As a young boy I enjoyed climbing trees. There are no two alike and each tree has its own special challenges and characteristics However, that is only part of the story as to why a child may want to climb up through the maze of branches. Surely, there is a the sense of challenge in knowing they can ascend through the branches for the fun & mere experience of it. Perhaps, in the end when the options run out there is a sense of accomplishment along with the view, which I always felt was the real reward. The significant 'meaning' in climbing the tree, is not the really the tree itself, but, in the climb the process, the ambition & goal as well as the experience for the climber. A tree climb is rewarding as a result of the desire to achieve a certain goal, enjoy the process, the challenge and that such a pursuit entails the possibility of reaching the final goal.
Beginning the journey the ascent into the tree, requires that we stand in close proximity to the trunk, perhaps upon the roots and surrounding ground beneath our feet. This is the moment when the challenge may seem daunting an instant in which we will feel compelled, or not, to muster up the desire or strength to begin our climb. Perhaps we will focus on the many branches or possibilities as we survey the complexity of the task before us with a sense of adventure and discovery or dread.
Like a child who briefly engages in climbing a tree there will be a recognition that there may very well be a time of undivided focus or even a sense of loyalty or commitment to the task.
Sometimes, like many times in our seasons of life, it presents itself as the desire for change or also experienced as a point of crossroads that we unexpectedly come to.
Many before us have, who likewise came to a similar point in life when it was deemed necessary, to face up to the complex subject and pursuit of meaning, to get to the place in which there is some clarity about what life is about and how to live it the best way possible to life a life with purpose.
Unfortunately, many give up here for fear or just lack of desire & understanding in how to take on what appears to be such a difficult task. There is possibly also a sense that committing to its pursuit may be wasted time & energy or the potential danger of failure.
Taking the first step - grasping the first branch
Unfortunately, the best place to start in the pursuit is in the actual question of meaning itself, the very place where almost everyone gets stuck or gives up. When we try to tackle the question of meaning we may feel similar to the child who stands at the bottom of the tree wanting to make the ascent but simply not knowing how to get to the first branch. However, there is good news! There is a technique and a means that will aid us to get past the significant problem, a kind of ladder to the first branch to get us started.
The multifaceted nature of the question of Meaning
We should also recognize that the question of meaning, (sometimes referred to as, the 'big M' question) is not limited to "what is the meaning of life?" rather, it is inclusive of many themes and variations which seem interrelated. Most of us have heard all the many themes and variations in one form or the other.
Questions like; what is the nature of reality?, Where did everything come from?, What is truth & true love? Is there such a thing as God? Is there a reason to believe in life after death? etc.....
Like a child considering the best way to climb the tree, there are many possibilities and questions on what may be the best place to start.
Fortunately, tackling the question of meaning does not have to be all work. It can be fun something we can all share in.
To begin all we need to do is acknowledge our need to learn & change.
For those of us who enjoy or feel compelled to get a deeper and more scientific perspective on the question see
www.spiritualityscienceandmeaning.com
Beginning the journey the ascent into the tree, requires that we stand in close proximity to the trunk, perhaps upon the roots and surrounding ground beneath our feet. This is the moment when the challenge may seem daunting an instant in which we will feel compelled, or not, to muster up the desire or strength to begin our climb. Perhaps we will focus on the many branches or possibilities as we survey the complexity of the task before us with a sense of adventure and discovery or dread.
Like a child who briefly engages in climbing a tree there will be a recognition that there may very well be a time of undivided focus or even a sense of loyalty or commitment to the task.
Sometimes, like many times in our seasons of life, it presents itself as the desire for change or also experienced as a point of crossroads that we unexpectedly come to.
Many before us have, who likewise came to a similar point in life when it was deemed necessary, to face up to the complex subject and pursuit of meaning, to get to the place in which there is some clarity about what life is about and how to live it the best way possible to life a life with purpose.
Unfortunately, many give up here for fear or just lack of desire & understanding in how to take on what appears to be such a difficult task. There is possibly also a sense that committing to its pursuit may be wasted time & energy or the potential danger of failure.
Taking the first step - grasping the first branch
Unfortunately, the best place to start in the pursuit is in the actual question of meaning itself, the very place where almost everyone gets stuck or gives up. When we try to tackle the question of meaning we may feel similar to the child who stands at the bottom of the tree wanting to make the ascent but simply not knowing how to get to the first branch. However, there is good news! There is a technique and a means that will aid us to get past the significant problem, a kind of ladder to the first branch to get us started.
The multifaceted nature of the question of Meaning
We should also recognize that the question of meaning, (sometimes referred to as, the 'big M' question) is not limited to "what is the meaning of life?" rather, it is inclusive of many themes and variations which seem interrelated. Most of us have heard all the many themes and variations in one form or the other.
Questions like; what is the nature of reality?, Where did everything come from?, What is truth & true love? Is there such a thing as God? Is there a reason to believe in life after death? etc.....
Like a child considering the best way to climb the tree, there are many possibilities and questions on what may be the best place to start.
Fortunately, tackling the question of meaning does not have to be all work. It can be fun something we can all share in.
To begin all we need to do is acknowledge our need to learn & change.
For those of us who enjoy or feel compelled to get a deeper and more scientific perspective on the question see
www.spiritualityscienceandmeaning.com
In branch I - we will consider:
- If there is a meaning for 'meaning'
- the deeply problematic - enigmatic nature of the question of meaning
- the generic answers to the question of meaning
The goal is to:
tranifesto.blog
- Build an awareness of how the question of meaning is distinctly unique, from many other questions we encounter in our struggle for answers, personally or collectively.
- Discuss how to approach the conversation concerning meaning by establishing certain important or essential premises regarding communication and the conundrum of the ambiguity of language.
- reveal the dilemma of the question of meaning and its nature.
- Identify the enigma of meaning. (the problem of its mysterious nature)
- Consider the potential meaning of 'Meaning' and identify the historical attempts at defining, 'purpose' or the 'meaning of life'.
- Explore why generic answers to the question of meaning are not deeply satisfying
- Identify why theses generic answers are not capable of transforming our lives.
- Try to frame the importance of our response to 'Meaning' by understanding that the most important or productive goal is not necessarily in having an answer but knowing where to begin the pursuit.