In the previous article (this article), I introduced the concept of a cyclical problem. It differs from ordinary problems. Our imbalance causes it. Let’s explain it in more detail.
Why do we seek the meaning?
Sometimes, we want to know the reason for our strange behavior. We could act without knowing what made us do so.
A typical example is questioning the meaning of life. There is no clear answer, no matter how much we consider it. Although we vaguely understand that it has no meaning, we could not help but seek it in peculiar situations.
In other words, we want to stop thinking of it because it exhausts us. If we understand a rational reason why we stick to it and get another option, we can choose a more effective behavior.
Fortunately, I have recently become able to stop that kind of exhausting thinking. Rationality gave me the power. Today, I will explain why we seek the meaning. This logic might free you from unstoppable thinking.
Two kinds of problems
We have to distinguish between usual problems and the matter of balance. That allows us to stop asking a question that has no answer.
There are two kinds of problems, as follows:
- An ordinary problem has a certain answer. One or several causes bring about a result. For example, drinking unclean water causes stomach upset. Finding the reason allows us to solve it.
- The problem of balance is caused by imbalance. For example, we have to balance activity and rest for our health. There is no point in pursuing the meaning of each element. In other words, imbalance is the reason for our pains.
The distinction frees us from the exhaustion of pursuing the meaning.
What we truly want
It doesn’t make sense to seek meaning in the problem of balance. It is because maintaining balance matters.
For example, we have various organs, such as the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, and gut. When they work in balance, we can live healthier.
It is unreasonable to question why the heart beats when we have physical disorders. Unless we look at the whole harmony, we cannot understand what is wrong.
The same goes for our lives. We have to balance from a broader perspective when we cyclically encounter the problem.
When we are exhausted, it is pointless to question the meaning of our activity. What we want is a break and relaxation, neither the meaning of the activity nor the motivation for our lives.
The questions we have been asked repeatedly are about the issue of balance. We may have asked the following questions many times:
- “Why do I have to live?”
- “Why do I work?”
- “Why do I continue this activity?”
These questions are all matters of balance. It is a sign that you want to take a break. It is not a problem that is done once we answer it.
Being rational allows us to distinguish these differences.
Conclusion
That is why we often seek the meaning and are exhausted.
We have to distinguish between usual problems and the matter of balance.
This logic might free you from unstoppable thinking.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope to see you in the next one.
