Advanced Training Essentials Live a meaningful life An inalienable right we all have as humans, a natural law which must not be compromised either from within or by another, is the pursuit of happiness. A mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy, happiness can, depending on one’s interpretation of the term, take different forms and serve different functions. For many, happiness comes with the trappings of success, material possessions which may provide temporary respite from the struggles of life and the thought of difficult times to come. High performance cars, flashy clothing, jewelry, and financial wealth may all fall under the rubric of success for those afflicted with a materialistic outlook. Happiness resulting from acquisitions, titles, even degrees and diplomas, regardless of whatever ‘meaning’ is personally ascribed to each, could be considered fleeting and superficially satisfying, and may set a dangerous precedent for future happiness: we may come to expect material objects to fill an emotional void rather than looking inward to find more meaningful solutions to the negative feelings we all, to some degree, encounter. I would argue that to enjoy true happiness our lives must be meaningfully experienced. As a dynamic, ever changing and adaptive species we are biologically programmed to rise above the maladaptive behaviors exhibited by those who are content merely to exist, floating as they do through time, simply experiencing varied feelings and frustrations without questioning their place in the world. Such living-dead people are more likely to experience deep satisfaction and a sense of anticipation (read a feeling of distraction from a life devoid of meaning) upon watching, with religious fervor, their favorite sports team in action or in planning their next holiday. Such distractions are, in fact, transient and deeply unfulfilling. While such diversionary tactics (and the many more, such as video games and gambling to name but two, that much of humanity regularly sleepwalk their way through) can serve a useful purpose in providing transient pleasure and as a way to complete our day, life is to be experienced in more meaningful ways. There must be a reason behind this life journey of ours, a purpose that we may devote our time and energies to. Whether through philanthropic endeavors, a career that encourages personal growth on multiple levels and challenges us from above the neck, a commitment to a spiritual faith, or in the love and guidance we provide our family members, to discover our life purpose is to achieve our birthright: true happiness. About the author David Robson is a specialist health and fitness writer who has written professionally for such publications as Muscle & Fitness magazine, FLEX, bodybuilding, New Zealand Fitness, Inside Fitness, ALLMAX Nutrition, and Status Fitness magazine. As Founder and Managing Director of the New Zealand Wheelchair Body Building Federation (NZWBBF), Fit Futures Charitable Trust (both not for profit organisations set up to provide sporting and exercise options for people with physical disabilities), and Advanced Personal Training, David also doubles as a trainer, health and fitness educator and mentor to both established elite athletes and novice trainees alike. A competitive bodybuilder, David believes in leading by example.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 22:10:57 +0000