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Dudits
Tao


Registered: 09/16/13
Posts: 233
Loc: West coast
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meaning to life
#18988299 - 10/16/13 09:13 PM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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Is there anyone out there who really feels they have found their purpose in life and feels complete? Im not talking about a philosophy on life, but real day to day, love your job, wouldn't rather be doing anything else. How did you find yourself? What did it take, and what were some of the biggest hurtles?
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Ram Dass
Challenger



Registered: 02/08/08
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Re: meaning to life [Re: Dudits]
#18988319 - 10/16/13 09:18 PM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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I'm certainly not the type of persol that you are referring to, but it takes passion, and you have to do what it takes to follow your heart. Read the book "the alchemist" it's a pretty inspiring book. Even if you aren't a reader, it's a short book and it's easy to follow.
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brett1090
Grower


Registered: 08/09/12
Posts: 5
Last seen: 10 years, 3 months
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Re: meaning to life [Re: Dudits]
#18988332 - 10/16/13 09:20 PM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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I'm only 23, and no where near settled down or anything yet. I do feel as though I have a purpose.. Honestly, I got this way through changing my diet(now my lifestyle). Sounds lame, I know, but its true. I have so much more energy, a clearer head, and just an overall more upbeat sense of being.
Went from eating shit (pizza, candy, soda, processed foods. Basically the Standard American Diet) to eating a whole foods, plant-based diet. ERMERGERRD. Sounds extreme(ly stupid) to most people, but it really has changed my life.
Not here to preach about what you should eat, but give it a try and see how you feel after a week or two or a month.
My purpose, as I feel right now, is to try and open up peoples eyes to what they're eating and how changing that could change them. Most people don't want to hear that though, so I dont really try that hard. LOL.
PS* Was ~210ish back in March 2013. Now I currently weigh ~160-165ish... woot woot for me.
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Ram Dass
Challenger



Registered: 02/08/08
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Re: meaning to life [Re: brett1090]
#18988363 - 10/16/13 09:25 PM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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Congrats on the weight loss brother, keep it up. Diet and exercise absolutely results in a better overall mood.
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brett1090
Grower


Registered: 08/09/12
Posts: 5
Last seen: 10 years, 3 months
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Re: meaning to life [Re: Ram Dass]
#18988414 - 10/16/13 09:33 PM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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Thanks. You're definitely right. Like I said, I'm not here to preach about myself and my achievements, but I do think it's a step in the right direction for anyone who suffers from depression, chronic diseases and such.
The Gerson Institute(https://gerson.org/gerpress/) treats cancer, chronic degenerative diseases and stuff like that with a very specific diet and minor supplementation. It was part of the reason why I made the change in the first place. If they are having great success in treating these ailments with just a change in diet, why not jump the gun and get an early start. Just my thoughts on it.
Edited by brett1090 (10/16/13 09:34 PM)
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Repertoire89
Cat



Registered: 11/15/12
Posts: 21,773
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Re: meaning to life [Re: Dudits] 1
#18988757 - 10/16/13 10:32 PM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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All the meaning in my life has been shattered by realization of the assumptions which backed them, at this point there is no definite meaning to my life, only a will to survive and to enjoy it.
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Kickle
Wanderer


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Re: meaning to life [Re: Dudits] 1
#18988877 - 10/16/13 10:56 PM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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My mom always used to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I told her that I wanted to be the best person I could be. She would try to get me to be more specific but that's where my heart was and I never gave her a set in stone direction for my life beyond that sentiment. Now here I am however many years later with that same driving goal in many ways. I'm adrift without any set career but not without a sense of striving for betterment. If I thought that any certain career would better me I would pursue it, and in the past I have. But as it stands now I am reminded of the story of a head monk who one day disappeared.
The other monks at the monastery looked all over for him but he was nowhere to be found. That is until one day a young monk was walking past some workers who were shoveling gravel to repair the road. As the young monk walked past he recognized the head monk amongst the workers. Overjoyed he called out to him and greeted him with great respect. He begged him to come back to the monastery with him. Told him how everyone is looking for him and how his position remains. The older monk refuses time and again. The young monk insists, claiming that being in the monastery is the best place to be. You don't have to work so hard and can focus on the holy life. The head monk waits for him to finish and then explains that with each shovel full of gravel he is working towards enlightenment and that the other workers are Buddhas helping him along the way. The young monk returns to the monastery alone.
Just like the story I feel I can work on being better where I am, with what I am engaged in, and with those around me. I haven't come across a situation in which this didn't apply. And like the story I find the biggest hurdles, if you can call it that, are others' attempts to get me to go in their preferred direction. For me its best to focus less on what I'm doing and more on how I see it and subsequently react to it.
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dr.alkaline



