The Power of Now and Then
One dimension of a meaningful life is purpose. But another might be called something like… intrinsic significance.
Intrinsically significant experiences are those that you find worth remembering because of their sheer goodness and joy. Looked at from the perspective of intrinsic significance, really living is about the process of how it feels to make good memories.
There is a depth and mystery to these memories and to the process. It’s a form of significance that seems to point not beyond itself but down deeper into itself, further down than you can peer.
I posted a related poem several months ago.
As Time Allows – My illness is progressive and bedridden time has risen; I’m no longer able to reply to most comments and emails. I do read everything I get and sometimes this gives me ideas for posts. So please keep them coming and I’ll reply as time allows.
Intrinsically significant experiences are those that you find worth remembering because of their sheer goodness and joy. Looked at from the perspective of intrinsic significance, really living is about the process of how it feels to make good memories.
There is a depth and mystery to these memories and to the process. It’s a form of significance that seems to point not beyond itself but down deeper into itself, further down than you can peer.
I posted a related poem several months ago.
As Time Allows – My illness is progressive and bedridden time has risen; I’m no longer able to reply to most comments and emails. I do read everything I get and sometimes this gives me ideas for posts. So please keep them coming and I’ll reply as time allows.
Posted by Paul at 7:38 PM Permalink
16 Comments:
my happiest moments are kept in my memory bank. i play them often.
knowing you is also adding something to this bank. you are goodness and joy to me. :)
Hope today, Sunday, finds you at ease as much as possible. It's a gray upon gray day here, but I am enjoying a quiet house after many days of commotion (good commotion!). I am savoring the silence...
I used to feel like such a slug because I wasn't purpose driven, wasn't being useful, wasn't contributing in some way ... I felt like a failed employee. But when I had pets later, dumb as this probably sounds, I felt they didn't need to make any contribution, didn't have to earn their place here, that they had intrinsic worth just by merely existing. Maybe that's true for all of us.
it is a good realization. i should stop trying so hard too.
thanks crystal. :)
"that they had intrinsic worth just by merely existing."
I think this realization is St. Paul's and Luther's "faith not works." And Zhuangzi: “Your preciousness lies in your essence; it cannot be lost by anything that happens.”
ciao,
Raymond
There has to be a passion, an aptitude or set of aptitudes, and a context where the work that you’re capable of doing will be received and have an impact.
Additionally, there’s what might be called something like "minor works" - treating others with kindness, respect, and compassion as you go about your day to day business. Make a life’s habit of that and it adds up to a sizeable positive influence on the world around you.
There is a great deal of angst about finding purpose. We depend on it to give us meaning and energy and drive.
I've found that when I realized my inner purpose was simply to be aware, everything else clarified. Our true nature is joy and peace and love and that's not something we have to work for, when we are able to see that.
Great post, thanks.
"The stuff of good old days is not our love affairs
But our flirtations; not the places where we stopped
But the spaces in-between too numerous to track or count..."
That was so well said --- you have my mind visiting the space between the bars now. Thank you.
Today I'm appreciating the sun on my back through the window .. that warming glow - before going out into the cold. The rain has gone for the moment - but it has tormented others this week.
Bed is not an easy place - I've surrounded the two walls my mother can see with cards from family and friends .. and I have the rest (nearly 3 years worth now) .. but I can read them to her; she's always asked me to Google things - hence my blog .. divulging the kinds of information we laughed about or just enjoyed, or thought back over the past 2,000 - 10,000 years of life: what changes etc
Amazingly recently she really enjoys the apple iphone pictures - as she can see what I've put on my blog, or have come from elsewhere and then we have something to chat about.
We are lucky she is not in pain - just get tireder as the months go by ..
My thoughts and blessings of peace and joy at the moments you can share - so precious now .. the power of now .. keep smiling, I suspect you will under all the layers of difficulties ..
A big gentle hug to you and the family - Hilary
Brenda - I can't write creatively on purpose - that is, the conscious part of my brain just receives and edits. The 9-11 poem was unusual because it came word for word without any editing.
Wonderful words of wisdom to grasp dimensions of who we are and how we are made up.
I find memories, incredibly interesting. I have been blessed with the clarity of many memories from as young as two years old. They are part of me, good and bad.
Sending good thoughts your way.
Post a Comment