Direction of Thinking
Meaning is a uniquely embodied phenomenon
Thinking, like communication, has a direction. It can be towards others, which will often also be towards clarity or towards meaning. Meaning is a uniquely embodied phenomenon. We can share meaning, of course, but we would share the tentacles of the source. The meaning itself is alive in us. No one needs to ask you to care about something you find meaningful; the meaning is the fire that burns and keeps this interesting to you. Finding the meaning in the things we already do, or pursuing more meaningful activities, is the foundation of self-actualization (being seen by the world the way you see yourself).
This personal endeavor has many day-to-day aspects. You can’t find meaning (/value) by talking to others because, more often than not, talking to others looks for clarity and collaboration. So while we could produce wonderful thinking, it will not give us insights into what drives our attention. Tactically, meaning waits for you to find and assign language to it in the socially awkward spaces that resist median articulation; it is a particular complexity, a unique personal constellation of ideas.
Luckily, it is accessible in spaces (containers) that don’t ask for you to be precise, where you have the grace not to make sense yet, to learn something new about yourself while being creative with others.
Looking for meaning is like walking up a mountain with skis on. It is awkward, clunky, and challenging, but will result in a better understanding (of the self) and a broader lens on the self. It is easiest to ski down, but that is where everyone else is going anyway.
This week, I invite you to draw your direction in thinking.
P.S. We will meet for the first coffee/book exchange/library drop-off this week for those in New York.
P.P.S. I will be holding two prompt writing (for humans) workshops this Summer. Learn more here.