Good blog name, D. What meaning we create is up to us. Doesn't quite fit well but there it is. I think when people who had drifted suddenly catch meaning due to a life event like escaping danger or the birth of their child, the shift in feeling startles them. I fear this happened to my dad who, at about 30 yr old finding himself a new father, left the drift style and focused on something to do professionally. Methinks he took parenting a bit too seriously.
I'm watching this Big Thinking in myself as outsized goals are a driver for the type of mania I used to suffer. Interestingly enough, I use the I Ching for life coaching. Of course, my most recent hexagram spoke to this question. I got Hex. 46: Ascend step by step. At one point it said this:
Quote:
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It is not always necessary to go all the way to the summit or to get every detail perfect. A smaller sacrifice, or a more modest goal, or being less severe with yourself can work fine, as long as your dedication is honest.
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This reminds me of the Dalia Lama before his crowning. As a boy, he once was outside with his tutors being asked questions about the Dharma. His mentors posed a question he didn't know the answer to. So he just sat. They asked another question. Didn't know that either. So they all sat in silence some more. It got cooler and someone asked if he'd like to move the session indoors. He said yes and they all moved inside. When they had reassembled he looked up at them and said, "That's the type of question I like."
R