Our Shared Gift
“The premise behind this idea of universal responsibility is the simple fact that, in general terms, all others’ desires are the same as mine. Every being wants happiness and does not want suffering. If we, as intelligent human beings, do not accept this fact, there will be more and more suffering on this planet. If we adopt a self-centered approach to life and constantly try to use others for our own self-interest, we may gain temporary benefits, but in the long run we will not succeed in achieving even personal happiness, and world peace will be completely out of the question.”
–H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama; A Human Approach to World Peace
Off To Sea Westfjords, Iceland
One thing that binds all humans together is our inherent desire for pleasure and aversion to pain. While we differ greatly in our means for achieving this, we share the common goal of maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering. Especially in the West, we place great emphasis on finding ‘meaning’ in our lives. This is ironic, as we simply don’t have the tools in place to succeed at this search on a societal level!
Inevitably, in a society structured to promote individuality and self-promotion, the search for meaning revolves around our personal interests. We seek these personal interests in the form of possessions, attachments and aversions. The irony is that seeking fulfillment in external, transient pleasures is that, by nature, pleasures are fleeting.
While I do not expect us all to renounce worldly desires altogether, I have faith that we can wake up to a new model of ‘meaning’ for our lives. We are ready for a model that promotes personal values by diverting the attention off of ourselves and onto current and future generations; one that diverts attention away from the media and onto the reality of the physical world.
The Dripping Point Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
This transition requires a big-picture view. It requires zooming out of our day-to-day reality to, instead, observe the state of the global system in the scheme of the global timeline. We are in the midst of the most significant tipping point in the history of this planet. For those of us privileged with the means to dedicate our lives to a cause, why would we not dedicate ourselves, fully, to that cause?!? What alternative way of living could compare, even slightly, to the profundity of battling climate change or extreme poverty? What is a more incredible way to spend one’s life than to work towards a sustainable species or to save other species’ from extinction? The list goes on and on, and the diversification of interests among people is extraordinary.
There are countless niches when we allow nature to be the boss. Nature works for sustainability rather than profit; it seeks balance rather than growth. Nature, too, wants happiness and not suffering. Imagine if we dedicated our lives to being nature’s guardians against all of this synthetic greed and egotism.
I do not expect everyone to do this, as I have the tendency to project my personal opinions. But if it resonates just slightly, I invite you to consider the part of you that is touched. If you are searching for meaning, in my humble opinion, this is it! This is our era’s project! This is our vessel into awakening. We are the most privileged people in history to be able to experience such an opportunity. Awakening is being served to us, and this is our opportunity to take advantage of nature’s profound wisdom and compassion. If we trust it enough, it will light our way.
If you are inspired with an idea and want to brainstorm it further, PLEASE feel free to contact me!