It is often easier to look out than look within. It’s easy to look at another’s faults and accomplishments and lay the praise or blame. It’s harder to recognize the same in ourselves. The irony is that our own self is what really counts. It is the hard work that is the most necessary work.

When we are able to look within and begin judging our own behaviour, instead of another’s, we gain the ability to actually make progress. Rather than concern ourselves with the other, which we really cannot change, we invest that energy into ourselves.

I lean towards an objective meaning to life. Whether or not what I believe to be true is or is not objectively true, I continue to live by it either way. Because even if it only applies to me, at least I have some imbued meaning.

I believe that we as human beings are meant to uncover deeper and deeper states of peace. I look to Buddha and Jesus, and other enlightened figures: Ramana Maharishi, Lao Tzu, Krishna, for direction and meaning. The, very similar, goals that they outlined I’ve adopted for myself. And so I strive towards great clarity and levity.

I have an experience of what peace feels like, and I practice into stabilizing that. One of the greatest practices is being triggered emotionally. In that state we can observe our reactions without identifying them. The practice tries to destroy you. The only way to test the peace is to have it stand against that which would otherwise destroy it.

And so to that end, I direct my efforts.

Although I speak with some clarity here, it can be very challenging to track your own progress. We can get so engrossed in the details, that we fail to see the big picture.

If I am overwhelmed by some drama in my life today, and I see how it has been playing out for the last week, I might only see the last week. I might only see the anxiety and depression that I’m currently in. But if we can stretch back further, we may be able to begin to see progress. How would have you reacted to this situation 10 years ago? What about 50 years ago?

My personality type tends to magnify the faults and minimize the perfections. I have an addiction to self-analysis. Usually, I tell myself that correcting the flaws is helpful while harking on the good qualities only fuels my ego. So I see a practical value in my stubborn criticism. However I don’t think that is the best course of action. I see how positive reinforcement is also beneficial.

But I digress, the point here is progress, and the ability to track it.  The ability to remove yourself from the issue to view the bigger picture.

I don’t like to make claims that I don’t certainly know are true, and so I stay away from the idea of reincarnation. Although I am a science fiction fan, and a lover of the notion of the afterlife, I tend to refrain from accepting it as a fundamental truth. But, if it were to be true, it would extend the progress bar even further. Much, much further.

Progress from one life to the next, rather than one year. And then I realize that I may spend my whole life only making baby steps.

But I am a bit of a self-help junkie, and so I strive to make as much progress as possible. To develop as much peace as possible.

I think I have just stumbled onto my next axiom: Peace is the purpose of life. To experience the state of bliss which dwells in the unity of the non-linear.

And so, to the confusion of onlookers, I move in that direction. The end justifies the means in this pursuit. And in this pursuit, I begin to enjoy that which would seem painful to one who does not share the same end.

Reflecting on my progress I notice how much quicker I come out of my depressions than I did 10 years ago. I notice greater degrees of patience and humility. I notice less stress. I notice more peace.

I can still be intensely critical with myself, failing to grasp the big picture, and so it is important for me to remember just how far I have come. Not to justify how I may be falling short in the moment, but as some of that positive reinforcement that helps me believe that I am capable of change. Because I have come a long way, and I will continue to sink deeper into the bliss of the non-linear.