Junto
March 2022
This month I want to talk about meaning and how we go about finding and creating it. At one point or another, we are taught what should be important, and what we should find meaningful.
All socially acceptable forms of meaning. Like taking ownership there is a tipping point with meaning. We can borrow meaning for a short time but ultimately we need to discover meaning for ourselves.
At this point, the meaning moves from external sources, to deep inside us. The meaning is based on our own experience. Our own results.
- Family
- Friends
- Work
- Education
- Spirituality
All socially acceptable forms of meaning. Like taking ownership there is a tipping point with meaning. We can borrow meaning for a short time but ultimately we need to discover meaning for ourselves.
At this point, the meaning moves from external sources, to deep inside us. The meaning is based on our own experience. Our own results.
The pandemic has given people space and time to rethink and rediscover what we find meaningful.
What is something you find meaningful?
A couple of caveats before you answer. It’s easy to list the things that we should find meaningful. It’s even easy to list the things we want to find meaningful. That’s exactly what I want to avoid. Disregard any obligation or desire.
A good indicator that will let you know you’re on the right track…
Also, think about...
Here's mine:
Making things gives me meaning. I rediscovered this while working for a private art school in Portland. Craftsmanship was the foundation of the school. I worked with people from all walks of life who were driven to make things. For no other reason than to make them.
Observing these makers, it stood out that the outcome rarely mattered. What did matter, was the process. Getting the idea from their head into a physical form. It was the process that gave them meaning.
I still have to get over my expectation for what the result should look like. Giving myself credit for even getting any kind of result. Especially when I’m doing something new.
On days where I get home exhausted from a day of sitting in from of the computer producing intangibles, making something with my hands grounds me. It brings me back to a simpler existence.
What is something you find meaningful?
A couple of caveats before you answer. It’s easy to list the things that we should find meaningful. It’s even easy to list the things we want to find meaningful. That’s exactly what I want to avoid. Disregard any obligation or desire.
A good indicator that will let you know you’re on the right track…
- Where do you spend your time and/or money?
Also, think about...
- What was the process that create this meaning?
Here's mine:
Making things gives me meaning. I rediscovered this while working for a private art school in Portland. Craftsmanship was the foundation of the school. I worked with people from all walks of life who were driven to make things. For no other reason than to make them.
Observing these makers, it stood out that the outcome rarely mattered. What did matter, was the process. Getting the idea from their head into a physical form. It was the process that gave them meaning.
I still have to get over my expectation for what the result should look like. Giving myself credit for even getting any kind of result. Especially when I’m doing something new.
On days where I get home exhausted from a day of sitting in from of the computer producing intangibles, making something with my hands grounds me. It brings me back to a simpler existence.
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The Leprechaun
2 oz. Irish Whiskey .75 oz. fresh lemon juice 5 oz. tonic water |