Purpose

[Unveiled Artist]

Have you ever looked thought that there are but so many things you can do in life?

I mean.

I can raise a family
I can travel the world
I can live in a monestary
I can be homeless
I can work the rest of my life
I can depend on the government the rest of my life
I can spend time in solitude my whole life
I can go to school and universities
I can do leizure activities-from spiritual to baseball.
I can retire and wait till I pass

Then you crumble all of these things (and of course more) into a ball and think, is this what life is really about? People focus on their spiritual life saying that is most important: they still need to work, take care family, get an education (if they want and/or can afford it), and so forth. They still have other goals even if it mirrors their spiritual ones or IS their spiritual goal with no separation.

I can't think of another purpose people really have but to the natural limited choices by seeing it as unlimited. Saying "there something can change" or "something will come up" and then I think, if not for the second on the list, you mean the fourth? It's like playing cards and people are insisting there are more than 54 cards because you keep getting the same hand so "you may not know if you get another." There are only but soo many combinations you can make with 54 cards and you can't make more cards just appear in mid air even if you believe there are more cards, what you have is what you get.

It's all in perspective, I know. That really isn't my point to shuffle the cards and say this spread is good but if you do it this way or pluck a card you might get something better, no.

If there is only 54 cards in a deck and only but so many combinations and you exhausted all combinations, why do you play anymore?

I should go play some solitaire, now that I think of it. Perfect example.

(Sorry, I'm just realizing I really don't have the energy, time, and brain power to do things... there's not enough time to take my time in quarter steps of baby steps. I'm not getting younger).

 

[LuisDantas]

As of recent years, I have come to conclude that life's best purposes involve appreciating the journey while we are personally a part of it, and enjoying the opportunity to be grateful for the inheritance we receive from those that came before and hopeful for that which we leave for those who will outlast us.

 

[psychoslice]

I never think about what I can do and not do, I am too concerned with where I am at this moment, and each day is a new day, the past is in the past, it doesn't exist in the now, the now is forever new.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

As of recent years, I have come to conclude that life's best purposes involve appreciating the journey while we are personally a part of it, and enjoying the opportunity to be grateful for the inheritance we receive from those that came before and hopeful for that which we leave for those who will outlast us.

That is true. It's hard to appreciate the journey when our society is goal-driven. If I "appreciate the journey" without being goal driven, I sit in my apartment and do nothing but eat and be online. I'm not forced to go to school, get a job, etc. All I need to do is pay my bills, buy food, stay in shelter, and take my medicine. That's my journey if I don't attach goals to it. I don't know about anyone else, but to tear down all the junk I mention in my OP, what I just said makes me nuts. It's like asking someone with ADD to meditate for an hour without fidgeting at the min.

When I think of goals, I think there are only but so much things I can do on this journey. In other words, my journey wouldn't be a journey if I just stood still. Journey is action driven.

There's but so many things I can think of we do on a regular basis (our journey) that I can really appreciate it for it's temporary state. It doesn't last. It's not forever. When we pass on the road, we don't see the same tree as we saw before even if there are thousands of trees along the way.

I took that test Katspur had in it said "do you look at specific things or the whole picture" and I picked the whole picture. I don't have to know the specifics but as long as I know the picture like putting a puzzle together, the journey--the actions are not just any actions.. they are made for a purpose.

Kind of like when I practice my speeches. When we do gestures, we don't just flare our arms up and down. The gestures goes with what we talking about. It has a purpose. That is the journey, to define that purpose. If you appreciate putting puzzle pieces anywhere without having an order (say do the outsides first) and without having the picture on the box, how do you expect to put the picture together.

I hear what you're saying. Journey is action driven. Actions usually are made with a purposes. If we define life by but so many purposes, then when we exhausted our purposes, we stand still. I love the scenary but I do like to keep on the journey, not stand still and see one view repeatedly.

My point: I'm a gypsy.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I never think about what I can do and not do, I am too concerned with where I am at this moment, and each day is a new day, the past is in the past, it doesn't exist in the now, the now is forever new.

That kinda makes sense. To me, that's like putting a puzzle together without looking a the box nor having a method of putting it together. You're just snapping one piece with another without actually looking at the pieces to see if it fits first. That is what I think when I hear people say "I just live life and appreciate life and don't think about what I do.." and I think, why do you do what you do, if you don't have a purpose behind it (purpose as in goal not as in a "heavenly thing" or anything deep)?

Why meditate if you have no reason to do so? Do you like just siting on a cushion? If so, that like is a reason, a purpose. If I go and sit on a cushion and meditate and don't think about what I'm doing, I'm just doing automatic acts. It would mean nothing to me. Like typing a whole bunch of letters without creating words. Different examples of why purpose is important.

