Paradise

The matter of purpose, the end goal: You may perceive life as a one way journey, and you would be right. Believers, non-believers alike have often likened life to a journey, or a road, or at least distinguished events on the basis of a timeline. However, it is made up of finite units of experience, like numbers on a number-line. The line is limitless, the numbers are not. So the question arises: what is the purpose of these numbers in the big picture. They say infinity cannot be found in a practical realm, but I would disagree to say that infinity is not to be found, rather it is being lived in, at this very instance.

As I write I can see myself reflected in these lines like one sees himself in a mirror. Not perfectly; my vision is still biased, and the mirror is murky too. However, the quality of visibility is sufficient to separate the light from the dark, and the silhouette from the backdrop. And what do I see, ultimately?

 

I see a promise. Of not only a better life, but a new one, a completely different experience from our current one. The lure of paradise is not in the mere extension of material benefits, but freedom from it altogether. And like a number-line, one must invest in these finite building blocks to make a path to their ultimate end.

If you notice, paradise is not to be found at the end of life, but from a departure from it. You transition to a new dimension through the act of death, as opposed to arriving at it while being present at your current environment. It is not enough that the train reaches its intended station: you must unboard the train and stretch your limbs in your new found space.

Author's Note

This is from a journal intended for my therapist who encouraged me to write my thoughts down. The writing here was not originally meant for an audience, but I find it authenticating to share raw ideas.