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Aging Alone—Finding Strength and Connection
Aging Well | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (229)Comment receiving replies
Tatiana-
This is a really good question!
I'm still thinking about it, and it probably won't lead to a final answer, but it helps me be more aware of what I'm doing, what's going on, and to wonder what other people may be seeking.
Everything we do requires some amount of life effort. But if we pay attention we see that we get some kind of return in feelings for everything we do. I might ask "How do I feel about that feeling? Is in supporting, enhancing or reducing my sense of well being? Does it feel necessary in a large view of things?"
As an existentialist, I don't believe my life purpose was given to me, I believe it is up to me to discern and create my purpose(s). If something seems to help this work, I call it meaningful. If it doesn't support this work I don't want to support its meaning. It may be meaningful in a way that I don't want to join, such as hatred or racism, so for me it is "demeaning." Ideas that degrade other people are demeaning.
I believe that building human community is important work, so building human relationships is also important work. And it can be fun. Having fun can be meaningful!
How do other folks define or describe "meaningful conversation?"
Ed
Replies to "Tatiana- This is a really good question! I'm still thinking about it, and it probably won't..."
RE: Meaningful conversations.
It is surprising what things we remember that we internalized. I say that because I am in my 80's and I have never forgotten what an Uncle said to me many years ago and I believe this goes along with meaningful conversations.
He discussed how important it is to discuss ideas with one another, in conversations, verses discussing things such as people and gossip etc.
Meaningful conversations to me also would mean discussing things with one another that would help one another.
After writing the above I thought to google: what does it mean to have meaningful conversations
This is what AI said and it seems to be on target for an answer to "meaningful conversations". There is more detail in what came up than this one paragraph below.
"A meaningful conversation goes beyond superficial small talk, fostering deeper connection, understanding, and personal growth between participants through active listening, empathy, and shared vulnerability. It involves a genuine desire to understand another's perspective and values, allowing for the exchange of personal feelings and ideas, which strengthens relationships and provides mutual benefit through increased knowledge and perspective."
Barbara
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Thanks for your thoughts.
Meaning and demeaning may indeed be opposites, as you suggest. Got to think about that.
And fun is definitely useful and good.