Doesn't have to be spiritual. Just I can't think of anything else we have purposes for other than what I listed in my OP: it could be from a journey-view or a goal-view... the end is the same, we don't stand still.

 

[psychoslice]

That kinda makes sense. To me, that's like putting a puzzle together without looking a the box nor having a method of putting it together. You're just snapping one piece with another without actually looking at the pieces to see if it fits first. That is what I think when I hear people say "I just live life and appreciate life and don't think about what I do.." and I think, why do you do what you do, if you don't have a purpose behind it (purpose as in goal not as in a "heavenly thing" or anything deep)?

Why meditate if you have no reason to do so? Do you like just siting on a cushion? If so, that like is a reason, a purpose. If I go and sit on a cushion and meditate and don't think about what I'm doing, I'm just doing automatic acts. It would mean nothing to me. Like typing a whole bunch of letters without creating words. Different examples of why purpose is important.

Doesn't have to be spiritual. Just I can't think of anything else we have purposes for other than what I listed in my OP: it could be from a journey-view or a goal-view... the end is the same, we don't stand still.

The problem is having purpose, expectations, having to do something for the reason to live, this is the cause of suffering, there is nothing wrong in having a plane but when we cling to this plane, and put all our energy into it, we then again suffer. If things in life work out the way you would like it to, then that's fine, if it doesn't then that is also fine, don't cling to either side, for its all the same coin.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

The problem is having purpose, expectations, having to do something for the reason to live, this is the cause of suffering, there is nothing wrong in having a plane but when we cling to this plane, and put all our energy into it, we then again suffer. If things in life work out the way you would like it to, then that's fine, if it doesn't then that is also fine, don't cling to either side, for its all the same coin.

I agree with that. Learning more about myself, I realize I'm not like that. I do find lack of suffering when we see (or in real life guess) the picture. I honestly don't like singing without a tune or dancing without a beat. Makes me feel crazy--literally... physically it makes me have minor panic attacks if I dont know why I need to do something.

It's funny.. I talked with my psychologist, years ago, and still today my neurologist. I tell them both, I say, okay, I know I have depression (at the time) and seizures. I get panicky when I have no justification for why I'm depressed or seizing. So, I'll think of ways to say "I'm depressed because it's Januar 4th" and it makes me feel better. It's not a mystery and it doesn't bring a snowball affect. It's not clinging.... our goal change constantly. It's having a focus point even for every second (I have ADD) to concentrate to get from my bedroom to the kitchen without in midthought doing something completely different.

Anyway,

I have to have reasons behind things. If it's a surprise or a mystery, which life is, it makes me nervous.

I think I know why. My seizures happen any time they want. All my life has been in uncertainty. I haven't had a day go by that I was not concerned that I may have a seizure if I did X. Seizures really make yout hink that you have no control over what happens. And becuase it's a neurological and for me painful condition, of course it shapes how I see other things.

With seizures I have medication. I don't say "I appreciate having seizures so I dont need to know why nor do I need meds".... I am glad I know why and I am glad I have medication.

I feel life is the same. When we live without reason, then when surprises come up, they hit us harder than. When you have a foundation (the earth), whatever life brings at you (the different paths), are worth walking. When you don't have a foundation (no earth), then how can you set paths in air?

 

[psychoslice]

I agree with that. Learning more about myself, I realize I'm not like that. I do find lack of suffering when we see (or in real life guess) the picture. I honestly don't like singing without a tune or dancing without a beat. Makes me feel crazy--literally... physically it makes me have minor panic attacks if I dont know why I need to do something.

It's funny.. I talked with my psychologist, years ago, and still today my neurologist. I tell them both, I say, okay, I know I have depression (at the time) and seizures. I get panicky when I have no justification for why I'm depressed or seizing. So, I'll think of ways to say "I'm depressed because it's Januar 4th" and it makes me feel better. It's not a mystery and it doesn't bring a snowball affect. It's not clinging.... our goal change constantly. It's having a focus point even for every second (I have ADD) to concentrate to get from my bedroom to the kitchen without in midthought doing something completely different.

Anyway,

I have to have reasons behind things. If it's a surprise or a mystery, which life is, it makes me nervous.

I think I know why. My seizures happen any time they want. All my life has been in uncertainty. I haven't had a day go by that I was not concerned that I may have a seizure if I did X. Seizures really make yout hink that you have no control over what happens. And becuase it's a neurological and for me painful condition, of course it shapes how I see other things.

