A short thought investigating the idea that the purpose journey contains two types of quest: exploring (the challenge of finding a path) and mountaineering (the challenge of following one).
Our mindsets - whether self-determining or deterministic - don’t just colour our reality, they shape it. What defines the mindset in which you most commonly exist? And does changing your mindset alter your sense of what is purposeful or meaningful to you?
Is it helpful to think about guiding lights as the centre point between extremes? And how much sense does it make to think of fixed points when we ourselves flow and change so readily? This is an attempt to locate the points of consistency and balance within ourselves.
Do we need to know our destination before setting out on a purpose journey? I wonder if a more useful question to ask in these circumstances could be ‘how will I navigate’?
Do we put too much emphasis on our work for happiness? Perhaps we’re looking for a greater sense of fulfilment in all the wrong places.
Memento Mori - Remember death.
In the tangle of everyday life, death is not a tempting thought. But reflecting on the end of life can help you make the most of the present and live with a greater sense of purpose and intention.
A discussion about death and freedom with philosopher Roman Krznaric.
Miles Hilton Barber dreamed of being a pilot when he was a boy. But in his twenties he was hit by a genetic disease that destroyed his sight, leaving him totally blind.
His brother Geoffrey had the same condition. But the remarkable thing about these brothers is that they’ve both gone on to become record-breaking adventurers. The even more remarkable thing is that Miles (and Geoffrey) didn’t start adventuring until age 50! If you’ve ever felt held back by conditions beyond your control, or if you’ve ever worried that it’s too late to start, this story is for you.
What does Buddhism say about purpose? And if there is no inherent purpose in our lives, how can we create this for ourselves? In this interview, Rev Taka Kawakami talks about hedonic and eudaimonic happiness and the concept of ikigai. And how it's ok not to know what you're doing with your life.
““It’s like driving a car at night: you never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.””
