Now I’m aware there are further levels that are possible to visit in relation to zen and/or meaningful life afterall one may be able to lead a meaningful life by following the zen philosophy. We are not here to squabble, only refelecting on the statement. I recall where it hit the lobes. The series Heroes (a fabulous series by the way and perhaps the only show I allowed self time to view) is where it was said and perhaps a great deal more eloquently then here nontheless…
This statement had me thinking for some time. For starters is it true? After considerable time contemplating no true conclusion could be derived as I feel this idea has similar philosophical and unanswerable qualities to the question “What’s the meaning of life?” Let’s see if one was to live in a Zen like fashion: Yes there is meaning but what is the meaning of nothingness? I personally love the Zen idealogy for the purity is wonderful and one element of its teachings is the idealogical state of perfecting one actions be mundane or not. Example: Walking up a staircase is the act of walking up a staricase where each step is your focus with nothing more entering the mind. The purpose is to exist in the moment and perfect the actual movement of what it is you are doing, so walking up the stairs thinking about a meeting with the board of directors (now meeting with directors is definitely worth a post or three) or where you plan to eat lunch instantly voids your zen state. So is happiness achieved suspended in a nothingness state? Ask me and I’ll say it is dependent on the individual mentality and will add that why not attempt to have a life both happy and meaningful?
I could carry on for a few more paragraphs here though I choose to be lazy and let this topic evolve at a later date. Truthfully I am choosing the easy out here as I need to deal with other issues and am attempting to keep a promise to self of a weekly post resulting in a substandard depth discussion on an area worthy of so much more. One that may prove to be filled with magnificent wonderment…
Sleep well…