With seizures I have medication. I don't say "I appreciate having seizures so I dont need to know why nor do I need meds".... I am glad I know why and I am glad I have medication.

I feel life is the same. When we live without reason, then when surprises come up, they hit us harder than. When you have a foundation (the earth), whatever life brings at you (the different paths), are worth walking. When you don't have a foundation (no earth), then how can you set paths in air?

Yes I once had seizures when I was young, and yes it was terrible, I always was afraid of the next one, and this takes away our control. I also have schizophrenia which is just as bad, so I can relate to what you are saying. The way I deal with it is to realize that I myself, that is the real me, doesn't have schizophrenia, that belongs to the mind body organism which isn't my true SELF. If psychosis happens, then it happens, if I end up in the mental ward, then that also happens, again it doesn't belong to me. I think the trick is to not get too involved with the body, or mind, for that is where all suffering comes from.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Yes I once had seizures when I was young, and yes it was terrible, I always was afraid of the next one, and this takes away our control. I also have schizophrenia which is just as bad, so I can relate to what you are saying. The way I deal with it is to realize that I myself, that is the real me, doesn't have schizophrenia, that belongs to the mind body organism which isn't my true SELF. If psychosis happens, then it happens, if I end up in the mental ward, then that also happens, again it doesn't belong to me. I think the trick is to not get too involved with the body, or mind, for that is where all suffering comes from.

Nice. Yeah. My psychologist gave me this advice. He says, everytime you have a thought related to your seizures, say "It's not me, it's the Epilepsy."

I always kept that affirmation. I can't think of one for depression. A lot of times that's worse than the seizures.

I honestly haven't met anyone who has schizophrenia. All I know is from the movies. Total misconception?

 

[psychoslice]

Nice. Yeah. My psychologist gave me this advice. He says, everytime you have a thought related to your seizures, say "It's not me, it's the Epilepsy."

I always kept that affirmation. I can't think of one for depression. A lot of times that's worse than the seizures.

I honestly haven't met anyone who has schizophrenia. All I know is from the movies. Total misconception?

Yes clinical depression can be worse than anything that one could have, its just one big dark cloud that wont go away. I remember I use to curl up in a foetal position on my bed and rock back and forth crying. I was on the edge of suicide, I thought it was the only way out. One night when feeling like ending it all I just fell onto my bed and gave up, then I was taken from the body, and in this experience I experienced all is One, that I wasn't the depression, that I was all there IS.

The next day after a good nights sleep, everything was different, all seem brand new, I just couldn't put words to it, and this is where I also realized that I am not the mind body organism, yes I still have schizo but as I said it doesn't belong to me, I let it play its part and move on.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Yes clinical depression can be worse than anything that one could have, its just one big dark cloud that wont go away. I remember I use to curl up in a foetal position on my bed and rock back and forth crying. I was on the edge of suicide, I thought it was the only way out. One night when feeling like ending it all I just fell onto my bed and gave up, then I was taken from the body, and in this experience I experienced all is One, that I wasn't the depression, that I was all there IS.

The next day after a good nights sleep, everything was different, all seem brand new, I just couldn't put words to it, and this is where I also realized that I am not the mind body organism, yes I still have schizo but as I said it doesn't belong to me, I let it play its part and move on.

With seizures, that's what I do. I'd have a break through one day and then I get up and brush myself off and do something else. The only times I go to the ER is when I'm on government property where they have to call 911. Most of the time I say no. They leave, and I get up and just do my think.

Depression isn't like that for me. I do the same thing you did curl up in a fetal position and rock. It was so bad that I couldn't even move physically. Like my body is full of weights. I cry for an hour or so and then stop crying and Id be in dazed shock for another hour without moving. I dont know if the crying was worse or the shock. At least with teh crying I was moving. With the shock, or carmatose, I have time to think and I cant think straight.

I have to say things like.. Im depressed because of this... or it could have been what this person said... so it's natural reaction... or it's that time again or something.

When I can't figure what's wrong, I fall asleep where I lay and just leave it be. Then I get mad at myself the next day feeling better like I have purpose. So, I fight with myself thinking "is this depression, clinical depression, or do you just need to get some sleep" and it's like a circle and people's tone of voice nad comments pluck nerves.

and so on and so forth.

I dont know how people can get themselves out of depression. It's like I'm dead.

 

[psychoslice]

With seizures, that's what I do. I'd have a break through one day and then I get up and brush myself off and do something else. The only times I go to the ER is when I'm on government property where they have to call 911. Most of the time I say no. They leave, and I get up and just do my think.

