Finding Meaning in a Noisy World
Two Modes of Existence
German philosopher Martin Heidegger, psychiatrist Irvin Yalom, and even elements of Buddhism explore the concept of two modes of existence. The "Everyday" mode is where we chase distractions like physical appearances and possessions—things that fade as quickly as they come. The "Ontological" mode, by contrast, is where we grapple with deeper questions about meaning, self-fulfillment, and authenticity.
This dichotomy is echoed in the contrast between hedonic and eudaimonic happiness. Hedonic happiness is pleasure-seeking and surface-level; eudaimonic happiness delves into living a life of purpose and meaning.
For much of my life, I was stuck in the everyday mode. I was absorbed in external noise—the pursuit of validation, comparison, and fleeting pleasures. But I realized this only took me further from constructing an authentic life.
Modern Challenges to Authenticity
Our world makes cultivating authenticity challenging, yet it has never been more crucial. Every time we turn on the TV, scroll through our phones, or walk down the street, we’re bombarded by messages telling us to be more, do more, and have more. Entire industries thrive on our discontent, selling us the illusion that self-worth lies just beyond our reach.
This incessant push for competition and self-improvement begs the question: when do we stop striving and start living? Many Indigenous cultures, for example, saw competition outside certain contexts as a sign of mental ill-health. Compare that to today, where competition extends to every facet of our lives.
Has Meaning Been Commoditized?
Does our capitalist system, amplified by the neoliberal assault of the 1970s, make it harder to cultivate deep meaning? This system glorifies individualism, consumerism, and material wealth. In this context, has meaning itself become a commodity?
Letting Go and Finding Freedom
As Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said, “Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If in our heart we still cling to anything—anger, anxiety, or possessions—we cannot be free.”
When we give ourselves space to reflect, we begin to see our habits and desires more clearly. How much of our lives are shaped by external influences like media, education, or advertising? How many of our choices are truly our own?
For me, stepping away from the "doing mode"—embracing life’s challenges and living in the ontological mode—was transformative. It allowed me to break free from the "I’ll be happy when" mentality. Happiness and tranquility, undervalued treasures in our modern world, became accessible in the present moment.
This shift gave me direction, confidence, and freedom from the endless worry about others’ opinions. Competition and comparison, the twin forces that drive much of modern life, faded in significance. Instead, I began to trust my own sense of self and what truly mattered to me.
Practical Steps Toward Meaning
What can we do to cultivate meaning in our lives? Here are a few suggestions:
Ask Yourself What Makes You Happy: Identify activities or practices that bring you joy and fulfillment. Can you incorporate these into your daily life?
Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have.
Water Flowers: This simple yet powerful practice involves acknowledging and appreciating others. Think of a friend, family member, colleague, or even a stranger. Compliment them or express gratitude.
For example, I recently sent this message to a friend: “Hey mate. Just wanted to let you know that I’m lucky to have such a good friend like you. I know I can always count on you for your support and kindness. You’re a good man.” His initial response was, “Haha. You okay, mate?” But later, he wrote back, “Thanks, man. Appreciate the message—it means a lot. It’s been a tough week; you just made it better.”
Simple acts of kindness ripple outward. A Yale University study tracked 5,000 people over 30 years and found that emotions like happiness or sadness spread through entire communities. By watering flowers, we not only brighten someone’s day but also contribute to a collective sense of well-being.
The Path to Meaning
Finding meaning often starts with curiosity and awareness. When we step back from distractions and give ourselves the space to explore, we can reconnect with what’s truly important. Meaning becomes our guiding light, helping us navigate life with clarity and purpose.
In a world filled with noise, creating meaning isn’t just a personal journey; it’s an act of resistance and empowerment. Let it guide you.
By Evan Sutter