Having to reflect on the theme of joy this month has been cathartic and healing for me, in this time of loss. Joy is revealing itself to be multifaceted, and I am enjoying the discovery of the many paths that lead to joy.
Lately, I have found myself thinking about the after life on a few occasions. It’s to be expected when grieving the loss of a loved one to contemplate or seek solace in thoughts about the afterlife, trying to complete the picture of what is happening to them.
“Live a joyful life that echoes beyond the present, for in each moment, you shape the legacy that transcends this life into the eternal afterlife.”
-Unknown
While beliefs about the afterlife vary widely across cultures, religions, and philosophies, there are some common themes that appear in many traditions. Many afterlife concepts include notions of peace, happiness, or bliss, often associated with a reward for a virtuous life. For example:
Heavenly Bliss
In Christianity, heaven is often described as a place of eternal joy and bliss, where individuals are in the presence of God and experience ultimate happiness.
Nirvana
In Buddhism, the concept of Nirvana is associated with the end of suffering and the attainment of true happiness and peace.
Spiritual Fulfillment
Some spiritual and metaphysical beliefs centre around the idea that the afterlife involves a state of higher consciousness, where individuals may experience profound joy and unity with the divine.
Humans are obsessed with the pursuit of happiness and joy, not only in life, but clearly, we want it to be the ultimate end, and continue to live in joy for eternity.
“Life is precious because you can’t watch it again. I mean, you can believe in an afterlife if that makes you feel better. Doesn’t mean it’s true.”
— Tony Johnson
Of course, beliefs about the afterlife are often influenced by cultural or religious backgrounds, and these beliefs can shape the grieving process.
Thinking about the afterlife during grief is normal, and from what I have read, can serve various purposes
1. Believing in some form of afterlife may bring comfort by imagining the deceased person in a peaceful or happy state.
2. We seek the connection to them, and contemplating the afterlife can provide a way to feel connected to them spiritually or emotionally.
3. It’s often part of the process of finding meaning and purpose in the face of loss.
Whether your purpose is intentional or not, it’s quite possible that a life of being helpful and kind to others, and making them laugh is the path to everlasting bliss.
“It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something.”
– Winston S. Churchill
It’s hard for us to accept that we don’t need to earn or prove our worthiness for an afterlife promising to be an existence of complete bliss. Our society, and beliefs have programmed us to work (hard) for rewards in life. This makes us search for meaning, and our life’s purpose.
“What am I living for and what am I dying for are the same question.”
– Margaret Atwood
Different people and philosophical traditions offer various interpretations of life’s purpose. If you can discover and align with your life purpose it can significantly contribute to a sense of joy and fulfillment. Here are a few perspectives to consider:
1. Religious Beliefs: Many religious traditions propose that the purpose of life is tied to fulfilling a divine plan, seeking spiritual growth, or adhering to moral principles.
2. Spiritual Growth: Certain perspectives suggest that the purpose of life is personal and involves spiritual growth, self-discovery, and the realization of one’s true nature.
3. Contribution to Society: Others see purpose in making meaningful contributions to society, connecting with others, and leaving a positive impact on the world.
4. Personal Fulfillment: Some philosophical perspectives focus on individual fulfillment and happiness, emphasizing the pursuit of personal passions, relationships, and experiences.
5. Evolution and Survival: From a biological standpoint, the sole purpose of life could be seen as the continuation of the species through reproduction and adaptation to the environment.
6. Existential Views: Existentialist philosophies propose that individuals create their own meaning and purpose through their choices and actions, without relying on external sources.
Whatever your perspective, the search for life’s purpose is a fundamental aspect of human nature, even if it is entirely subjective and influenced by different perspectives.
“We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from life.”
-William Oslet
Humans are naturally curious beings, and the quest for meaning and purpose has held our collective focus for centuries.
Because the human brain has the capacity for self-awareness and reflection, we can ponder profound questions about our existence and purpose. The awareness of our mortality and the desire to make our existence meaningful motivates us to find purpose, that will bring happiness, and earn us the eternal joy that we believe waits for us.
While answers to the question of life’s purpose may vary, the exploration itself is a universal aspect of the human experience, reflecting our complex cognitive and emotional capacities.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
– Mark Twain
