#23 - What Is The Meaning Of Life Anyways?

In today's podcast episode, I delve into a question that has intrigued humanity for centuries: What is the meaning of life? This isn't about claiming to have all the answers, but rather sharing my reflections, sparked by conversations with great minds and a dear friend.Let's start with a whimsical yet profound perspective from Douglas Adams’ "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy." Here, a supercomputer named Deep Thought, after much deliberation, concludes that the answer to life, the universe, and everything is simply “42”. This quirky response, often seen as a humorous sidestep, might hold a deeper meaning. In computer programming, 42 represents the ASCII character for '*', a wildcard symbolizing "whatever you want it to be." Could this imply that life’s meaning is subjective, something we each define for ourselves?This notion aligns with the idea that between every stimulus and response, there's a space. In this space, we find our freedom and power to choose our response. Herein lies our growth and happiness. It's a reminder that we are not mere puppets to circumstance but active participants in shaping our destiny.Reflecting on this, I'm reminded of the interconnectedness of everything. The concept is that you, the universe, and everyone else are not separate entities but parts of an intricate whole. This interconnected world functions like a feedback loop, constantly learning and evolving. By listening within, we tap into the universe's wisdom, finding answers that resonate with our unique journey.In one of my recent explorations, I came across a video by Alan Watts trusting the Universe. He speaks about being in harmony with life's flow, an effortless state of being. However, this doesn't imply passivity. Trusting and surrendering means releasing our grip on personal desires and attuning ourselves to our innate purpose. It's about rediscovering that inner voice that guides us towards what we are truly meant to do.Many spiritual teachers emphasize the importance of stillness and inner listening. It's not about being swayed by external influences or the ego but about tuning into a deeper, universal frequency. When we trust the universe and listen deeply, we begin to perceive the intricate web of connections that bind everything.In conclusion, the journey to understanding life's meaning is deeply personal and ever-evolving. It's about letting go, embracing change, and listening to the universe's subtle guidance. As we navigate this path, we find that in living fully and authentically, we come closer to uncovering our true purpose.For further reading and insights, I recommend this insightful article on Medium and more wisdom from Alan Watts in this video.In the end, perhaps the meaning of life is what we choose to make of it. As we continue on our individual journeys, let's remain open to the lessons and insights that life generously offers. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com