Ultimate Question II - Why Are We Here?

‘Why are we here?’ Ultimate question number two and, again, I don’t believe there is any real definitive answer here. Nevertheless exploring the possibilities helps us become more familiar with the stories, habits and narratives that populate our lives and help give them meaning.

I think that wondering about why we are here helps to promote a deeper interest in life generally and our own existence, more specifically. We seem often to take for granted the lives we lead, the comforts we enjoy, and the privileges we are blessed by. 

Our lives can seem so mundane and banal that we forget the miracle it is just to be alive. We lose touch with basic joys like walking the dog, feeling a warm breeze or the scent of freshly baked bread.

The question ‘why am I here?’ can help us probe deeper into our value system, to become more aware of the values actually operating in our lives. Sifting through this material may put us in touch with the fact that some of these values are not ones we really want operating there, leading to a re-clarification of what is of true value and importance, and why. 

This, in turn, provides the necessary motivation for re-vamping some of our habits, such that our behaviour more closely reflects our true values, priorities and beliefs.

When I wonder about who I am and why I am here, I think a lot about who others are and why we are here. I start to be interested in relationship, social interaction, questions pertaining to love, compassion and generosity. If we are all here together, might we not be here in part to relate constructively with the earth and each other? 

Might we not be here to learn better how to love and what love is?

Tolstoy is famous for having pointed out that the one organizing principle around which the world’s religions are constructed is Love. Simple, beautiful, love. Idea being that we are here to love and that without this organizing principle, life is flat, meaningless and destructive.

I am not an expert in matters pertaining to questions with such profound implications. But, I take a great interest in them. I want to do less harm, to be helpful, to relax more and, yes, to love more deeply.

My wish is that in pondering the question ‘why are we here?’ we all become a little more thoughtful, curious, imaginative and creative in our approach to working with the material that is the stuff of our lives. 

The potential for a fulfilling life is there no matter how large or small we may perceive our existence to be.

In a way it isn’t important to know why we are here. We simply are and we get to choose how we want to move through this thing, how we want to write our story.

The world offers us all the raw material for a rich and satisfying experience. This includes all the ups and downs, the order and the chaos. 

Receive it, respect it and re-write the narrative of your life in appreciation of this amazing gift!