The Importance of Meaning in Life

As we move on to the final section of this amazing book, "A Whole New Mind," by Daniel Pink, we are asked to consider the increased effort of the population to find meaning in life. It seems to be at an all time high, according to the author.

We are first re-introduced to Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist in the early1940's, who was developing some new thought on what brings about psychological well-being. Throughout his sufferings and trials in the concentration camp at Auschwitz, he pens his wisdom about what exactly gives life meaning. These thoughts eventually are compiled in the famous work "Man's Search for Meaning." He encourages us to consider that life can have meaning whether we are experiencing abundance or want, that we can find meaning even in the midst of incredible suffering. Mr. Pink suggests this: "Freed from the struggle for survival, we have the luxury of devoting more of our lives to the search for meaning. Surely if Frankl and his fellow prisoners could pursue meaning from the work camps of Auschwitz, we can do the same from the comfort of our abundant lives." Perhaps our general health and well being does allow us to take more time for consideration of what means the most to us, and to pursue what's most important.

One of the most interesting comments Mr. Pink provides from this section of the book was this: "Meantime, technology continues its unrelenting march, deluging us with data and choking us with choices." He seems to not be complimentary of our tech-savy age! What does it really mean? The ensuing statements to continue with a list of reasons we are more compelled to pursue finding meaning. Though I feel the statement has merit, it seems a little out of the context of the subject being discussed at this point in the book. Still, it rings true for me, as I ponder my own experience of having so much information at the touch of a key. It brings to mind this drive I have-to take advantage of so many learning opportunities since it's all there at the push of a button.... or two. In a way, it's exhilarating and freeing to be able to research, browse and investigate to my heart's content, all the things I've wondered about and wanted to learn, but at the same time overwhelming, as I sometimes don't know where to start and how to organize it! It feels frantic in some ways. It would be interesting to hear how other readers felt about this particular passage in the midst of the discussion of the pursuit of meaning.

And so we are at this point - there are many people who have plenty in their material lives but are left wanting, because it hasn't fulfilled their desires as hoped. There is a deeper desire, a deeper need that is not taken care of by material things. This book suggests the desire is fulfilled as we pursue spirituality and happiness seriously. Much research has been done that supports the thought that those who engage in spirituality in the form of meditation, prayer, church attendance and the like have a much better sense of well-being, are healthier and live longer. Daniel Pink warns us to keep a whole-minded approach, which is a healthy mix of "L-Directed reason and R-Directed spirit." Even the medical field is jumping on board with this focus, beginning to make note of people's spiritual history as well as medical history when looking into a patient's health issues. Corporate America, as well, is joining the band, per se, in paying attention to these areas in people's lives. Pink suggests that 'we are likely to see a rise in spirit in business" as well as a "continued rise in spirit as business."

The final paragraphs of the book focus on a commentary about happiness and its benefits for people's lives. Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman is quoted several times with regard to how happiness is gained, including what constitutes the "Good Life," the"Pleasant Life." Living a positive, unselfish life, giving generously, forgiving, deciding to be hopeful, being of service, and serving a higher calling brings about happiness. As contentment settles into our lives because of the positive way we live, we are able to see in a more vivid way, what gives our life meaning.

There is much discussion of the difference between a maze and a labyrinth, with regard to how we feel about our lives. I truly enjoyed these comparisons that demonstrated the benefits of living life with a stop into a labyrinth once in awhile as opposed to stepping into a maze for a time. A maze "will lead to dead ends."..."objective is to escape".... "as quickly as possible." "A labyrinth is a spiritual walking course....your goal is to follow the path to the center, stop, turn around, and walk back out - at whatever pace you choose." "You can get lost in a maze; you can lose yourself in a labyrinth." "Mazes engage the left brain; labyrinths free the right brain." I love this stuff!

Labyrinths seem to be popping up everywhere, and it seems to be an indication of people's need to find one's center - the quiet part of themselves that helps them see what's truly important, and to settle peacefully into that knowledge as we attain it - spirituality and happiness. "The purpose of life is the journey itself."

Final thoughts included suggestions such as remembering to say thanks, considering if you would stay at your current job if you didn't really need the money, measuring the level of your spirit, erasing the word "but" from your vocabulary, using a "Sabbath" - a day per week to rest and reflect, if nothing else, - read some good books on happiness and spirituality, visit a labyrinth, inventory how you use your time, make your work mean something by connecting it or dedicating it to something/someone important to you and, finally, picture yourself at ninety. What do you see? How do you feel?