Secret to Life: part 2
In our second post on the secret to life, we are focusing on Iddo Landau, a philosopher at Haifa University in Israel, and author of Finding Meaning in an Imperfect World. Landau has a more simplistic view and says the secret to life is a “meaningful existence”, and it’s not that hard to achieve. Some people spend their entire lives feeling dissatisfied, feeling their lives are meaningless. Landau’s belief is that we focus more on what we believe is missing from our existence, rather than the failure to recognize what really does matter. The meaning of life is a sense of worth that we may all derive from differently, such as from relationships, vision, inspiration, accomplishments, generosity, etc.
Landau’s theory on resetting your mind to achieve a “meaningful existence” is to think of it as an equation. By doing this, you add or subtract value variables and secure more or less meaning. You can also increase or decrease the value of your lives through practice, effort, action, and thought. An example of this would be to upgrade, or downgrade, your health. With at least several more weeks of quarantine, it’s the perfect time to do this and enter back into society as a different person after social distancing. It will give you something to focus on, you will be making great accomplishments at the same time, and will feel good about yourself.
Even though we’re in spring, we are still having some chilly days, which makes me think of soup. I’ve always thought of soup as being comforting, even medicinal. So, today we’re focusing on a “Cozy Lentil Soup”, an adaptation from “The First Mess” cookbook (Wright, 2017). Lentils have a special meaning in the Jewish tradition. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of lentil soup, although it wasn’t really about the soup, but the eternity of the soul, and the right and responsibility to perform the Divine service. For this reason, the round lentils symbolize eternity.
What’s the Secret to Life?
“To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.”
This is the first of a series of posts that ponder on that very subject. We’ll try to work our way through this heavy subject, and then I’ll leave you with a great recipe for you to enjoy at home. Bon Appétit!
So, what is the secret of life? Who knows? However, many eminent thinkers of different eras have taken a stab at it. Nietzsche said “to live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.” This quote seems appropriate for the times we are living now with the Covid-19 pandemic in full effect. Most of us are now tucked safely in our homes practicing social distancing and trying to stay healthy and safe.
The effects of the worldwide pandemic have been felt by all of us in one way or another, and we probably won’t know the full effect on society until years from now when we can look back and reflect on all that transpired, and is yet to come. Some are stuck at home trying to work remotely and deal with the everyday issues of home life. Yet those are the lucky ones, there are those whose jobs didn’t translate to a remote working arrangement and were furloughed, or worse yet, our first responders and medical providers risking their health and wellbeing to protect us and care for those that have gotten the disease. Regardless of your situation, we thank all of you for doing your best.
If there is a silver lining to the quarantine we are experiencing, it’s that this global crisis has brought about an awakening of the mind, as well as a reflection on what we appreciate in life. Hopefully we’ll be appreciating each other more once we can speak to others in person and can return to our routines. While this time may spark reflection, it’s also a good time to nourish our body, soul, and mind. You can do this by starting your day with a simple green smoothie in the morning. They are easy to make, flexible with ingredients, wholesome, and full of nourishment. It’s also a good way to get your greens and an extra boost of immunity with Vitamin C. Not only will your body thank you for doing so, your mood and mental state may improve as well.
Simple Green Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 small banana
a handful of fresh spinach
1 tsp of coconut oil
1 tsp of raw honey
1 cup of coconut or almond milk
1 scoop of powdered greens or protein powder
1/2 tsp of vitamin C powder
cold filtered water to adjust consistency to taste
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until thoroughly combined and smooth. Enjoy!
As you delight in its nourishment, think of all the ways you may be blessed in this life, and allow yourself to feel grateful for them. Remember, whatever your answer may be, it’s your secret…