"The lighthouse, standing and luminous on the coast, represents our mission in life. It is the guiding light that guides us in the midst of darkness and shows us the way to follow. Just as a lighthouse emits a constant beam of light, our "Life's mission provides us with a sense of purpose and direction, illuminating our path even in the most difficult times."
THE MISSION OF LIFE
"The great explorers since the 15th century have shared the search for answers to the fundamental questions of human existence: where do we come from? What are we doing here? Where are we going?"
Life is like a vast and mysterious sea, full of unpredictable waves, changing currents and unfathomable depths. In this sea, each of us is a ship, sailing in search of our own destiny.
The boat: It represents our being, our individuality. Each ship is unique, with its own design, strengths and weaknesses. Some ships are large and robust, able to withstand the fiercest storms, while others are smaller and more agile, able to navigate shallow waters and discover hidden corners.
The sea: Symbolizes the world around us, with all its opportunities and challenges. The sea can be calm and serene one day, and rough and dangerous the next. It represents the uncertainty and unpredictability of life, where we never know what awaits us around the corner.
The lighthouse: It is our guide, our source of light and hope in the darkness. It can be a person, a belief, a value or a dream that lights our way and gives us direction when we feel lost. The lighthouse reminds us that we are not alone on this journey and that there is always something that drives us forward.
The compass: It is our moral compass, our principles and values that help us make decisions and stay on the right course. The compass allows us to distinguish north from south, good from evil, what is important from what is not. It helps us stay true to ourselves and our purpose, even when the waters get turbulent.
Just as a ship needs a lighthouse to guide it, a compass to orient it and a sea to navigate, we need a guide, principles and a world to live our lives. Life is a journey full of adventures, challenges and discoveries. Like a ship at sea, we must learn to navigate the waters of life with courage, wisdom and hope, always searching for our own lighthouse and guided by our inner compass.
START MY EXPERIENCE
A few years ago, I had the privilege of being invited by the vice president of Crayola International to a series of strategic meetings in Frankfurt and Nuremberg.
The objective was to analyze and define the future of the company in the European, Asian and Latin American markets, with special emphasis on the stationery and toy products industries.
At the time, Simon Thorpe , newly appointed international vice president, was looking to transform Crayola's business model, which he considered obsolete and dysfunctional. His proposal for a new business approach captured the attention of all the executives present at the meeting. We were looking forward to Crayola International's new strategic direction, which promised innovative goals and a strong emphasis on alignment across the organization.
Those interesting meetings were led by Simon Thorpe, in his role as international vice president; At that time, I was the vice president for Latin America at Crayola.
After participating in these meetings and visiting the Messe Frankfurt, one of the largest stationery products exhibitions in the world, we headed to Nuremberg.
There, we attended two additional international meetings and visited the prestigious Nuremberg Toy Fair.
👀"Messe Frankfurt", ( https://www.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html )
👀 "Nuremberg Toy Fair", https://www.feriasinfo.es/Feria-del-Juguete-M3217/Nremberg.html .
I will always be grateful to my good friend Eric David , then CEO of Crayola France, for his kind gesture of driving me in his own car from Frankfurt to Nuremberg.
Nuremberg, without a doubt, has a more mystical, spiritual and medieval aura than Frankfurt. Its magnificently preserved old town features medieval walls, Gothic churches and picturesque half-timbered houses. In contrast, Frankfurt is a modern metropolis, dominated by skyscrapers and recognized as a major financial center. Although it has some historic buildings, it lacks the medieval charm that characterizes Nuremberg.
On our last night in Nuremberg, all of us were invited to an exceptional restaurant, which I would describe as mystical. Its corners seemed to house centuries of medieval history, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.
After dinner, each of us was taken to our respective hotel. However, I decided to stay in the "Old" (walled) city to immerse myself in the magic of Nuremberg, the "Mystic City".
I walked a few streets and, in the distance, I saw an open book and record store called "Inkarnation". I must confess, dear reader, that if I have any addiction, it is books and old music, so I immediately headed to said bookstore.