Registered: 12/15/12
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Last seen: 4 years, 9 months
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Re: meaning to life [Re: Dudits] 1
#18988907 - 10/16/13 11:01 PM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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I am an all around pretty happy guy. I have a good work and home life. I think a few things that helped me reach this level. This is all personal shit that worked for me, I'm not saying it is the right way to live.
1. I don't own a tv. I know going tv-less is not for everyone, but I think I spend my time better without and am happier as a result.
2. I try not to drink alcohol.
2. I don't really buy luxurious items, so I don't feel that I need to have the newest thing or nicest whatever to be happy. Most of my clothes are very old, and were second hand when I got them and my apartment is preeety shitty. Gets me by though and I don't stress about money too much.
3. I pursued what I really wanted to do in life. I worked a deadend job for a few years and it really brought me down. I now have an awesome job that I look forward to going to everyday. I am salary, but I usually work late because I enjoy it so much. If you can, try to do work that you are passionate about, makes a big impact on your life.
Fuck I just realized this doesn't answer your question, but I typed too much to turn back now so here you go.
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circastes
Big Questions Small Head



Registered: 01/14/10
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I find life to be full to the brim with meaning, not necessarily happiness and joy, but depth and interest. Even this keyboard, screen, this room, the sounds in it, the visual perspective I have on it... it's all very profound to me.
I mean have you ever noticed the detail in everything?
I think there is higher consciousness achievable through meditation and it gives the brain a more powerful interpretation of what reality could be. It stays with you out of the meditation, but the general idea is, keep the mind to one thought all the time; one-pointedness. When you get a constant space of nothingness in your mind, then coming with it is this more in-depth apprehension of the surrounding environment.
I wouldn't say I'm happy and I do have issues, but happiness as Einstein pointed out is not the aim of life.
-------------------- My solitude... My shield... My armour... TESTED WITH FULL FORCE
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Dudits
Tao


Registered: 09/16/13
Posts: 233
Loc: West coast
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Re: meaning to life [Re: circastes]
#18989541 - 10/17/13 04:38 AM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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Dig the no TV thing and have actually been going in that direction, but the old lady isent thrilled about the idea.
Agree that being healthy is a big deal, im already kinda there though. Work out 5 times a week. Just ran in a tough murder and didn't die. I could eat better, would like to eventually go vegan but it just seems so damn inconvenient.
I always tell myself I don't need nice things but I buy them anyways, and then feel like crap later.
I want to follow my heart but 1. Im not quite sure were its telling me to go or how to start. 2. I've got a home and a family so it's hard for me to work up the courage to leave my well paying job that I hate.
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery



Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
Loc: underbelly
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Quote:
Repertoire89 said: All the meaning in my life has been shattered by realization of the assumptions which backed them, at this point there is no definite meaning to my life, only a will to survive and to enjoy it.
QFT
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom. " All that lives was born to die"-Anom. With much wisdom comes much sorrow, The more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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PocketLady



