subject: Living A Meaningful Life [print this page] Living A Meaningful Life Living A Meaningful Life
What does it mean to live a meaningful life?
Imagine a life filled with love, joy and peace where every moment is spent in present time and where our conscious awareness is such that we have control over our minds rather than our minds having control over us. Having a meaningful life begins with who you are. The following quote sums it up nicely:
If you want to know the past, to know what has caused you, look at yourself in the PRESENT, for that is the past's effect. If you want to know your future, then look at yourself in the PRESENT, for that is the cause of the future.
-- Majjhima Nikaya
Live in Present Time
When you live your life in the present, it becomes more meaningful. It is in present time that you will experience an awakening to a meaningful life where you come from a place of love, joy and peace. It is in present time that you will understand the true essence of who you are and your purpose for being here. It is here that you understand your limitations and recognize your strengths and weakness utilizing them to serve others allowing your life to become more meaningful.
Love Unconditionally
Can you imagine a world where everyone is giving the gift of unconditional love? That is when you will see peace on earth. Love is the Power! There is nothing that will heal all people and heal this planet more quickly than Love. When you give someone love without conditions it is free of judgment. You only put conditions on things based on your own judgments of how you think they should be which is when problems and situations begin to occur. Pure magic and miracles come from unconditional love in ways that you can never imagine. Love yourself and love others with no conditions attached and it will open up a whole new meaning of life for you.
Let Go of Attachment
When you become attached to something in your life whether it is the outcome of something or an attachment to someone, it causes an emotional connection. In Buddhism it is known as a cause of suffering. We often become attached to our emotions and when these are negative emotions it is much harder for us to let go of them which can cause suffering and unhappiness in our lives. Letting go of your attachment of being right will allow you open your mind and learn from others. Being open to what is and having acceptance of what is has no attachment.
Live with Passion
Living with passion comes from doing things that you are passionate about. Do the things that excite you and bring joy to your life. It is so easy to get caught up in day to day living that you forget what it's like to have fun. If you are working doing something that you really don't like then why are you still doing it? How many times have you wished that you could be doing something that you would really enjoy? Many people don't really know what their passion is and as you evolve your passions can sometimes change. By looking deeper within yourself you will find what really inspires you. If you would like help in discovering your passion you can go to " The Passion Test " which will help you to discover a whole new realm of possibilities so you can living a more meaningful life.
Live an Ethical Life
Living an ethical life means taking into account ethical and moral values. By being conscious of your environment and participating in the healing of the planet you will add meaning to your life. By taking positive actions rather than negative actions in supporting the environment will not only serve you but will serve all of mankind. It is also important to use ethical practices when it comes to setting goals. If you have a goal which you set out to accomplish by a certain time make sure to use a moral course of action. It is very easy to get caught up in the "getting it done no matter what the cost" frame of mind.
Be Productive
There are many things that you may want to accomplish in this life time however it almost seems overwhelming at the thought. Think about it as if you were writing your own eulogy. In fact, write your own eulogy. I did this several years ago and found it extremely helpful and meaningful for me in my life.
What do you want people to say about and the contribution that you made to the world, to your community and to others? Think of it as a legacy that you would want to leave behind that will be an inspiration to others. What would you want your children, grandchildren, friends and family to say about you? I guarantee that when you do this you will see things from a whole new perspective and it will encourage you to be more productive and give you a greater sense of fulfillment.
Be Grateful
Being grateful is a way to express our appreciation for all that comes into our lives. To really expand your appreciation and add true meaning to your life is to be grateful for everything. This not only includes what is happening in your life such as health, relationships, material possessions, friends, family and vacation which are things that usually come from a place of lack; but also life itself, all experiences your having including the challenges, problems and hardships; the planet, being who you are, your mistakes, your mind and your freedom. To be grateful for what you already have allows an opening for abundance to flow into your life. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way for you to begin expressing your gratitude. You can also join me on " Gratitude Log " where you can show your appreciation and gratitude every day.
Summary
To begin living a more meaningful life means being present to what is.
Recognizing your thoughts, beliefs and feelings and then letting them go if they do not serve you.
Giving love freely to everyone and everything; and to open your heart and accept love from others.
Releasing any emotional connections that you may have to people, places or things in your life.
Bringing passion back into your life will help you to feel more alive and joyful.
Lead an ethical life by helping others wherever you can and refrain from bringing harm to anyone or anything by putting your self interests aside.
Live everyday to the fullest by being productive and accomplishing everything you want to achieve.
Be grateful for all things knowing that whatever happens next is a result of what happened previously.
There is no good or bad, no right or wrong, everything just is.
