The death of existentialism in modern society.

OK, that's a bit of a "meaty" title.  Let me try to expand on the meaning a bit before you run off.

Existentialism deals with the real condition of human existence based on the subject individual's emotions, actions, responsibilities and thoughts.  In other words it is an introspective approach to finding the "meaning of life".

In many ways, I am an existentialist.  Now, before you condemn me for embracing a label, please bear in mind that there are very few hard rules that apply to existentialism, unlike many other labels one might choose to associate with.  In fact falling under the existential label, actually frees one from other labels and categories.

Let me go a little further.  Existentialism, to me, is best summed up by Soren Kierkegaard.  He maintained that the individual is solely responsible for giving  his or her own life meaning and for living that life passionately and sincerely in spite of many existential obstacles and distractions including despair, angst, absurdity, alienation and boredom.  This is literally "the meat of the matter". 

Keep in mind that existentialism came into being long before we had the distractions of the modern world.  People were more likely to base their own opinions and beliefs on what they observed, rather than form them based on what they were told.  Existentialism is based on individual freedom coupled with being responsible for one's own motivations.  In other words, it meant that you should be who you are, because that is who the inner man is, and you owed it to yourself and society as a whole to be the genuine "you".

This is why I do not embrace political or social labels.  In order to label oneself as belonging to a group, you must give up some ideals that represent who you are as an individual.  There is no theoretical pigeon hole large enough to hold more than one person.  Modern society has done it's best to diminish the power and importance of the individual.  It has become necessary to feel like one "belongs" or is "part of" something greater than oneself.  I say "Hogwash!"  What is more important than being who you are and living your life the way you feel and know inside that you should?  Today's political climate/system is a perfect example of the slow death of the existential point of view.  In order to have your voice "heard" or you vote "counted", you must embrace a group that may not represent everything that you stand for and believe in.  Too often we are given the "easy way out" by just picking a certain party or ideology based on what the media or society tells us is more acceptable, instead of doing the hard work of taking an internal inventory of who we really are and having the will to stand outside of the group and say "No, this is me and I am not going to sacrifice who I am in order to participate in your group." 

I believe that most people who are on a path of consciousness growth or personal development have a bit of the existential spirit in them.  I would urge you, the next time you are facing a decision to listen to that little voice that questions your motivation.  Don't let the fire of the individual inside die.  Be yourself in all things that you do.  You will find more love for your fellow man, and your fellow man will love and respect you more for being genuine.  Even if some one does not agree with you, if you are genuine it is more likely they will respect your perspective. 

Until next time, be you and I'll be me.  Tom.

The power of "why"?

How many times have you heard that word, especially if you are a parent?  If you are not a parent, I'm sure you probably asked your mother or father a plethora of "why" questions when you were growing up.

Why is a word used to garner an explanation of a fact or behavior pattern that we have observed, but don't fully comprehend.  It can also be used to find out someone's motivation in giving us instruction to carry out a certain task. 

Not too long ago, in the grand scheme of things, I began asking myself a few why questions.  For example, "Why do I go to work everyday?"  answer- To support my family.  That lead to another why question - "Why is supporting my family important?" - answer - Because I care about them and want them to have the things they need and a few of the things they want.  Which lead to more and more why questions.  Finally, when I had gotten frustrated, I asked myself "If all the answers to my why questions were valid, then why was I miserable when I came home and why was I working so many hours and being away from everyone that I'm working for?

You want to talk about an epiphany.  If you take the time to seriously ask yourself the "why" questions and are honest with yourself when you answer them, you will gain clarity and possibly some direction.  This exercise helps to clear the clutter of life away and puts light on your true motivations. 

The Socratic Method is a powerful tool if we are able to use it on our own consciousness.  If you've got some time to ponder and are in search of some clarity, try asking yourself "why", and be honest when you answer yourself.

Be well, until next time. 

Thomas.

And so it begins.

Hello internet world!  I've often wanted to have a place to share my thoughts with like-minded individuals and have finally gotten the gumption to do so.

Most of my friends know that I've recently changed a lot in my life, but they may not know what my motivation behind the change was.  I will be using this blog as a "baring of my soul" medium.  I will sometimes post about things happening in my life, changes that I'm going through, philosophy, Real Estate news, things that are important to me mentally, emotionally, financially and basically just a window for you, dear viewer to look at my journey and maybe understand what I'm doing.  Perhaps you will be entertained, maybe inspired.  Who knows?  But more importantly, you may be able to contribute and we will both come away with a positive experience.

I'll not go too far into details as this may be our first meeting.  I just want to give you an idea of what the content of this blog is going to consist of.  I may not be the funniest guy on the internet, or the most intelligent.  But, you can rest assured that what gets written here, comes from the heart.  There will be no walls here, you will get the real scoop on what I'm thinking and/or feeling.  Plus the reason behind my thinking. 

I look forward to our long and prosperous relationship.  May you all sleep well tonight and live tomorrow like you should.

Your friend, Thomas.