We all want to feel like our actions have a purpose. I go to the grocery store with a shopping list in tow. If I exit the grocery store with every item ticked off the list, I can feel a certain sense of accomplishment, however small it may be. You might go to university with the idea that earning that degree will help launch your professional career. The purpose behind these actions goes beyond the actions themselves. We have to remember, though, that this isn’t always the case.
Getting My Education
Going to school is perhaps one of the greatest examples. Sure, it makes perfect sense that you want that diploma, certificate or degree. With that piece of paper, you have demonstrated to the world that you are ready to tackle a certain line of work. And it’s great to have that sense of purpose or direction.
When you graduate with a degree in chemistry, you may able to launch a career as some sort of chemist. If you go through an apprenticeship program to become an electrician, by golly, you might be setting up the electrical systems for the many condos being built around town. And we all have the understanding that having some sort of stable career is in our best interest.
Going Beyond By Looking Within
At the same time, we mustn’t forget about the intrinsic value that our actions can have, in and of themselves. Based on the title of this post, you may be inclined to ponder on the enlightenment achieved through meditation or prayer. For some people, that can be a part of it. The concept of enlightenment, however, goes much further than that.
The acquisition of knowledge, even if that knowledge isn’t never directly applied to real world circumstances, has intrinsic value. I want to know about distant planets or strange animals, even though I also know full well that I’ll likely never use that knowledge. They say that one of the fundamental reasons why you learn kung-fu or karate is that you’ll never need to use it. Instead, the journey, the experience and the shifting mindset are where you find the true value of martial arts.
And it’s not just about knowledge either. The pursuit of great art, the exploration of creativity, and even gazing out the window, daydreaming about life’s great possibilities… these are all important parts of the human experience and through those journeys, you may find enlightenment. Curiosity is important and you have to allow it to lead you down unfamiliar paths. You never know what you might find.
Living Life with True Enlightenment
Pursue great things. Reach for the stars. Live in the moment.
As you continue striving to accomplish your grand goals, don’t neglect the momentary joys and insights of those actions with no real purpose or goal beyond themselves. Indeed, adding an incentive could actually be counterproductive. Redefine your enlightenment and fulfill your human potential.
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