Finding Meaning in Life with Creativity
What is the meaning of this life and why are we here? These are the universal and timeless questions asked by everyone. Answers are usually elusive and the desire to find reason for our existence lingers, becoming a steady hum of the soul. Everyone wants to feel as if life has meaning even if only slight. I have always believed that it is in the contribution to society in some small way that one feels the most useful and purpose driven.
You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.
Albert Camus
Living a life that lacks meaning can result in a listless approach to the day. Why begin anew when your purpose is unclear? Motivation and resourcefulness do not exist without direction and goals. Some ask this question of themselves very early on in a life, examining the many ways in which even the smallest of contributions can be made. Others wait until much later when they feel the tug of age to reflect, often with the realization that it is too little too late.
No matter how much we try to run away from this thirst for the answer to life, for the meaning of life, the intensity only gets stronger and stronger. We cannot escape these spiritual hungers.
Ravi Zacharias
In addition, this generation has seen a mass exodus from organized religion in a show of unprecedented rebellion. Without placing any judgment on this movement of which I am entirely unqualified to do, I believe this has led to a deep void as questions are not asked and answers are not sought. Without the individual curiosity of spirituality in the place of organized religion, what remains is a loss of connection from the larger universe. It is in the evaluation of how the self relates to all others that one digs deep enough to explore the wells of purpose. How do we really ever share the deeper parts of ourselves without revealing the very pieces that make us unique? Simply put, I believe it is the creative self found within that drives our continued search for purpose.
Only an artist can interpret the meaning of life.
Novalis
Creative energy can present in many ways. Discovering new medical breakthroughs, building exciting architecture, bringing together communities or sewing blankets for those that do not have any. Teaching children, playing beautiful music for others, holding a conversation with someone that is isolated or simply sitting with someone in need. These are all examples of creative energy and all very meaningful uses of life energy. It may not be a Noble Peace Prize, or a Fortune 500 company, but all of these acts are essential for healthy human connection. This is far more important than the building of empires or acquiring riches. It is a life lead by the purpose of the soul. As much as we try to control so many things in our lives, we do not always get to choose the way in which this creativity will be expressed. It becomes essential not to dwell on how we thought our life should be, but instead appreciate the present moment as it unfolds.
Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another.
Thomas Merton
I know this is hard. I get anxious just like everyone else, worried about what I am meant to accomplish or how the world will accept my creative contribution. It is only human to have doubts; if someone never second guessed themselves I would be suspect of their intentions. Narcissism is not a good look. One could even say that purpose is simply continuing to “show-up” each and every day. It is willingness to try new things, embrace life as it is and continue to try and make it a better world in some small way. With all of its flaws it is a beautiful world indeed.