existentialism and being who one is.
Does life have any inherent, objective and absolute meaning? Religious people and others would answer this question with a resounding “yes.” But I am starting to think the opposite is true. I am starting to believe meaning is where we find it, or something that we create.
I have tried most of my life to be religious and/or spiritual (the two do not necessarily go together), but, apart from adopting some Buddhist perspectives and practices (I’m sort of following the Noble 8 Fold Path, and trying to develop a habit of regular zazen.. sitting meditation), some Taoist ideas, and a sometime, vague belief in a semi-pantheistic/animistic higher power (though not exactly a supreme being nor prime mover), I do not consider myself to be spiritual or religious.
I am not choosing to be areligious or not very spiritual. This is not a matter of choice. It is who I am. I cannot help it. Even if I do not like being this way, it is something I need to accept for my own mental health and well-being. How can I become a more healthy person, and make progress in my life if I do not embrace myself and learn to be who I actually am?
There is a philosophy (sometimes called a philosophical movement instead of a philosophy) which may or may not do me much good, but it is something I am becoming interested in: Existentialism.
“The existential attitude begins with a disoriented individual facing a confused world that he cannot accept.” -Robert Solomon.
I can certainly relate to that quote.
As of yet, I know very little about the ideas of this philosophical movement, but have found this video to be, for the most part, helpful and informative.
Wandering Spirit 