The Search for Meaning

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” — Socrates

I want you to consider whether your choices are devoid of conscious intent?

Self-awareness is a key attribute humans possess, which distinguishes us from the animal kingdom.

The notable mirror test developed by the psychologist Gordon Gallup Jr. is used as an indicator of awareness in animals.

In the experiment, animals are shown an image of themselves reflected via a mirror.

If they recognise the image (often a marking is made on the animal to determine if they identify it), it is deemed they are self-aware.

Interestingly, children fail this test until they are 1 ½–2 years old. Therefore, self-awareness is the bedrock upon which we identify with our beingness. …

Happiness Is A By-Product Of Improved Self-Esteem

“Happiness is not the absence of problems; it’s the ability to deal with them.” — Steve Maraboli

I’d like to push you outside your comfort zone, if you are willing to take the test?

Ok, let us start with a question: Are you happy right now?

If not, what is the cause of your unhappiness?

You might not know and that’s fine, but how will you recognise happiness if you cannot distinguish being unhappy?

This is not about blame or judgement, but you consented to be pushed outside your comfort zone.

Shall we go on?

Do you make an attempt to step outside your comfort zone often? …

Life Can Change At The Drop Of A Hat

“We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” — Joseph Campbell

I’d like you to reflect on the following questions and be honest with your answers.

Are your plans and goals materialising as you hoped for?

Are you happy with the quality of your life?

If not, what would you like to improve and why?

I realise these questions may be confronting for some, since you may not have given them much thought.

But unless we take an inventory of our life, we cannot expect to move forward positively. …

An Inherent Negativity Bias

“One is never afraid of the unknown; one is afraid of the known coming to an end.” — Jiddu Krishnamurti

We often fear the worst of a situation due to an inherent negativity bias.

Our mind will give greater importance to our survival and happiness, and therefore whatever disrupts it is awarded more attention.

Can you identify with this narrative in your own life?

The mind’s negativity bias is an evolutionary system that has helped humans survive throughout history.

It allowed us to endure the external elements, yet it can also become habitual and a difficult mechanism to switch off.

We are habituated to expect the worst in a situation, and are adamant we’re right if the event comes to pass, and thus a vicious cycle ensues. …

Life Is Hardly Predictable.

“The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” — Frank Lloyd Wright

In the 1996 movie Jack, the lead character played by the late Robin Williams announces at his graduation: “Please, don’t worry so much. Because in the end none of us has very long on this earth. Life is fleeting. And if you’re ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky when the stars are strung across the velvety night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day, make a wish, and think of me. Make your life spectacular.”

There is something memorable about that passage that drives deep into our hearts. …

Victory Is Attainable

“Success is determined not by whether or not you face obstacles, but by your reaction to them. And if you look at these obstacles as a containing fence, they become your excuse for failure. If you look at them as a hurdle, each one strengthens you for the next.” — Ben Carson, Gifted Hands

Two identical acorns from the same oak tree are planted in distinct locations.

One is grown in the middle of a dense forest while the other on a steep hill by itself.

The oak on the steep hillside is exposed to frequent storms and fierce gale winds. …

Transforming Emotional Wounds

“The remnants of pain left behind by every strong negative emotion that is not fully faced, accepted, and then let go of join together to form an energy field that lives in the very cells of your body.” — Eckhart Tolle

When did you last experience a negative emotion and how did you feel?

Was it fear, anxiety, guilt, anger or something else?

Having identified the emotion, how did you deal with it?

Did you experience it completely?

Or did you antagonise with the emotion?

It’s fair to say, many people are unaccustomed to dealing with negative emotions because we are not taught how to process them. …

Judgement And Gratitude Are Opposing Forces

“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.” ― Henry Ward Beecher

Do you know that judgement impairs our ability to identify what is really taking place in a situation?

We may not have the full details and are likely to judge something based on limited information.

We tend to distance ourselves through our judgements and become disillusioned with what we find.

For example, it is easier to judge another person than to know them on a deeper level.

This is because it requires a commitment to invest ourselves and we might be disappointed if the other person does not reciprocate. …