The Mystery of Life

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - THE MYSTERY OF LIFE

What is the meaning of life? Why are we here? These are existential questions we may find ourselves asking often without answers. Life is beautiful. Life is a mystery.

 Existentialism is a philosophical movement that focuses on the individual and their existence. It emphasizes that people are responsible for creating their own meaning and purpose in life, and that their choices and actions shape their identity.

Here are some key ideas of existentialism:

• Individual responsibility - Existentialists believe that people are responsible for their own fates, and that they should not rely on a higher power or religion to determine what is important or morally right.
• Free will - Existentialists believe that people have free will to determine the course of their lives.
• No pregiven essence - Existentialists believe that humans do not have a pregiven purpose or essence, and that they become what they are through the choices they make.
• Critique of mass society - Existentialism critiques mass society and conformity, and the idea that there is a pre-given essence that determines us.
• The burden of freedom - Existentialists believe that the level of freedom that humans have is so great that it can be "painful".

Jean-Paul Sartre popularized existentialism in the mid-20th century. Other notable existentialists include Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche.

Whether you believe this philosophy or not, there is some truth to it. I also believe that we may be predestined to certain aspects of our lives. I think we are all born to a desire. For some it's music, for others, it's medicine. And for many other, it's still unknown. But I do feel strongly that whatever that desire is, it starts from an early age.

So, if life is a mystery, then how do we begin to understand ourselves? I think a good start is self-examination. It's important to know our comfort zone with other people, what interests we have, and what turns us on. These things can change throughout the course of our lives, but our core self stays the same for the most part.

I am comfortable in acknowledging that life is indeed a mystery. That's what makes it so interesting. If we knew everything there was to know, what would be the point to life? I think it's an ever growing, ever evolving tapestry of knowledge and self-awareness. A culmination of experiences that shape us. A kaleidoscope. I also believe that life happens to us while we're busy making other plans. That's part of a line from one of my favorite songs, Beautiful Boy, by John Lennon. I don't believe what happens was meant to be necessarily.

Let's talk about the last belief of existentialism. Existentialists believe that the level of freedom that humans have is so great it can be "painful." What does this mean? One meaning could be that our minds are free, so our limitless thoughts can cause emotional pain. If we dwell on something that brings us sorrow, we can suffer. And if we focus on what we don't have can bring profound suffering. Our minds are designed to imagine a life we may want to live. We then have the ability to create it. We drive our lives to some degree. 

There is also another mechanism at work. A supernatural force in the universe. God. This is where the deepest mystery lies. The mystery of faith. In theology, "a mystery of the faith" refers to an article of faith or doctrine that defies man's ability to grasp it fully, something that transcends reason. The expression "The mystery of faith" is not limited to the Real Presence but rather to the entire mystery of salvation through Christ's death, resurrection and ascension which made present in the celebration of the Eucharist. The Mystery of Faith is also a Eucharistic Acclamation, typically sung, directly after the words of institution transform the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ during a Roman Catholic Mass.

If life is a mystery, then so are we. I believe we are born into this world to find our way back to God. What about the stars and the planets, the moon, and the sun? What keeps them in perfect position? The sky has the answer. Don't forget to look up. What a beautiful mystery it all is.

La Vita e bella!!

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, hopefully we understand more about this wonderful life we get to live.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - VANDERBILT MUSEUM, MANSION, AND PLANETARIUM

The Vanderbilts are known as one of the wealthiest and most powerful families to ever live in the United States, as demonstrated by their beyond lavish and world-famous summer homes such as The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island or Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. Long Island is no exception to architectural displays of Vanderbilt wealth, which the public can now enjoy at the Eagle's Nest mansion and museum in Suffolk County. Built by William K. Vanderbilt II – a descendent of Cornelius Vanderbilt – in 1910, it was used as a summer residence until 1936. Not typical of these Jazz Age mansions is the on-site Reichert Planetarium, which began welcoming the public in 1971. The building also still houses thousands of artifacts from his many overseas expeditions. 

For more information, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK 

This week, President elect, Donald Trump, announced that billionaire Elon Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the Department of Government Efficiency.Trump said that the pair will work together to "dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies."

This is a new approach. Let's see what happens here.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

As we head into the holidays, please keep everyone safe so we can experience a joyful season. Amen.

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SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

What is your favorite mystery in life?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble below next to the Heart. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - THE MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR by THE BEATLES

LYRICS

Roll up, roll up for the "Magical Mystery Tour"
Step right this way
Roll up!
Roll up for the Mystery Tour
Roll up!
Roll up for the Mystery Tour
Roll up! (That's an invitation)
Roll up for the Mystery Tour
Roll up! (To make a reservation)
Roll up for the Mystery Tour
The Magical Mystery Tour
Is waiting to take you away
Waiting to take you away
Roll up!
Roll up for the Mystery Tour
Roll up!
Roll up for the Mystery Tour
Roll up! (They've got everything you need)
Roll up for the Mystery Tour
Roll up! (Satisfaction guaranteed)
Roll up for the Mystery Tour
The Magical Mystery Tour is hoping to take you away
Hoping to take you away
(A mystery trip)
Aaah!
The Magical Mystery Tour
Roll up!
Roll up for the Mystery Tour
Roll up! (That's an invitation)
Roll up for the Mystery Tour
Roll up! (To make a reservation)
Roll up for the Mystery Tour
The Magical Mystery Tour
Is coming to take you away
Coming to take you away
The Magical Mystery Tour
Is dying to take you away
Dying to take you away
Take you today

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ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE -60 AND BEYOND WITH SKYLARK

My Brand - Skylark Live - 60 and Beyond with Skylark was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. One day, I'd like to conduct in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. Stay tuned.

My Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!