While hiking somewhere in the Northeast during the Fall season, I experienced created-ness. What is that? Is it even a word to look up on Merriam Webster? Not really, but it is a feeling that we need to tap into when we are in search of peace and tranquility. For the past couple of weeks, the stressful millennial lifestyle got me hooked to listening to rainforest melody for inner peace, the kind you have at spas and yoga studios. I actually needed something calming to shut down the outdoor noise from firetrucks, police cars, shouting adults and rap music. Ah! Chirping birds of different kinds and sound of water droplets falling on leaves, that imaginary sensation is just amazing as it is given existence?
Anyhow, on a sunny and breezy day, it was good to be in the company of individuals like myself who felt deep appreciation for nature 45 miles away from the jungles or the hustle and bustle of the city. Yes, we live such automated lives now that we need a time out to make us admire nature around us. Throughout the course of the day, I not only encountered many acts of creation but also so many amazing human beings that made me realize how we are all trapped in the flood of civilization. Where is Noah and his ark so we can all embark on it ? Jokes aside, humanity is lost with aimless goals.
While interacting with these smart and high-achievers and feeling the crunching noise of the fallen leaves that were spread like carpet on the trail, I saw a reflection of my younger self i.e. the older me ? One individual commented on how they feel very old: “I just moved to the city three years ago from the suburbs, just like any other young professional wanting to experience the city lifestyle and now I feel very old suddenly both physically and mentally.” Yup, doesn’t matter how old you are, the more experience you accumulate, the more it matures you. And so, city life is full of opportunities that one can take on and learn and grow from. But what kind of learning and growth should we look for? That depends on each individual but at the end of the day, we all desire the same i.e. we all have the same existential needs, Eternal peace and security in one’s existence.
Another person commented on how they miss looking out the window during their childhood and seeing all sorts of trees. At least, myself and others are realizing what they need. We all have an innate need for Eternal Peace in our existence. Human nature despises transience, and no one wants to get old. This need is a sign that we must have been designed in such way. And if we are designed, then we must have a Designer, a necessarily Existent One, not of the nature of this universe. Our Designer must be an All-Knowledgeable One. After all, can we be given life as existence in this universe without any purpose and meaning? Even animals need a purpose to their existence.
Sometimes, we wonder what is the end goal? What is all this hard work that I am doing good for? Is it even worth it? Why do I keep going on to realize my dreams? Is it for self-pride? Yes, I have accomplished this? Have I become a self-conceited individual? Why are people rushing in the morning to get to their jobs? What is everyone aiming for? Why do I have this need to be the best in my endeavors? Why do I want to achieve goals by a certain period of time? Is my life here like a ticking bomb ready to explode anytime? Where am I going? In a black hole? What is my destination? What is the purpose of this existence?
Overall, that whole journey seemed to be fruitful as it connected me to what my position in this universe is. Yes, I am at the center of the universe where the sun always walks side by side with me. All the feelings and emotions that we experience in the past gone, experiences of here and now is what we go through. It is as if they may dissipate into a black hole or meaninglessness, they come and go. How can I make them meaningful? If I am given existence, then I must be very meaningful and hence I must have a purpose or relationship with this existence. The One giving me existence must know all about me and is designing me with utmost care and attention. Similarly, all my feelings and emotions become meaningful once I realize that they are given existence from my Owner. How important I am now walking side by side with the moon. Why are you created for me Mr. moon? Thank you for serving as a night lamp for me. How glad I am that I hopped on this trail journey at the spur of the moment for I have stopped making long term plans. Why? Perhaps, I am used to living a spontaneous life or I have failed in achieving some aimless goals that now I do not want to afford disappointment with a meaningless existence. Now, this is a fruitful goal worth living for!
O Our Lord! You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are you, then protect us from the punishment of the fire. Quran (3:191)