Before continuing to relate my "Mystical Experience" in Nuremberg, let me clarify the meaning of "Inkarnation" . This term does not exist in Spanish or English. It is likely that it refers to "incarnation" or "reincarnation", related concepts, but with different meanings:
Incarnation: In Christianity, it refers specifically to the belief that Jesus Christ was God made man, that is, the incarnation of God in a human body. In a broader sense, incarnation can refer to the manifestation of a spirit or idea in physical form.
Reincarnation: is the belief that a person's individual soul, spirit, or essence is reborn in a new body after death. This belief is common in various religions and philosophies, especially in Eastern traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Reincarnation is often associated with the concept of karma, the idea that the actions of a past life influence the circumstances of the present life.
In this context, "Inkarnation" could allude to the idea that ancient books and music are a form of embodiment or reincarnation of human knowledge and creativity.
True or false? I don't know, nor does anyone know if incarnation or reincarnation is possible, the only reality is that that was the name of the bookstore, which, by the way, disappeared and was forgotten, except for me, who as the passing of the years it is still valid in my mind because of the music I bought (Inkarnation), the books I acquired there and the strange coincidences I experienced there.
It was 8 pm and I was crossing the threshold of the "Inkarnation" store, while Simon and the other Crayola executives, who had attended the international meeting, were probably watching German television, sleeping or enjoying a German beer. Curiously, over time, Simon Thorpe stopped selling Crayola products and dedicated much of his life to the beer industry, becoming CEO of important companies. So it is very possible that he was in a bar, tasting different types of beer.
AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER
Once inside the antique book store (Inkarnation), I was greeted by an elderly man who introduced himself as Horst Matthai. My skin crawled, since that was the name of my logic and philosophy teacher in high school, an extremely cultured and wise man.
Horst very kindly approached me and asked if he could help me with anything. I responded that a good friend, CEO of Crayola Australia, aware of my interest in mystical and strange themes, had recommended a novel titled "The Celestine Prophecy" and I asked him if he had it.
Without a moment's hesitation, Horst told me that it was not an easy book to obtain due to its strange content and approach.
Intrigued, I asked, "What do you mean, Horst?" He, without hesitation, answered me:
"Well then, my friend, this is your lucky night and I feel I must come honest to you." In the book "The Celestine Prophecy" by James Redfield, it is mentioned that the great spiritual explorers and seekers, since the 15th century and throughout history, have shared the search for answers to the fundamental questions of human existence: "Where do we come from? What are we doing here? Where are we going?"
Where we come from? This question refers to our origins, both at the individual level and at the level of the human species. We seek to understand our roots and the source of our existence.
What are we doing here? This question focuses on the purpose of our life. We seek to discover what our mission is in this world and what we can contribute during our time here.
Where are we going?
This question refers to our final destiny, both at the individual level and at the level of humanity. We seek to understand what happens after death and what the future of our species is.
Horst added: In "The Celestine Prophecy," these questions are presented as part of a spiritual awakening that humanity is experiencing. Finding answers to these questions is considered key to achieving greater awareness and understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
At that moment I interrupted Horst and asked him if the aforementioned 15th century explorers had found answers to the three questions; He answered me no, but that in return they made great discoveries that helped improve the quality of human lives and the progress of Philosophy, understanding this as a way of interpreting life: These questions are central to philosophy and the religion. There is no single answer, but here my friend I give you some perspectives:
Existentialism: Life has no inherent meaning, we create it through our choices and actions.
Religions: Many religions offer answers based on faith and belief in a higher power.
Humanism: The meaning of life is in the search for happiness and well-being for ourselves and others.
The answer to these questions, Horst added, is personal and can change throughout life. Reflecting on them can help you find your own path.
With a penetrating gaze, Horst looked at me and added: these three perspectives are very likely to generate an "existential vacuum"...existential vacuum? I questioned him and he answered: Existential emptiness is a common experience, but it does not have to be permanent. Here are some strategies that can help you eradicate this feeling:
Connection: Cultivate meaningful relationships with friends, family, and community.
Purpose: Find activities that you are passionate about and give you a sense of purpose.
Gratitude: Practice gratitude for the good things in your life.
Mindfulness: Learn to be present in the moment and accept your emotions.
Remember, you are not alone in this. Many people experience existential emptiness at some point in their lives. With support and effort, you can find a path to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Horst, staring at me, told me that existential emptiness can be an opportunity for personal growth and self-exploration. Don't be afraid to try different approaches until you find what works for you.
