R - Raison d'être (#AtoZChallenge)

This would be the fundamental existential question that every person asks themselves sooner or later, "what am I here for?", "why do I exist?", etc. Even Shakespeare had a bit to say on the subject, "To be or not to be, that is the question", though I think "not to be" is rather pessimistic; I would rather ask "What to be?". The Japanese have a structured concept built around this question, "Ikigai" that helps one zoom in on your Ikigai, your fundamental purpose.

At our most primal level, our raison d'être is reproduction, continuation of the species. Our bodies are built to crave, to seek out and to have sex. I have posted previously "I Lust Therefore I Am" discussing how those urges are integrally tied to our self identity, our 'ID' as Freud called it. In Ikigai, this is our Passion.

But reproduction of course, is not uniquely human. The reason for our human being is humanity. What does the world need? What can I contribute to make the world a better place? Will I leave this world a little better for me having lived in it? In Ikigai, this is our Mission in life. There are a host of ways we can do this, perhaps in art, music or literature (even blogging), healing, charitable work, advocacy, and with a bit of luck, in our career/vocation.

There is no more important life work, than where our Passion meets our Mission, where Reproduction meets Humanity. That is in the raising of our children. Any animal can reproduce offspring. But guiding a helpless baby into self identification, discovering the world outside itself, of teaching, mentoring, and coaching, of molding its spiritual identity, of guiding it to discover their own Raison d'être, this is a most wonderful, passionate mission. When we see our 'child' walk up to the lectern to collect their diploma, or walk down the aisle of marriage, that wonderful parental pride swells up in our heart.

But WOW, when you see your 'baby' bring forth her own baby, the angels sing, now you know your Raison d'être. Let me tell you, when you do it all again with your grandchildren, it is even better.

 
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