13 Comments
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Philipp's avatar

I came for the title and stayed for the story. It was really interesting to read and I can relate to some of the points. I love how you wrote it. Provocative and funny yet insightful.

My own story is leaning more towards the "hard science" but I came to a very similar conclusion. It takes some uncomfortable work to strip down the illusions our ego has built (or adopted).

In the end our search for meaning is an individual one. It's in plain sight, if only we start listening to it.

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Violeta's avatar

Wait, I'm officially speechless 😭🙌🏽. I can't believe the creator I value the most around here left such an incredibly meaningful comment to a piece I wrote "aus der Hüfte heraus" as they say (iykyk).

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Nik Pathran's avatar

A raw, reflective, confrontational yet insightful read, Violeta!

Whether it’s spiritual retreats, degrees, or certifications, the chase for meaning often turns into consumption. And this consumption then pulls us away from the chase itself. We feel we are moving closer to finding the purpose but we just end up collecting labels.

What I have come to realize is that the meaning isn't something to search or chase. It's something we create.

Brilliant piece!

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Violeta's avatar

This message made my day - thanks for your beautiful, thoughtful comment, Nik, it means everything. 💜

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Nik Pathran's avatar

Glad to hear : ) Your writing cuts through noise and invites reflection. Rare and much needed. Cheers!

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Patient Zero's avatar

Insightful, real, valuable, and an entertaining read.

Thanks for writing this. I didn’t realise how spiritual you are.

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Violeta's avatar

This one's been a joy to write, and it's been brewing for a while. Thank you so much for reading and sharing, Patient!

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Sterling's avatar

It’s the story so many of us are living but are afraid to name: the shift from collecting badges to seeking substance. From building a persona to facing the person.

You’ve mapped the entire cycle: the acquisition, the consumption, the inevitable crash when the curated experience meets uncurated reality.

And you landed on the key: the difference between doing (another course, another ritual) and being.

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Violeta's avatar

Sterling, this is why I appreciate your perspective so much. You don't just read - you truly see the foundation. Thank you for reflecting this back with such beautiful clarity and thank you for being here.

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Sterling's avatar

Thank you, Violeta. It feels like the highest compliment - to be truly seen by a reader while trying to truly see the work. :-)

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Hilary Gatehouse's avatar

Such a great article, Violeta. You nailed it

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Violeta's avatar

Thank you, Hilary! You're the most loyal, caring and kind supporter anyone could wish for - I appreciate you deeply! 😭💜

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Julius Mori-Régnier's avatar

I love the raw, honest and vulnerable story you shared. We all have our blind spots. However, consumerism is the one form we often turn to, in order to fill the holes we feel insides, because we’ve been taught so.

If I may add, it seems that you are, however, shielding yourself through the hard science. While I might not be part of your core audience, I think it makes your message less approachable, more archaic.

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