“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, engineering, these are noble pursuit’s, and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, ‘Oh me! O life…of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless…of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, Oh me, Oh life?’ Answer: that you are here; that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?” (Dead Poets Society, 1989)
We travel through life wondering, “What’s our purpose and true meaning of existence?” Are we chasing goals, dreams or visions because society demands us too? Do we ignore the air of life for which we breathe…love, happiness and the beauty it provides? The true essence of life is how we share our love with those around us in an unconditional way. This becomes the life we all should strive to embrace. Do your best in encouraging life by loving one another and acknowledging the beauty of life. (Bruce Harrison, Jr.)
People who reported high levels of purpose in life were almost 2 ½ times more likely to remain free of Alzheimer’s disease than people who reported low levels of purpose in life. When looking at a number of research findings, the research suggests that the ability to find meaning and direction in life may help buffer or slow down the effects of aging and increase longevity. Higher levels of psychological well-being also have been associated with lower rates of depression. Having purpose in life may even motivate individuals to re-frame difficult situations, life challenges, so that they are able to deal with them more productively, thereby facilitating recovery from stress and trauma. (Purpose in Life Predicts Better Emotional Recovery from Negative Stimuli. University of Wisconsin-Madison)
So the answer to the questions of quality of life is this…life exists, you are here, your life continues to go on, and you have the opportunity to contribute a verse. What will your verse be?
