The Stranger Meaning
Jimmy Valentino classified survival so simply and purely; he claimed that one would find the meaning of life with daily laughter, thought, and tears. Valentino's basic statement reminded me of the phrases stamped on the outside of Lululemon gift bags. Hanging from the shoulder of a college student or supported in two hands by a elderly lady, Lululemon's statements define simply what the company assumes to universally bring joy: "Do one thing a day that scares you", "Dance, sing, floss, and travel", "Children are the orgasm of life". Some of the statements seem to be surface level; however, there is an overall philosophy in these quotes that is challenging, declarative, and disputable: "Do it now, do it now, do it now!" The emphasis on living in the present and "doing" in the present is evident in Lululemon's give presence campaign. One photo on the campaign website reads, "Living in the moment could be the meaning of life." Such echoes the calls for the mindfulness in yoga journals and reminds me of the words of George Bernard Shaw: "This is the true joy in life - being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish cloud of ailments and grievances." While Shaw's quote can be interpreted as somewhat aggressive, it demonstrates the idea of impacting the world not in dreams or regrets but in the now; Bernard's words empower humans to rise above suffocating focuses and maximize their lives. Such ideals of efficiency and complete dedication are revered by most of American society.
Nevertheless, some Americans are workaholics; some emulate history; others invest themselves in an unattainable future. For some, efficiency and complete dedication have undermined the purpose of the traits.
I often struggle with the balance between maximizing and being present. This is in part due to my defining movement (and maybe reflection…I haven't decided about that one yet) as the key to find meaning in life. I am consistently in awe at bodies' ability to express through motion; this includes human and animal bodies, bodies of water, and objects. I am also interested in the idea of perpetual progression mentally and emotionally. Although I am far from achieving it, I believe that finding peace in one's mind is a result of viewing mental patterns or shifts without becoming attached to them. Further, if movement never concludes, one can continue striving for their goals, stepping out of caves, and rushing through rivers without ever filling their vessel.
While one must be careful to not make motion into commotion, there is something special to me about the idea of never stopping. On a personal level, this is seen most in small scale choices; however, the thought also relates to cyclical life. There exist patterns in human instinct and thought that repeat in a circular motion; these patterns transcend generations and are mirrored by motion in other minds. I get made fun of all the time for my favorite moment at my first Lollapalooza: from above, watching the crowd watch the Killers. I found it incredible that so many people of so many backgrounds and so many ages could be jumping up and down at the same time in the same place with the same emotion. These moments make life worthwhile to me. The people were physically moving. Their minds were moving. Their feelings were flowing. They demonstrated the motion of human behavior as it passes down generations and through society. Some of these people were pretty gone, but the moment connected me, moved me, and allowed me to feel present.
Nevertheless, some Americans are workaholics; some emulate history; others invest themselves in an unattainable future. For some, efficiency and complete dedication have undermined the purpose of the traits.
I often struggle with the balance between maximizing and being present. This is in part due to my defining movement (and maybe reflection…I haven't decided about that one yet) as the key to find meaning in life. I am consistently in awe at bodies' ability to express through motion; this includes human and animal bodies, bodies of water, and objects. I am also interested in the idea of perpetual progression mentally and emotionally. Although I am far from achieving it, I believe that finding peace in one's mind is a result of viewing mental patterns or shifts without becoming attached to them. Further, if movement never concludes, one can continue striving for their goals, stepping out of caves, and rushing through rivers without ever filling their vessel.
While one must be careful to not make motion into commotion, there is something special to me about the idea of never stopping. On a personal level, this is seen most in small scale choices; however, the thought also relates to cyclical life. There exist patterns in human instinct and thought that repeat in a circular motion; these patterns transcend generations and are mirrored by motion in other minds. I get made fun of all the time for my favorite moment at my first Lollapalooza: from above, watching the crowd watch the Killers. I found it incredible that so many people of so many backgrounds and so many ages could be jumping up and down at the same time in the same place with the same emotion. These moments make life worthwhile to me. The people were physically moving. Their minds were moving. Their feelings were flowing. They demonstrated the motion of human behavior as it passes down generations and through society. Some of these people were pretty gone, but the moment connected me, moved me, and allowed me to feel present.
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