Enjoying A Meaningful Life

There’s been a lot of books written on finding one’s life purpose. The Amazon bookstore lists thirty-thousand. I can’t say I have a definitive life purpose beyond enjoying a meaningful life. 

That may seem shallow, but there’s more to it than it sounds. Over the years, I developed a discipline to move in that direction. There are ten steps. I share them as a thought starter.

A Model For Enjoying A Meaningful Life

1. When faced with difficulty, take action whenever possible; otherwise, practice acceptance.

I intentionally avoid stewing over things. Worrying never helps. When facing difficulty, if there’s an action that can be taken, I take it. Otherwise, I simply accept that it is what it is. 

2. Practice kindness, especially when it’s difficult. 

I can be judgmental or dismissive of people who upset me. No matter how justified it might feel at the time, I always regret unkind behavior afterward. It’s best to be kind whenever possible. (It’s always possible!)

 3. Search for meaning on the inside rather than the outside. 

Organized religion never resonated with me. Yet, something was missing in my life. Whether that something was a higher power, a philosophical insight, or simply a Spiritual connection wasn’t clear. I spent a lot of time searching for answers only to discover that meaning is found on the inside. I stay in touch with that.

4. Always Remember, Life isn’t about me, I am about life.

We all fear death to some degree. The dynamics of that fear reside in self-centeredness. I find peace in thinking I am about life instead of the other way around. George Harrison put me on to that, “Life goes on within you and without you.” Remembering that life is in the driver’s seat helps me enjoy the ride!

5. Focus on transcendence. 

Liberation/enlightenment is impossible without transcendence. Transcendence engages Spirit, which awakens “the miracle of We.” I always feel better when my energies are directed outwardly.

6. Surrender to the “pull to Union.” 

I believe the fundamental energy of the universe brings things together. I call it a “pull to union.” Examples in the physical world include atoms, molecules, organisms, planets, solar systems, and galaxies. Behavioral examples include love, friendships, community, and nations. Meaning arises from relationships. I make a practice of finding “We” in everything.

7. Silence disturbing thoughts.

I practice this a lot. I’m getting better at it all the time. 

8. Bring attention to the present moment often. 

Eckhart Tolle’s book, The Power of Now, turned me on to this. I read the book nearly twenty years ago and have practiced its principles ever since.

9. Let go of minor frustrations.

Little things upset me, like slow drivers, automated phone cues, heavy traffic, long lines, etc. I’m consciously working at letting go of my frustration when encountering these things. It’s hard, but it brings peace.

10. Prioritize adaptive collaboration over winning.

We’re told that evolution is about survival of the fittest. I think there’s more to it than that. Change is a universal nemesis. Survival hinges on adaptive collaboration at least as much as fitness. We’re in this together. We all win when we all win. I try to keep that in mind.

I’m sure there are other variables I could add to the model, but these give me plenty to work on.

What’s your model for enjoying a meaningful life?

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