the crisis of "meaning" and what to do about it

[kingtal]

The reason we have such a crisis is that we are smarter at a younger age, carry a greater weight of wordly knowledge on our shoulders and are hyperstimulated, but ultimately not satisfied, by our western culture. We have the time and the means to look (or in some cases intuitively feel) beyond the material but have no idea what exists beyond, and no idea how to look for it. Perhaps we are afraid there is nothing beyong the material. But there definitely is, not so much beyond, but existing inside the complex patterns of life that produce us all. Many traditions have taught that the transient nature of all life causes us lots of angst because we have such strong senses of self. So lose (or at least diminish)the sense of self, which is what competes with everyone else around us, and take refuge in the enormously intricate and very beautiful order that unfolds from chaotic disorder to make the world that we see. It is hard to know where to start but popular science (eg the "new" physics, self-organising systems etc), religious traditions and human psychology are excellent places to start. If you can't cope with book learning, take art classes or pick up an instrument; any engagement that turns the analytical mind off and plugs the the expressive creative one in. One thing for sure - buying a new car or a new sofa or a new anything will simply not cut it after the euphoria of purchase has worn off. Good luck groovers!!!