Striving for Depth

        We live in a culture that flaunts the skin deep and tries to keep things surface level because it feels good and makes itself seem intelligent. Not many think about the ins and outs of how this world turns and try to get to the heart of the problems. They're looking to be entertained, distracted and are willing to accept whatever fabricated popular idea that floats around as true. When we question it or try to delve deeper into an issue, people turn off, dismiss us, or it might go way over their heads. It's like trying to dig for treasure with someone, but when you start breaking ground they decide they want to play with a ping pong paddle instead.

        

        If we wanted to search out the truth of things and live deeply, we wouldn't want to do it alone. And if we offered to seek it out with someone, we would expect them to come with us on this journey.
But few do.

        When we express ourselves via writing, art, or conversation, we're putting ourselves out there...putting our philosophies, deepest thoughts, and vulnerabilities on display and on trial. We want to see our ideas take shape and and find application...while, at the same time, lift a weight off of our chest. We hope that what we express will resonate with someone. When we watch movies or read books and are able to see the deeper meaning, we want to reflect on those ideas with others. Or when we have deep conversations that touch so many facets of life, we discover the joy of learning from one another. It's a beautiful two-way dialogue between human beings.

         But it's when our depth and expression isn't connecting with people. It's when we seek perspective and sound counsel but end up hearing the same old generics and generalities, the same surface level "stuff." We as human beings have hearts and minds that seek meaning. It's frustrating when there isn't anyone around who we feel truly understands what we're trying to say. It's like wanting to put it down a large boulder, but being surrounded by fragile, empty clay vases.

      So we might think, 

        "If I can't relate to or get through to anyone, what's the point in even trying?"

         Why not just keep our ideas to ourselves? Why not just remain in the shallow end of the pool with the others? At least there we'll have company. Sure, we can do that. 

But what will happen...is that nothing will happen. 

         Our ideas and expressions will collect dust and get lost in busyness and old age. We begin to be content with our complacency. We will become numb to new ideas and possibilities that present themselves. We end up leaving a world unexplored, a mind un-exercised, and a heart left empty while it cries out for something more. We end up filling our minds with all the wrong things until it can no longer discern between the good and useless. Then suddenly we begin to look, feel, and think like everybody else. This isn't what we were meant for.

         If you're finding yourself here, let me exhort you to keep living deeply. Keep searching the world out, and putting yourself out there. The fact that you question, ponder, and wonder is a sign of a longing and curious spirit, thirsty for truth in this world. The ideas and expressions that you put into the air are the substance of the profound nature that makes up a humanity longing for completion! It gives hope to others that they aren't the only ones searching and encourages them to keep doing so. There are so many who give up that fight because it's too much to handle or life and the culture have taken the best of them.

         We need more people who choose to think...and by thinking, inspire. Don't give up just because there aren't many people walking with you. Seeking out truth in the depths of this world means getting down and dirty, and that may mean walking and digging alone. But there will be few diggers, fellow searchers who will join you in that pursuit, and when you finally find that treasure...it will be well worth it.

        There are going to be many people we meet who genuinely won't understand where we're coming from. For them it's a disconnect because of culture, upbringing, experience or that they're in a different place or different time of life. You have the job of expounding your knowledge and insight to others by communicating and living it out, helping people grow into deeper human beings. We may not be able to get everyone to think and feel deeply, but we can at least know we're using what we've been given. For some it might take years before they begin to think or feel deeply again, but as we walk this road together, the knowledge we've acquired becomes real and more fulfilling when we've used what we know to help someone on their path.

        You have been given a working mind. Develop it. Feed it. Exercise it. Use it. Don't give up because people shy away from your depth or don't understand you. Find like-minded people who share in your curiosity and desire to live to the fullest. Work on that song, that story or article, that painting, and that idea with diligence and let it go forth. Put yourselves and your ideas out there and let them get picked up by those searching and willing to work to understand.