Registered: 01/18/10
Posts: 1,773
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Re: meaning to life [Re: Kickle]
#18989720 - 10/17/13 07:12 AM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
Kickle said: For me its best to focus less on what I'm doing and more on how I see it and subsequently react to it.
That's pretty much how I see it too. I don't think it's about finding your perfect job/life etc. It's about how you handle what life gives you. It's about your perspective. That is the key imho.
In the words of Captain Jack Sparrow - The problem isn't the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.
-------------------- Love is from the infinite, and will remain until eternity. The seeker of love escapes the chains of birth and death. Tomorrow, when resurrection comes, The heart that is not in love will fail the test. ~ Rumi The day we start giving Love instead of seeking Love, we will have re-written our whole destiny. ~ Swami Chinmayanada Saraswatir
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery



Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
Loc: underbelly
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-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom. " All that lives was born to die"-Anom. With much wisdom comes much sorrow, The more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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cez

Registered: 08/04/09
Posts: 5,854
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Re: meaning to life [Re: Dudits]
#18990391 - 10/17/13 11:00 AM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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The meaning of life is to die IMO. All feelings, thoughts and actions are relative.
Edited by cez (10/17/13 11:07 AM)
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Withinity
Untitled


Registered: 04/11/10
Posts: 1,357
Loc: Côte d’Ivoire
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Re: meaning to life [Re: cez]
#18990512 - 10/17/13 11:26 AM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
cez said: The meaning of life is to die IMO. All feelings, thoughts and actions are relative.
I think death is the only real condition toward being alive hence all thoughts feelings and actions being relative to that condition but IMO the meaning is kind of like a subjective hypothesis toward the condition whilst there be no facts.
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GilbertC06
Omnipotent to a fault.


Registered: 01/29/13 
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Re: meaning to life [Re: Withinity]
#18994029 - 10/18/13 03:30 AM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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Do what thou wilt
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Dudits
Tao


Registered: 09/16/13
Posts: 233
Loc: West coast
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Re: meaning to life [Re: Kickle]
#18994726 - 10/18/13 09:51 AM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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The other monks at the monastery looked all over for him but he was nowhere to be found. That is until one day a young monk was walking past some workers who were shoveling gravel to repair the road. As the young monk walked past he recognized the head monk amongst the workers. Overjoyed he called out to him and greeted him with great respect. He begged him to come back to the monastery with him. Told him how everyone is looking for him and how his position remains. The older monk refuses time and again. The young monk insists, claiming that being in the monastery is the best place to be. You don't have to work so hard and can focus on the holy life. The head monk waits for him to finish and then explains that with each shovel full of gravel he is working towards enlightenment and that the other workers are Buddhas helping him along the way. The young monk returns to the monastery alone.
That is dope
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davidmckenna
Dave


Registered: 08/05/12
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Re: meaning to life [Re: Dudits]
#19019293 - 10/23/13 01:02 PM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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On a day to day level, I just try to give myself space to find the meaning of it all but remember not everything can be conceptualised or confined to words, such as direct experience, and so far in my experience of life I find the 'meaning' of life is in the direct experience of it. We confuse reality with our words for it. Also, don't take it all so seriously, live lightly, give all you can, free yourself from the constraints of want/greed and don't judge yourself/others.
-------------------- My real name is David McKenna, I'm not that weird.
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Tropism
ChasingTail


Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 2,039
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Re: meaning to life [Re: Dudits]
#19019848 - 10/23/13 03:09 PM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
Dudits said: Is there anyone out there who really feels they have found their purpose in life and feels complete?
Can't find purpose, ya gotta make it. The universe doesn't owe us any meaning and refuses to budge on that. We create meaning on our own, we did when we were children and it's up to us to remember how as adults. Deep down we're wishywashy emotional things that like some things and dislike other things for the various reasons we find, we grow attached to what we want to and what has influenced us most dearly.
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circastes
Big Questions Small Head



Registered: 01/14/10
Posts: 8,781
Loc: straya
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Re: meaning to life [Re: Tropism]
#19020287 - 10/23/13 04:29 PM (10 years, 3 months ago) |
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Don't expect completeness in life but expect it to be eternally interesting, if you live properly and absorb all civilization has produced.
-------------------- My solitude... My shield... My armour... TESTED WITH FULL FORCE
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