Why We Are Here

The question of why we are here has been explored by mystics, philosophers, writers and other artists from the beginning of time.  Their conclusions have ranged from simple explanations of observed phenomena to highly complex systems and structures that position us in relation to a myriad of events both real and imagined.  All too often they feel obliged to incorporate contemporary political or religious thinking to placate the prevailing power brokers leading to a distortion of their original vision.

The distance between us and the other creatures that inhabit this planet often seems great.  Rather than being at one with nature many of us have chosen to be at war with her, continuously striving to change the face of the planet in a way that would appear to suit us, irrespective of the impact on others.  It is ironic that the benefits of finding ever more sophisticated forms of shelter and convenient access to the ever increasing list of what we believe to be necessities come at a very high price in the time and effort we have to commit to achieving them. 

Despite these supposed differences, I believe that the answer to this question is primarily the same for all living things.  Simply expressed, we are all here to flourish.  Focussing upon this as the core principle does not deny environmental or situational influences and so I would add that flourishing is about becoming the best that you can be taking account of the circumstances within which you find yourself.

The first layer of complexity comes with our individual differences both in terms of the uniqueness of our personalities and how we have responded to the impact of our personal histories.  The second layer of complexity comes with our need to flourish alongside and in collaboration with others who are likely to be working through a different cycle to our own.

The variations in the circumstances needed for each of us to flourish and the impact that we have, each upon the other, through our attempts to become our best can risk creating conflict through competition for what are perceived to be the best, or most easily accessible, resources.  There is plenty of evidence to support this.

However, I believe that it is possible for all of us to flourish to our maximum extent once we begin to understand the true nature of what this means for us, individually and collectively.

Flourishing within your present environment may seem to become more challenging when seen within the context of the recognised achievements of others, but this is only the case if we are all to pursue the same external objectives.  The true nature of personal endeavour that I am promoting is to flourish in collaboration with others and the underlying principal is one of communal benefit through individual flourishing rather than an individual receiving benefit through flourishing at the expense of others. This requires us to value difference and accept variation without denigration.

This is not about being the best in comparison with others, but being the best that you can be within the moment.  This does not mean that there is not a role for competition between individuals, but that individual flourishing is not measured in this way.  Nor is this something that is achieved once and for all.  I believe this to be a continuous and dynamic process as we move ever closer towards becoming more our authentic selves rather than striving for some external ideal.  This does not need to be a solitary journey, and we can all use a little help from time to time.

 © 2014 Michael Golding