Depression isn't like that for me. I do the same thing you did curl up in a fetal position and rock. It was so bad that I couldn't even move physically. Like my body is full of weights. I cry for an hour or so and then stop crying and Id be in dazed shock for another hour without moving. I dont know if the crying was worse or the shock. At least with teh crying I was moving. With the shock, or carmatose, I have time to think and I cant think straight.

I have to say things like.. Im depressed because of this... or it could have been what this person said... so it's natural reaction... or it's that time again or something.

When I can't figure what's wrong, I fall asleep where I lay and just leave it be. Then I get mad at myself the next day feeling better like I have purpose. So, I fight with myself thinking "is this depression, clinical depression, or do you just need to get some sleep" and it's like a circle and people's tone of voice nad comments pluck nerves.

and so on and so forth.

I dont know how people can get themselves out of depression. It's like I'm dead.

Yes it certainly does feel like your dead, and in my case I wish I was, but the black dog will move on soon or later, as long as we don't feed it, just ride it out and never forget it doesn't belong to you, yes easily said, but it the only way.
Could I ask if you are on medication for your depression, I think you said somewhere being on medication for your seizures, or should I say your bodies seizures ?.

 

[psychoslice]

 

[allfoak]

Everyone of us are here with a purpose.
We all have laws in which we were born under.

Most of us live out our lives unaware that we can have control over our lives.
For most, it is as if their lives are living them.

If we want to live with purpose we have to become aware of these laws and take control of the circumstances of our lives.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Yes it certainly does feel like your dead, and in my case I wish I was, but the black dog will move on soon or later, as long as we don't feed it, just ride it out and never forget it doesn't belong to you, yes easily said, but it the only way.
Could I ask if you are on medication for your depression, I think you said somewhere being on medication for your seizures, or should I say your bodies seizures ?.

I stopped taking depression medication because they said it lowers the affect of my seizure meds and one of my meds is already used as an anti-depressant. I don't get depressed like that too often; and when I do, for a couple of days later I'm still thinking realistically, there are only but so much we can do in life. That's probably why people start flying to the moon; see some new scenary.

If I wanted a family, wanted to devote myself to the Buddha's teachings, completely live in an isolateld area, or take classes for the rest of my life, I honestly can't find any foundation. I live for my family so that's why I try not to think about suicide. Then I think about our government and our life really isn't are own. Being in the mental health services in my county alone is a nightmare with many stories to count.

I'm a loner on this one. It doesn't help I live with the elderly who, almost everyday, talk about someone dying and once a month of so, someone is taken to the hospital. We had a couple of passings last year and one this year (as so gossip always tells us until the announcement is posted)

Anyway, it doesn't help with depression. I try to stay out of the houe mostly.

 

[-Peacemaker-]

I think purpose is an individual thing that one must discover for themselves. I know people who feel like their mission in life is to be a massage therapist. I know others who feel like they were put on this planet to spread the Gospel. If you're lucky you get paid to do what gives you a sense of purpose.

 

[-Peacemaker-]

Such pain expressed in this thread with people suffering from horrible afflictions such as depression and schizophrenia. I've known several schizophrenics intimately. Their lives were totally ruined. Even with meds they experienced psychosis. Psychoslice, I pray it's not so bad for you and you've had at least some kind of response to meds. I know of people who deal with depression too. The meds may take the edge off but they never cure it. I'm so sorry Carlita and Psychoslice for your pain

 

[Wirey]

Your purpose is to be processed into worm poop. Until then, do what's right and have fun.

 

[psychoslice]

I stopped taking depression medication because they said it lowers the affect of my seizure meds and one of my meds is already used as an anti-depressant. I don't get depressed like that too often; and when I do, for a couple of days later I'm still thinking realistically, there are only but so much we can do in life. That's probably why people start flying to the moon; see some new scenary.

If I wanted a family, wanted to devote myself to the Buddha's teachings, completely live in an isolateld area, or take classes for the rest of my life, I honestly can't find any foundation. I live for my family so that's why I try not to think about suicide. Then I think about our government and our life really isn't are own. Being in the mental health services in my county alone is a nightmare with many stories to count.

I'm a loner on this one. It doesn't help I live with the elderly who, almost everyday, talk about someone dying and once a month of so, someone is taken to the hospital. We had a couple of passings last year and one this year (as so gossip always tells us until the announcement is posted)

Anyway, it doesn't help with depression. I try to stay out of the houe mostly.

its good to talk about death, after all its natrual as being born, we seem to hide from death in belief systems such as religion.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

its good to talk about death, after all its natrual as being born, we seem to hide from death in belief systems such as religion.

True. Thats what I like about being a Buddha and following the Law. Its just being your true self and understanding the true nature of life: which is not only life, but death.