"It's not about you" is the famous first sentence in the book The Purpose Driven Life written by Rick Warren. Regardless of what you believe about the conclusions and theology of his book, the statement runs true deep into our hearts. We can't survive on our own. We need each other and our focus should be on others.
In an extreme example of our interdependency, Harry Harlow did a scientific study in the 1960s with monkeys where he isolated them from social interaction, some for up to 24 months! It took a mere 6 months to cause permanent damage to their emotional well-being and only 12 months to completely obliterate the monkey's social skills as they displayed "a state of emotional shock, characterized by ... autistic self-clutching and rocking" (Harlow HF, Dodsworth RO, Harlow MK. "Total social isolation in monkeys," Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1965.). More modern (and considerably more ethical) studies have been done to show that adults require the same level of social interaction to prevent detachment.
Additionally, I think we require a purpose to reach a level of satisfaction in life. It's the level of connection with our world that goes beyond participation. It's inclusion. We all have a desire to make a difference. For me, it took me 28 years to discover photography is that difference. Now, what I do with it is what I need to discover. Photography can be beautiful, but it's meaningful and significant when it's not all about me.
NL
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” --Ralph Waldo Emerson
I'd love to learn about your purpose. Drop a comment and share with others.
Great blog today, Nate. Really makes me think. Your photos are truly a calling. I think if I really followed my heart I would be doing something with animals. But, I'm too emotional to consider something like vetrinary medicine. (The monkey studies made me so sad & Humane Society commercials make me cry. I have to turn the channel). I think I've found a happy medium in helping kids. Maybe it's just about helping, I don't know. Either way, it's a job I like and it helps pay the bills.
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee...I agree helping others (or animals) is a worthy calling. I don't think what I do to pay the bills is my calling. I'm good at it, but I know it's not my purpose. I think someday I'll get into a niche of photography that really gives back to others---that's my vision. For now, I enjoy taking whatever pictures I can to learn and grow.
ReplyDeleteMaybe there's something out there you can do with animals in your free time?
I spoil the heck out of my dogs, that's my first way of contributing. I take in strays and "unwanteds" when I can until they find a better home or have a spot at an animal shelter. I occasionally donate money to animal causes if I think they are worthy. I know there is a lot more I could do. I hope you get the chance to continue expanding your photography until it becomes whatever you want it to be, hobby or otherwise.
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