Purpose.. 3

Last I concluded on the topic that purpose is a hog wash and it is simple goals which take you to a little ahead are purpose. It may become big with time and if it is destined to, but the goal however small it may be when compared with those of the super heroes and their goals, it is still a purpose. 

Passion is misleading, all you need to know what you are good at and play on your strengths, you have to after all take care of your self. Besides, we are multi faceted so single minded passion in one area does not help, there are multiple goals for multiple needs.

Which goals is the next logical question and that is to be determined by the test what gives you happiness. I am biased to be pedantic here and believe spiritual goals, the one which help you to become larger than the selfish beings we tend to be, are better goals. This is however subjective, each individual sets it as per where they are, self awareness is critical here so that we know what makes us happier else we may traverse wrong roads. Self awareness also is a shifting goalpost, what I knew of me what I was few years back and could make me happy is no longer true, I know myself to be different from what I was earlier and not the same dreams gives me a similar happiness.  

This is broadly I had concluded last time but new data as I encountered lately calls for this blog once more.  Brene Brown or humanistic or positive psychology or process lab believe that connection, human connection formed with the foundation of love, belongingness or true feelings is what makes humans happy. The philosophy says we are inherently wired for connection; connection with other beings through love and belonging and therefore connection is itself is the purpose of life. Connection will lead to happiness, and that is the goal what is worth striving for.

However there is another strong data which comes from the eastern philosophy - Buddhism, Hinduism, and that is - craving of any kind leads to unhappiness, what we need to do is realize the transient nature of all objects of form and mind and free ourselves from cravings. This leads to happiness. Connection is also a craving so that is to be given up. 

Both the theories conflict each other, one says work to fulfil the craving for connection, it just requires you to be authentic, feel no fear of feeling and be vulnerable. It does not mean money but being true to yourself and being brave emotionally. The other says no craving just give up all if you seek happiness, all is an illusion. Each theory professes that mastering their wisdom in life is meaningful, the purpose of life. 

Both are appealing, and I believe in both hence in quite some conflict these days, which way to go and what road to travel...  Robert Frost poem - Road less Travelled with a twist explains this dilemma:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
Then chose one over the other,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Oh, I kept the other for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one which made the difference	.