We are the universe. Indeed. Thank you so much for sharing. I totally resonate. It’s not even growth that we seek but something even deeper. I think society tries to call it happiness. I love how Rupert Spira says that we are innately happy. We become unhappy. Is it more about fulfillment? Choosing to be love? Meet you in the spaces of “I don’t know”. Its a mystery for sure yet I know that we already have what we need. We just need to get there by subtraction. Its one helluva journey! Dawn kisses me every day! Bless you Mo. Am living into the same questions! 🙏❤️
Negative experiences are bringers of a message. But the message may be harder to find when buried in the fog of anti-depressants. First challenge, stop taking silly drugs and face the emotional pain of lack of meaning in its fullness and completeness - then the message how to proceed will become much clearer.
(as an aside, sometimes a surplus of material things can be a burden).
Ooff, I recognize my reactions when people who are seemingly privileged, fortunate, have-everything-they-could-possibly-want" complain" about their lives. Thank you so much for this reminder, Mo.
We need safe spaces where we can discuss these feelings of despair without being judged.
The fact your friend felt willing to open up to you is testament to what you offer in your friendship. Men in particular can often feel an additional sense of shame for these so called "weak" feelings which makes it more likely they don't discuss them.
Suicide has been the number one killer of young men in New Zealand over the years, alternating with car accidents.
We have to be there with a listening and non judgemental ear when people are courageous enough to share their distressing emotions.
Connection is the way back to mental wellness. Money often leads to a disconnect from what is meaningful.
1) Perhaps, dismissing your friends concerns and being judgmental were wrong, if your friend felt offended. However, you weren’t wrong in reminding your friend about his many blessings, as gratitude can snap you out of a funk and make you appreciate what you have. Also, our closest friends can see our blind spots and it’s important that they speak up to lovingly remind us.
2) Also, for you or anyone in existential despair, reach out to God. He will meet you where you are. Many believers find comfort in Him and you get a sense of purpose in God - that materialism cannot provide. It can’t hurt to try…especially if other options haven’t provided relief!
Either way, I hope you find solace and I am cheering you on in your journey!
To your point about your friend—I’d suggest simply that money and happiness often work inversely. More responsibility and more ego and more fear of loss of lifestyle do not a happy man make 🤷🏻♂️
I found myself nodding at your perfect title and article because it’s exactly what I’m going through now. I love your reflection questions, especially the first two. I’ve learned that pursuing my dream (when it gets tough) and understanding my burnout are difficult if I can’t answer your first question, which strips everything down to what I fundamentally value and need. Thanks for penning this highly necessary and useful piece! 🙏🏼
We are the universe. Indeed. Thank you so much for sharing. I totally resonate. It’s not even growth that we seek but something even deeper. I think society tries to call it happiness. I love how Rupert Spira says that we are innately happy. We become unhappy. Is it more about fulfillment? Choosing to be love? Meet you in the spaces of “I don’t know”. Its a mystery for sure yet I know that we already have what we need. We just need to get there by subtraction. Its one helluva journey! Dawn kisses me every day! Bless you Mo. Am living into the same questions! 🙏❤️
Negative experiences are bringers of a message. But the message may be harder to find when buried in the fog of anti-depressants. First challenge, stop taking silly drugs and face the emotional pain of lack of meaning in its fullness and completeness - then the message how to proceed will become much clearer.
(as an aside, sometimes a surplus of material things can be a burden).
Wisdom that is worth sharing.
It is not the money but being useful that makes us happy. Thanks MO.
Ooff, I recognize my reactions when people who are seemingly privileged, fortunate, have-everything-they-could-possibly-want" complain" about their lives. Thank you so much for this reminder, Mo.
We need safe spaces where we can discuss these feelings of despair without being judged.
The fact your friend felt willing to open up to you is testament to what you offer in your friendship. Men in particular can often feel an additional sense of shame for these so called "weak" feelings which makes it more likely they don't discuss them.
Suicide has been the number one killer of young men in New Zealand over the years, alternating with car accidents.
We have to be there with a listening and non judgemental ear when people are courageous enough to share their distressing emotions.
Connection is the way back to mental wellness. Money often leads to a disconnect from what is meaningful.
Thanks for your sharing.
Two things…
1) Perhaps, dismissing your friends concerns and being judgmental were wrong, if your friend felt offended. However, you weren’t wrong in reminding your friend about his many blessings, as gratitude can snap you out of a funk and make you appreciate what you have. Also, our closest friends can see our blind spots and it’s important that they speak up to lovingly remind us.
2) Also, for you or anyone in existential despair, reach out to God. He will meet you where you are. Many believers find comfort in Him and you get a sense of purpose in God - that materialism cannot provide. It can’t hurt to try…especially if other options haven’t provided relief!
Either way, I hope you find solace and I am cheering you on in your journey!
To your point about your friend—I’d suggest simply that money and happiness often work inversely. More responsibility and more ego and more fear of loss of lifestyle do not a happy man make 🤷🏻♂️
I found myself nodding at your perfect title and article because it’s exactly what I’m going through now. I love your reflection questions, especially the first two. I’ve learned that pursuing my dream (when it gets tough) and understanding my burnout are difficult if I can’t answer your first question, which strips everything down to what I fundamentally value and need. Thanks for penning this highly necessary and useful piece! 🙏🏼
Thanks Mo.