www.BreakingOut.NET » The Meaning of Life…

Written by kevin

I was out on my bike the other day making a cycle trip out into the countryside around Antwerp.

On the way I stopped off at a pub for a drink. Beer of course – here in Belgium we have maybe the best beers in the world.

I was sitting outside on the terrace enjoying the sunshine, when I noticed that just opposite was a small cemetery. I’m not really one to visit cemeteries as a rule but this one looked smart and well kept.

So after my drink, almost on impulse, I went over and had a brief look around inside. A mix of 19th century and recent. Interesting to read the gravestone inscriptions.. including people who’ve passed away this last decade.. all ages.. 20s,30s,40s,50s and older.

It made me aware of the precariousness of life. We just don’t know how long we have… 1 year.. 10 years…30, 40 years or more. No need to be morbid, it’s just that it puts everything into perspective, don’t you think? Our problems are actually very small.

Perhaps graveyard visits should be made compulsory… Seriously though, I think we can and do too easily lose sight of our mortality. All our consuming, Internet, media, ever more tv channels, self obsession and celebrity worship. People need an antidote to this at times. I know I do.

Another way I find of winning perspective simply and easily is to just sit outside on the balcony or in your garden on a clear summer’s night and look at the night sky with all the stars. It gives you a sense of awe and perspective. You realise how minor and insignificant everything really is. And how every and all obstacles can be overcome.

So if you feel you’re OD’ing on the stresses of modern society and materialism, the demands of your business or job.. why not take a little trip to your local cemetery. Or if you find that a bit too much, try a little casual star-gazing at the weekend. It might even change your life!