Existential Funk
BY: T. Franklin Murphy | May 1, 2016 (modified February 6, 2023)
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We—on occasion—spiral into existential funk. I still do from time to time. A predetermined meaning to life makes everything a little neater. A larger than life explanation frees us from the personal work of creating meaning. But purpose created within the boundaries of reality liberates us. We are free to create meaning that transcends the monotony of daily routines. Human consciousness can create meaning for itself.
"In the midst of living, we’re in no position to discern whether our lives matter, and stepping outside of the process of existence to answer is impossible." ~Ephrat Livni | Quartz
"In the midst of living, we’re in no position to discern whether our lives matter, and stepping outside of the process of existence to answer is impossible." ~Ephrat Livni | Quartz
Resolving the Crisis
To be fully engaged feels meaningful. An engaging task demands focused attention. The task then produces meaning. Each task is not equal in meaning. The value of a task depends upon the end goal. Mowing the lawn has less value than raising a child. But both can be engaging; they both can demand focused attention—and offer meaning.
We create a purposeful life by engaging in these meaningful activities. Feelings of meaninglessness arise when the actions aren’t given attention; the repetitiveness conceals the purpose. We act without thought. The action may accomplish some goal; but the sense of accomplishment is obscured because of lack of engagement. We often walk through life in robot mode: get up; go to work; eat; watch television, and back to bed.
No engagement, no meaning, no excitement.
If, for example, I mow the lawn every Saturday morning, the action easily becomes a habit. Instead of mowing the lawn to accomplish a meaningful goal, I now mow because it’s Saturday. The meaning becomes obscure. Mowing the lawn then becomes a meaningless chore. But if I take time to enjoy the look of the well-manicured yard, the scent of the fresh cut grass and the exercise, the task takes on meaning and the meaning generates feelings of accomplishment. The task is performed with a goal; and goal fulfillment creates purpose.
We create a purposeful life by engaging in these meaningful activities. Feelings of meaninglessness arise when the actions aren’t given attention; the repetitiveness conceals the purpose. We act without thought. The action may accomplish some goal; but the sense of accomplishment is obscured because of lack of engagement. We often walk through life in robot mode: get up; go to work; eat; watch television, and back to bed.
No engagement, no meaning, no excitement.
If, for example, I mow the lawn every Saturday morning, the action easily becomes a habit. Instead of mowing the lawn to accomplish a meaningful goal, I now mow because it’s Saturday. The meaning becomes obscure. Mowing the lawn then becomes a meaningless chore. But if I take time to enjoy the look of the well-manicured yard, the scent of the fresh cut grass and the exercise, the task takes on meaning and the meaning generates feelings of accomplishment. The task is performed with a goal; and goal fulfillment creates purpose.
Giving Life Meaning
We can pack our lives with meaningful activities but when we disconnect from the purpose behind those activities by haphazardly performing out of habit, our lives feel empty. Even something as important as raising children feels meaningless when we overlook the purpose.
Focusing on meaning gives texture and color to experience. Life only has meaning when living means something. Fill your life with purposeful activities. This must include substantial relationships—human involvement. We don’t fare well alone. We need people. Human interaction is full of purpose and meaning. Some endeavors should focus on the future, creating security. We treasure survival-oriented actions. When behaviors secure future health and survival, we feel accomplishment. Hobbies develop talents and skills that also provide enjoyment and engagement.
Each day offers endless choices of meaningful activities. Focusing attention on the purpose, helps infuse the moment with meaning, and having purpose increases joy.
Focusing on meaning gives texture and color to experience. Life only has meaning when living means something. Fill your life with purposeful activities. This must include substantial relationships—human involvement. We don’t fare well alone. We need people. Human interaction is full of purpose and meaning. Some endeavors should focus on the future, creating security. We treasure survival-oriented actions. When behaviors secure future health and survival, we feel accomplishment. Hobbies develop talents and skills that also provide enjoyment and engagement.
Each day offers endless choices of meaningful activities. Focusing attention on the purpose, helps infuse the moment with meaning, and having purpose increases joy.