Today, we are looking to explore what is the meaning of Life.
We can search for that illusive meaning of life, not in the Life of Brian, nor Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (H2G2 and the meaning of 42) but as we look around at ourselves, of others within society and reflect upon what is that glue that holds us all together. Is it merely about the propagation of species, sex; or is it to do with being in relationship – and if so, with whom?
“We do not even in the least know the final cause of sexuality; why new beings should be produced by the union of the two sexual elements. The whole subject is as yet hidden in darkness.”
Charles Darwin
Many people have become rich over the years, but have they found happiness? Currently Finland lead Denmark and Norway (we are 15th!) in the World Happiness League.
Some might also suggest that there are 3 strands which could be that glue that binds society together:
Communication, where we can relate to each other, sometimes through different languages (or even Zoom!) but bring heightened emotion, wisdom to others;
Understanding, where through those languages we may learn from others so we may bring greater awareness to all within our society: the enlightenment period within history might be an example of that; and
Service, where we might care, support others as they need (seen through TodSquad).
For this all to occur we need to know about ourselves.
Throughout history, religion, faith and/or our beliefs have influenced perspectives, which have formed society in particular ways.
The Hebrew understanding of truth was `truth as experienced’. Perhaps it is through our experience of life that we can explore what is the meaning of life? Others felt that we are spiritual beings with a human experience. The purpose of each human experience is to grow, expand and evolve positively our spirit. They believed that this happens in each reincarnation. We are all at various stages of spiritual experience.
For some, faith may have come to be understood as following some rules, which apply to a particular group of people. But do those rules change over time?
So who are we, and what is the meaning of life?
In our discussions we spoke of the ‘end of life‘ – I was thinking of “Pushing Up Daisies“, such a prominent and valuable group here in Todmorden – and that the Covid-19 Pandemic had brought people to question their own end-of-life. Perhaps as a baby we cry because we need sustenance for our very survival, later we learn that we need more to grow. This might develop into a desire for wealth, to have more and more; however, eventually we see that there is a finality, a certainty for us all : death.
Do we grow to understand the meaning of life as we recognise and come to terms – as best we can – our eventual death?
The self-isolation, for some, has brought our own ability to connect to the fore. We desperately seek that opportunity to smile at someone, to touch – we want to return to ‘normality’. But we must not return to what was before.
In some respects we must learn to break free from the peer pressure, to conform to the past – perhaps learn from the younger generation about climate protests and how we seek to focus ‘their aspirations’. Rather than ‘work to buy’ we need to care for others.
Some pondered the opportunity to ‘listen to the silence‘ as the decreased car use and pollution has allowed nature to return, and flourish.
It was with faith that I thought we found such commonality. Our own faith has been learnt through our traditions, and our experience. It is what drives us, gives us meaning perhaps. However, as part of humanity, regardless of our own faith, we seek to foster that interconnectedness to help others. That might be realised through our actions or by the change in our own heart.
A Conclusion?
Here I feel there is something deep, interwoven into our discussions today:
our own faith sustains us, but the ‘glue’ which binds us is our humanity and our desire to be connected, and support each other.
Not through labelling anyone, other than as part of humanity. As a group of people from different faiths, to be able to come to this conclusion shows an aspect of ‘One Community’, something evident of this Calder Valley.
This is a series of sessions entitled “BetaMax” which occur every Sunday from 26th April 2020 at 4:30pm for about an hour. They were held on Zoom.
The opening post about these sessions is here.
See you, hopefully, next week!
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