How to Find Purpose and Peace: Why Am I Here?

Introduction

A bird

Alights

Careless

Jest-

But what

is living

for?

A Clear Midnight

"This is thy hour O Soul, thy free flight into the wordless,

Away from books, away from art, the day erased, the lesson

done,

Thee fully forth emerging, silent, gazing, pondering the

themes thou lovest best,

Night, sleep, death and the stars."

-Walt Whitman

Why am I here? What is my purpose? What is the meaning of life? Why am I alive? It seems that since the dawn of time we have been asking ourselves this very question. Kings and philosophers have puzzled and theorized, and paupers and plebeians toil under the sun wondering if there's more to life. Even today we seem to be frantically running here or there trying to get the latest scoop, wondering if someone has finally figured it out. People look high and low, and they try a number of things. Work, money, fame, hobbies, talents, friends and family. Philanthropy, drugs, drink, relationships, sex, food, art, and transcendental meditation.

But is anyone really happy? Has anyone figured it out? The world was stunned at the suicide of musical genius Avicii. It was said that he struggled greatly with the great philosophical questions. The meaning of life, purpose, and the intended reason for our existence. Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, and Chester Bennington of Linkin Park also took their own lives. Why would these individuals, who appeared happy by all worldly standards, decide to end it all? They seemingly had it all. Fame, money, talent, adoring fans, families, being able to do what they loved. So why do so many people around the world also choose to end their lives? What is going on? What is the point of life? Is there no point at all, or if there is have we all missed the boat?

Scholars tend to break down into relativism. Life is whatever you make of it. Happiness is what you choose it to be. We can all have our individual thoughts and opinions and that's fine. But is there more? Is there some life-truth that we've all missed? Why are we here? Now I'm not saying that I have all the answers, I'm just trying to make it through life just like you. I just wanted to throw in my own thoughts in the hopes that it helps someone. There's so much death and darkness in the world already, that we could all benefit from helping each other in whatever little ways we can. We're all this in together. Whatever race, nation, gender etc., we're all human beings. I just wanted to share what truths I've found in my short life here on earth. I'll pass them along as best as I can in the hope that they are helpful and edifying to you. I hope that they will bring you peace to your soul, and refreshment to your spirit.