He was young, a teenager, facing a world of possibilities.
He had family, friends, health, and everything he needed to be happy…but nevertheless he felt somehow out of place in the world.
He questioned the meaning of life. What was his role in this world? He wondered why health and happiness were not fulfilling and long-lasting. What was the meaning of death? he asked himself… among many other questions.
These questions are complex, and he struggled upon discussing his thoughts with others, even with some of his best friends. On these occasions, he felt alone and sad for no apparent reason.
At other times, he tried to understand why these questions kept hammering in his brain and soul when there were so many positive and pleasurable things to think about and do
Everything seemed fine with him, but internally, there was a void that wouldn’t disappear.
Especially at night these questions would take over his consciousness. Since he didn’t have any answer, he was often tormented during his sleep.
When he woke up the next day, the sunlight, the need to study, and his friends would take over. His anxiety eased up as the day went by. He thought, “Everything is fine; my life is good, and I need to cherish all this.”
But the questions always came back. Despite having a “normal” life, he felt incomplete.
Once when going to bed, after thinking for a long time about his questions, he was exhausted and finally fell sleep. His dream was sad, and restless, and he dreamed he was crying for help without knowing exactly to whom, as he desperately needed answers. As the answers didn’t come, he cried. He cried profusely.
Amid the suffering and anguish, he felt something striking his chest, a strange sensation, but it didn’t scare him. He kept crying but now it was a cry of relief.
He realized that the answers he sought about the meaning of life, his role in this world, and many other questions were not a problem. On the contrary, they were legitimate and fundamental.
This understanding brought great relief. He concluded that he needed to seek answers, as he could no longer avoid or fear them. This calling resulted in a calm he had never felt before. A calm that was not exactly his, but one that fulfilled him. At that moment, he woke up and realized that the very real experience had been just a dream! Sitting up in bed, he reflected on its meaning.
Although he didn’t understand fully, especially the “tightness” he felt in his chest, he was relieved.
He realized that he had woken up in the dead of night and was alone in his room. It seemed that a different and more complete life was opening up for him, one that made much more sense.
From that day on, although his life seemed the same, something had changed inside. He was more attentive, thought deeply about his doubts, and no longer felt anxious.
He didn’t know exactly which paths to take or what challenges lay ahead, but he would certainly seek the answers that would give true meaning to his life.
