what is the meaning of life??

by zen nudist 27 Replies latest jw experiences

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  Brummie

  Do you take paypal?

  LOL

  Sure I do, but please add and extra 90% for the additional costs.

  Brummie
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  JamesThomas

  Hey Zen, Meaning. I discover that there is wonderful meaning -- not intellectual meaning -- but a living, vibrant and unspeakable "meaning" when there is silent, nonjudgmental and open presence with whatever the universe is presenting at the moment. It could be doing the dishes, watering the garden, driving down the road or petting one of the cats. Doesn't matter. Being silently present and aware -- without mental interpretation and monolog -- is for me: Meaning flowing abundant and free.
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  zen nudist

  after leaving JWs I found that there is NO meaning OF life... but there is plenty of meaning found by the living.

  I first realized how the living find meaning by a comment made by a chess champ after defeating DEEP BLUE of IBM fame. He said that it was not like defeating a human player, there was no sense of victory over someone who realizes he was defeated... the computer does not care which way its play goes, win or lose there is no difference for it... unlike us. we FEEL pain and pleasure depending on outcomes and that is the key to finding meaning... we CARE about what is going on, we care about the outcome of our efforts and intentions. We gamble and experience the consequences. So simply put, things mean something because we are AWARE of how they can and do change us.
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  acsot

  one thing which kept me trapped as a JW far longer than necessary was the FEAR that if I left and no longer believed, my life would be empty of meaning and futile and ultimately end in a meaningless death. I could not find any meaning in the world apart from the view JWs had imposed upon me... all other ways seemed to lead only to meaninglessness.

  I couldn't agree with you more, this is exactly how I felt as a JW. Now I feel more alive, more spiritual, more genuine, than ever before.

  I think we are like babes in our comprehension of and ability to quantify spirituality and/or meaning of life. I believe in time science and spirituality will merge, with the one able to understand the other. In the same way we will be able to access our subconscious and evolve into whole human beings. Some are further along than others even now; our meaning or purpose insofar as I believe it to be at this point, is to try and evolve along those lines, tune into the oneness of the universe and access our inner or real selves, through meditation, being in nature, whatever way facilitates our growth individually. Along the way, as we evolve, we see that we are all also part of one - we are all connected, and our connection with others is what will prompt either giving help/advice/enlightenment along the way or receiving such help/advice/enlightenment.

  JamesT and zen nudist on the same post - sublime!
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  Nicolas

  Also, I will add that I don't need any religion. I now have my own religion.... it is called "life" yes to be alive and to be able to watch the rising sun in the morning is enough for me.
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  iiz2cool

  For me the meaning of life is to be the best I can at whatever I choose to do. Continuous growing and improvement.

  Walter
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  DanTheMan

  one thing which kept me trapped as a JW far longer than necessary was the FEAR that if I left and no longer believed, my life would be empty of meaning and futile and ultimately end in a meaningless death. I could not find any meaning in the world apart from the view JWs had imposed upon me

  Well said, I relate to those words. The JW notion of there being nothing outside of Jerhover's Organization is a powerful tool that keep 'em in the fold.

  I'm still trying to find some meaning. Tonight I went to a soccer game (Columbus Crew) and I see all the faces in the crowd who know nothing of my life, I know nothing of theirs, and never will. I study faces and marvel at the incredible complexity and diversity of the human family. There's so much I don't know, there's so much I haven't experienced.

  Religious fundamentalism with its accompanying anthropomorphized omnipotent god and promises of immortality is such a comforting balm for people like me who have grandiose notions of their own importance. For me the struggle is finding meaning and satisfaction in life without the certainty and grandiosity that JWism gave me. It is so humbling, it is tough to take, and I often despair over my pitifully unimportant and uncertain life. But I am better off for getting real instead of holding on to that fantasy.
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  frenchbabyface

  
  
  Well kyria ? No wonder you are a writer !!!
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  DFWnonJW

  yeah, what the French lady said.
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  Robdar

  not intellectual meaning -- but a living, vibrant and unspeakable "meaning" when there is silent, nonjudgmental and open presence with whatever the universe is presenting at the moment. It could be doing the dishes, watering the garden, driving down the road or petting one of the cats. Doesn't matter

  That was a moment of zen......

  Nice.