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    • American Shaman CBD
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    • Reviews - Books and Music
    • His Vision
  • Courses
  • Events
  • Shop
    • NEW JTH Album!
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John Two-Hawks Blog

9/3/2015 4 Comments

The Meaning of Life - The Simple Answer

John Two-Hawks
“What is the meaning of life?”, a question human beings have pondered for centuries. And yet, the answer is surprisingly simple. It’s only the explaining and understanding of that simple answer that can get complicated!  So… is it purpose?  Yes, having a reason for your life does give it meaning.  In our Lakota way, we seek out that purpose through a custom called Hanbleciyapi — the crying for a vision, or vision quest, in which we go up on the mountain alone for several days and nights to ask Spirit to give us a vision for our life.  So purpose is definitely a part of the meaning of life.  But so is laughter!  Yes, I said laughter.  Finding and enjoying things that make you smile and laugh are also necessary to give meaning to our life.

What about service?  Of course!  There is nothing that enriches our lives more than those times when we serve. Whether it be another human being, or just the greater good, when we serve, we find meaning.  We also find meaning through learning and enlightenment.  Spiritual, emotional and intellectual growth help us to see the world and our lives through eyes more open, more illuminated and with more meaning.  And then there is the biggie… love.  Ohhhh yes, experiencing the power of love gives great meaning to our lives in both broad and intimate ways.  But even love is only a part of that simple answer to the question, ‘what is the meaning of life?’.

So, what is it?   What is the answer?!!  My friends, the profoundly simple answer is this: the meaning of life, is to live.  Yes, it is that simple, and yet how many of us do it?  How many of us really live, and live fully?  Having a vision, being enlightened, serving and loving, and experiencing laughter and happiness are the tenets of a life fully lived.  Listen to your inner voice, it will tell you of your purpose, the gifts you have to give.  Take the time to breathe in the beauty of your world, to celebrate its wonder and its mystery.  So live, my friends.  Live fully.  Fully present in all your moments.  Fully alive all of your days.  For when you are fully alive, there is no need to ask, ‘what is the meaning of life?’.

~ John Two-Hawks


4 Comments
Dan Caldwell: Oyate Shunka Wacan, Sacred Horse
11/25/2017 01:16:44 pm

Waste' John Two Hawks,
I enjoyed reading your blog on the "Meaning of Life." Your words reflect those things I was taught as a child, and experienced throughout my 70 years living in, not on, Mother Earth.
Like many of our First Nations People, l was born into poverty on reservation land, my parents divorced when l was six years old. Raised by a traditional and loving grandmother who taught me many things including, who l was. Her teaching inspired me to live my life in a good way and to walk "the good red road." With this knowledge l was able to work several jobs for years to attain an academic education and l have lived a fulfilling life.
Wishing to share a small bit of my personal experience practicing the principles of the Meaning of Life, as you have explicated in your article, for some years I was a university professor of History. Unlike the great majority of my academic associates, most of whom were "wacishu," my philosophy of teaching and learning was, and is, based upon love. Always lifting my students spirits up instead of crushing them, most had a learning experience such as few, or any, had ever known.
My point here: these real experiences of learning and practicing the principles of the Meaning of Life changes lives in a good way, forever. Whopila. Oho Mitakuye Oysin!
Doksha, John Two Hawks.
Dan Sacred Horse

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Gary Ruley
6/27/2019 07:30:01 pm

I met Stephanie Big Crow in Arizona last week. I asked her about Human Being Phrase. Like what I've learned from your culture.

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Ellis link
6/6/2022 02:11:40 pm

Appreciatte your blog post

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Kenneth Morgan link
10/27/2022 07:43:31 pm

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    John Two-Hawks - Grammy nominated Native American Flute Music Recording Artist, author, activist and speaker.  FULL BIO

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