It was then that it became clear to me that these life challenges posed in the "Celestine Prophecy" and the wisdom of Horst, lead me, among others, to the following life strategies:
Creativity: Express your emotions and thoughts through art, music or writing.
Nature: Connect with the natural world, whether through hiking, gardening, or simply observing the beauty around you.
Spirituality: If you feel inclined, explore spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, or attending religious services.
Learning: Learn something new, whether it's a language, a skill, or a topic that interests you.
Service: Help others through volunteering or random acts of kindness.
Suddenly, associating ideas with everything Horst told me, Baruch Spinoza came to my mind, who was a Dutch philosopher of Sephardic origin, born in Amsterdam in 1632. He is considered one of the three great rationalists of 17th century philosophy. , along with Descartes and Leibniz.
Spinoza is known for his masterpiece, “Ethics,” where he presents a complete philosophical system encompassing metaphysics, epistemology, psychology, ethics, and politics.
Spinoza was a controversial figure in his time due to his unconventional ideas about God and religion. He was excommunicated from the Amsterdam Jewish community and his works were banned by the Catholic Church. However, his thought has had a great influence on Western philosophy and continues to be the subject of study and debate today.
👀 Click on the image below to see the video clip about Baruch Spinoza and his revolutionary thought (I am sorry, it is in Spanish)
And that was how I ventured to say to Horst: Everything you have told me about the Celestine Poetry is a series of novelized ideas, to give an explanation in a figurative sense to very complex questions like where do we come from? What are we doing here? and where do we go?
All these ideas above mentioned, mixed with your own ideas that you have undoubtedly validated throughout your life, does all this fit with what was said by thinkers of the stature of Baruch Spinoza?
And so, as a conclusion to our conversation, Horst told me:
Meaning of life: Spinoza did not believe in a personal God who gives an external purpose to life. For him, the meaning of life lies in understanding nature and our place in it. This involves knowing the laws that govern the universe and living in harmony with them.
Existential void: Spinoza would say that existential void arises from an inadequate understanding of reality. By knowing nature and our connection to it, we can overcome this void and find satisfaction in the pursuit of knowledge and virtue.
God: For Spinoza, God is not an entity separate from the world, but nature itself. God or Nature is an infinite and eternal substance of which all things are modes or expressions.
Death and identity: Spinoza believed that the mind and body are two aspects of the same substance. When the body dies, the mind also ceases to exist as an individual entity. However, our essence, as part of infinite nature, continues to exist in some way.
Freedom and ethics: Spinoza argued that true freedom consists of acting in accordance with our rational nature and understanding the causes of our actions. This involves living an ethical life, based on reason and virtue, and not on passions and irrational desires.
In summary, Spinoza would offer a rationalist and naturalist perspective on existential questions. It would invite us to seek the meaning of life in the understanding of nature and to live an ethical life based on reason and virtue.
It was close to 10 at night and two hours of talking and learning with Horst had passed in a flash.
Before saying goodbye to my good friend Horst, I selected several books and a CD that he recommended to me titled precisely "Inkarnation".
This interesting experience in 2001 allowed me to see that beyond achieving a good professional career, we must focus our attention on our self-realization, and for this, it is essential to know what our true-life goal is where we can make bloom the " Garden of our Soul". This is why I allow myself to share with you one of the melodies from the CD that I bought from Horst entitled "Garden of my Soul" that invites meditation and reflection.
THE GARDEN OF MY SOUL
In the symphony of light, I awake, after a long lethargy in the worldly illusion.
The materialistic city, its bustle, businessmen and distractions, no longer bind me.
In the garden of my soul, I now contemplate flowers that sprout, vibrant, in dance.
Life, a dance that guides my steps towards the home of the joy that reaches me.
Home, garden of the flowered soul, where the perfume of a thousand flowers intoxicates me.
In this inner Eden I find peace, an eternal refuge that my being mitigates.
Garden of the soul, flourishing oasis, in you I find the beauty that saves me.
Home, garden of the soul, my sanctuary, where love and joy rise.
With best wishes,
Juan Carlos Erdozáin Rivera
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