Discovering Joy in the Universe: Embracing Purpose Through Passion and Experiences
How do we find purpose amid the vastness of the cosmos? This question often weighs heavily on my mind as I navigate my daily routine of dance, music, photography, and hiking trails that lead to breathtaking mountain vistas.
Growing up as a ballet dancer, the importance of purpose was instilled in me early. Each pirouette and grand jeté carried the weight of countless hours of practice. But when pondering the universe's grand scale—from the Big Bang to the ever-expanding cosmos—it can feel like we're nothing more than a speck of dust. It's a humbling realization.
In the midst of this colossal backdrop, finding purpose can seem daunting. After all, are any of our actions truly significant? Well, this is where my philosophy takes center stage. As someone who subscribes to the notion that free will is an illusion and that we're part of an infinite tapestry woven since the universe's inception, I find solace in embracing this lack of control.
Purpose, then, isn't something external that one captures like a rare Pokémon. Instead, it unfolds from within our experiences and passions. My own journey from playing the violin to venturing into the wild with my camera has consistently revealed one thing: purpose is interwoven with joy.
Consider the musical compositions of Beethoven and Mozart, whose works have endured centuries. They didn't create masterpieces with the intention to be remembered for millennia. They simply followed their passions. So, when I'm composing music or perfecting a tricky ballet routine, I think—what mattered to them was the act of creation itself.
Similarly, every hike up a mountain or river-rafting adventure stirs a sense of wonder and purpose within me. Each snapshot of a wildflower or a soaring eagle offers a fleeting moment of connection, a reminder that life’s vibrancy lies in these seemingly insignificant moments.
Purpose is like the air I breathe as I run trails or strum my guitar. I can’t always see it, but I feel its presence, pushing me forward. And despite my belief in cosmic determinism, it's in these efforts and experiences that I find personal fulfillment.
So, how do we find purpose amid cosmic insignificance? By cherishing the paths the universe sets for us, and embracing the excitement of the ride. Whether it's in a musical note, a dance move, or an awe-inspiring photograph, our purpose is not defined by the universe's grand design, but by the fleeting yet profound moments that color our existence.
Let's revel in those moments, for they are our purpose.
Warm smiles,
Jaimie Good
