The Point Of Anything

As humans, it is natural to ponder what the point of anything is. Through the years, I have observed that people deduce a cause that feels dear to them, and create their identity around this. This gives us a sense of purpose to be alive.

Our actions are driven by different causes. Some actions, in our initial years, are driven by our parents' decisions, while others are driven by our habits. Some actions are driven by social, political and cultural conditioning, while others are driven by our free will.

Most of us need reasons to keep going, to keep living. Without reasons or a purpose, our lives can feel meaningless. We are used to needing our whys highlighted - to be highly motivated and dedicated to the process. As if this can provide the respite we're devoid of.

After a while, these reasons can feel tiring, and monotonous. Even unreal, and worn out. Sometimes, empty. One day I decided that I wanted to wake up for no reason and do the things I needed to do, or wanted to do. There was this vague sense of freedom I felt from deciding that I no longer needed a reason to wake up and go for a run, or just hustle for the career I wanted to build.

During one of our conversations, I righteously said, what's the point of doing something if you're not doing it well or properly. My mother quite wisely pointed out, that there's always a point to everything. Nothing you do is too small to pursue or experience. You don't have to be perfect at what you do. But put in the effort to get it done well. Of course, there's a point to your efforts, whether or not it makes sense to you.

This is quite an impactful reminder for me when I feel lost or unrewarded for my efforts. Just because others can't see it (yet), doesn't mean you aren't doing the needful.

You don't need a point to anything. Yet, sometimes, you can just wake up and decide to go for a stroll and listen to the birds for no reason at all. And as Monk famously says, and I quote, "You'll thank me later" :) 

The Necessity of Tuning into Our Nervous Systems: Practising a Sense of Enoughness

As mentioned in the previous post, our nervous systems are formed differently - based on our unique, integral and impactful life experiences.

I realized that throughout my life, I always felt a sense of anxiety in my body - the feeling of not doing anything right. This sensation continued into my adulthood. Fortunately, thanks to the different tools for accessing and experiencing my nervous system, I learned to be present with it and ground back into my body, and the now.

Anxiety arises from trying to unconsciously control the experiences that are outside our realm of control. From my experience, I learned that there is negligible control over life. However, we stand powerful, when we take full advantage of the little control in our hands.

I believe that anxiety, or even any other emotional trigger for that matter, is an invitation to get curious. These responses are our past replaying our bodies. To make a change, we need to interrupt these patterns.

Once you get into the habit of being curious and reflecting on the triggers - especially through journalling, we can get clarity on the source of pain that is escalating the trigger.

Each of us is so acquainted with our own nervous systems, that it forms a part of our very real (and valid) subjective reality. This self-reflection practice, allows us to explore our emotions and reveal the objective narrative from this.

Once this is revealed to us, it gets easier for us to decide our next course of action. Our responses need not always be something outside our comfort zone. In further practice, we learn to navigate this grey area. Its always a range of choices between familiarity, and the unknown.

Learning to Fall

I believe that as long as it progresses and evolves our sense of being, and connection with other humans, anything is a good choice.

Believe in the sensations in your body, and get curious about them. Attuning to yourself is the best practice that teaches us to discern our true needs, from other people's opinions and expectations. Humans are an interdependent species. We will always have some form of external influence over our decisions.

However, the final choice and their impacts are the result of our experiences. You are accountable to yourself and your life. Commit to yourself.