Why are we here? What does it all mean? Who is God?
Do you know the answer to these questions? I don’t. But I have ideas because I worked hard on developing a philosophy. You must have a framework to answer the big questions you encounter or your life will spiral downward into a meaningless mess. Many people find their philosophy through church or other religious affiliations, but I would say this should only be the beginning. Stretch yourself spiritually. Look into every religion. Read the thoughts of the great philosophers who have gone before us. Read the Bible, the Koran, the Bhagavad Ghita. As Jesus said, “Seek, and ye shall find.”
I’ve had many patients come to me with the problem of meaninglessness. It comes in different forms and has somewhat different presentations, but this is the core problem. Their life has no meaning. And without a philosophy, they’re lost. They have no idea how to go right because they can’t even see where they’re going. Your philosophy is your light.
Your quest for a philosophy should be a lifelong pursuit. There aren’t many things sadder than the person who clings to a belief system that no longer works for them. You should never give up trying to learn new things about the mysteries that surround us, nor should you ever shut your mind to things you have discarded in the past. Many times people will come full circle to believe in what they were taught as kids, but in a much more profound way.
I know there are many out there who will balk at this notion. They’ll say you should believe what you’re taught and not question it. I have a great problem with this. I believe the truth will always come out, no matter what you call it or how you approach it. You can find answers to life’s questions anywhere. In fact, when a question arises, many believe if you pay attention hard enough God will give you the answers you need. The answer was always there, you just couldn’t see it until the need arose.
For those who say they don’t know how to develop a new philosophy or strengthen their old one, I say take a visit to any bookstore or library. Man has struggled to find his place in the universe since the beginning. In that struggle, many wise men and women have taken the time to put their thoughts on paper. If you can read, you can explore nearly every philosophy that man has devised through the ages.
I’ll close this section with a warning: Always be respectful of another person’s philosophy. In general, a person will cling to their philosophy like a lifeline. Only with the greatest respect should you go nosing around in someone else’s beliefs, and even then, only by invitation. Remember, it’s their responsibility to keep their light shining, not yours.
