The title of this newsletter, as I’m sure you’re aware, is The Struggle For Meaning. It means a couple of things. I’ve spoken extensively about one definition: the idea and philosophy that meaning in one’s life can be found in the most fundemental ways from times of strugggle and suffering. Fundemental meaning comes when one voluntarily embraces suffering or better yet when one actively seeks out suffering. Those who face their fears, both internal and external, those who push their bodies further, those who continually educate themselves, those who have uncomfortable conversations, those who aim so high that they continually fail. This is what I’ve been advocating for thus far in this newsletter. However, there is another definition to The Struggle For Meaning which I have spoken less about.

We must first acknowledge suffering so we can find meaning in it

This definition is the discovery of meaning in suffering. We can voluntarily seek out suffering all we want but that only gets you so far; you are seeking out suffering that you can control but what happens when suffering occurs via something outwith your control. Illness, death, trauma, obsessions, compulsions, other people. All of these things cannot be controlled by us, all that we have is our reactions. We can vow to be helpful to others in the face of illness, death or grief. We can examine our pasts so as best to view them. We can acknowledge our obsessions and compulsions and try to curb them. We must first acknowledge suffering so we can find meaning in it.

Keep On Struggling,

Gregor

Quote to Ponder

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth - Muhammad Ali

References

1) Image Credit - RawPixel