Given the many responsibilities that a person has to face in this life, together with the deadly deadlines and endless barrage of pressures, people tend to forget what truly matters for them. They barely have time to pause, albeit for a while, and think of what truly matters. At the end of the day, when the silence creeps in, people could no longer avoid the nagging questions in their minds.



"Who am I?" "What am I doing in this world?" "Is there more to life than this?"

If it is any indication, these questions have been asked by singers, by writers, and by countless people - famous or otherwise. This simply means that deep beneath the surface, people long for meaning and purpose for their lives. They do not want to become prey to the marauding noise of modern life. Western countries, most especially, are very particular with the level of output and action that should be done on a daily basis.

On the one hand, being focused on action is a good thing because there is progress and there are evidences that something is indeed happening. But then again, with the breakneck speed of life, it is so easy to fall down and forget about the simpler things that can give joy and happiness. This action-oriented lifestyle also tends to leave no room for contemplation and meditation.

For one's life to replenish lost energies, concentration, and be prepared to take on the challenges of life anew, it is important to meditate and contemplate. The challenge, however, is how to do this and when. In addition to the busy lifestyle, there are a lot of gadgets and pieces of technology and communications that occupy one's time and energies.

If you already feel constricted and cramped with the endless barrage of deadlines hounding you, you need to pause. If you feel that you are simply trying to meet deadline after deadline after deadline, stop for a while. If you notice yourself fussing over unfinished businesses and you cannot seem to find the peace of mind, then you need to stop for a while and embark on a journey to rediscover yourself and your purpose.

Meditate and be aware of yourself once more.

Go to a place where you can be by yourself and you can listen to the beating of your heart - then and only then would you be able to discover what your heart has been longing for. When you discover what you truly love and what you are longing for, be prepared to pursue it.