Tag Archives: Purpose

Braiding and mattering – connecting complexity

Mediation, Musings, Poetry, , , , , , , , , ,

[Draft 3-2-2026, additional notes 3-3-2026]

Beyond warp & weft

Words matter. And I like finding words which, literally or metaphorically (even poetically), integrate existing concepts in sociology, psychology, philosophy, religion, education, business – in a more accessible manner. For example, the “layered cake” model helps visualize an interdisciplinary context.

Braiding and mattering are such words. More than “connecting the dots,” they weave together complex (multidimensional) strands.

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The stories we tell ourselves – anchoring purpose

Mediation, Musings, , , , ,

I like the use of the word alignment in this article for bridging meaning & purpose via storytelling.

But, without compassion & insight, might such reframing & narrative produce dark purpose? – e.g., vindictiveness [1].

• Psychology Today > “The Story You Tell Yourself” by Jordan Grumet M.D., The Regret-Free Life (May 8, 2025) – We are “narrative beings.”

Happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a synthesis.

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Happiness pension plan – a pillared formula?

Mediation, Musings, , ,

This article (below) discusses happiness as a direction, and the elements of that state of mind. And, yes, there’s a science of happiness. And a “happiness pension plan.”

Yet, in such direction, recall our mantra:

What’s the good news about habits? They’re hard to break.
What’s the bad news about habits? They’re hard to break.

There’s also a question of social engineering. Can “villains” (and their minions) be happy? – Tick off Brooks’ elements of happiness. Might autocrats exploit Brooks’ formula?

No yellow-brick-road, eh.

• Big Think > “There is a formula for happiness — but it’s highly misunderstood” by Arthur C. Brooks [note his Wiki bibliography] (7′ video with transcript) – “Happiness is NOT about feelings.”

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Longevity and happiness? – Blue Zones

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Is there a relationship between longevity and happiness?

Blue Zones? Five places around the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives.

• Today.com > “5 tips for living to 100 from a top longevity researcher” by Stephanie Thurrott (Sept 8, 2023) – Dan Buettner, who has been studying people who live the longest for 20 years, shares their secrets.

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