Five Perspectives on the Human Experience

What would happen if we reimagined the way we think about our human experience?

The past couple of weeks have been a bit of a mind-bender for me. 

And no, it wasn't the election that sent me down this rabbit hole. The signs were all there that this would be the outcome. 

It was more like... staring into the abyss of disconnection that seems to be swallowing us whole. 

I'm not just talking about the 'can't-even-look-my-neighbor-in-the-eye' kind of disconnection (though there's plenty of that going around). I'm talking about a more profound disconnect – from each other, sure, but also from this amazing planet we call home, the ecosystems that keep us breathing and fed, the stories of those who came before us, and even the fragile threads that hold our society together. 

It's like we've lost touch with our human experience.

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What is the human experience?

The human experience... where do I even begin? It's this wild, messy, beautiful tapestry woven from every thread of interaction, emotion, thought, and fleeting perception that flickers across our consciousness. 

It's the laughter of a child, the sting of a heartbreak, the awe of a shooting start, the gut-wrenching fear of failure. It's the way we stumble and rise, love and lose, dream and despair. 

It's the whole glorious, messy enchilada of being human.

But here's the thing: in our hyper-connected world, we're becoming increasingly disconnected from the very essence of that experience… because we forget that we are fully connected (whether we want to be or not).

We're so busy scrolling through curated lives, chasing fleeting dopamine hits, and numbing ourselves with endless distractions that we forget to truly feel. We forget to connect with the raw, unfiltered emotions that make us human. We forget to savor the simple joys, to grieve the losses, to embrace the full spectrum of this wild ride we call life.

And in that disconnection, we lose something precious. 

We lose the ability to empathize, to connect with others on a deeper level, to understand the shared humanity that binds us all. We become isolated islands in a sea of digital noise, adrift from the very things that give our lives meaning and purpose.

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Five perspectives on the human experience

As I've been wading through these thoughts on disconnection and what it means to be human, I've found myself drawn to five distinct-ish perspectives on the human experience. 

As I share these, know that they are less about definitive answers, and more about sparking curiosity.

As you read through them, I invite you to ask yourself… what does it mean

• to be truly alive?

• to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion?

• to connect with something larger than yourself? 

I invite you to ponder, wrestle with, and make these questions and perspectives your own.

Perspective 1: Humans as Symbiotes

Imagine our bodies as bustling cities, teeming with life. 

We're not just individuals; we're thriving metropolises, home to trillions of microscopic citizens. These tiny organisms – bacteria, fungi, viruses – aren't just hitching a ride; they're essential to our well-being, influencing everything from our digestion to our immune system. 

We're not just connected to nature; we are nature, a living, breathing ecosystem in constant interaction with the world around us.

This perspective challenges us to rethink our relationship with the natural world. Instead of seeing ourselves as separate from or superior to nature, we can begin to appreciate our interconnectedness with all living things. When we disrupt the delicate balance of nature, we disrupt our own internal balance. But when we nurture and respect the natural world, we nurture ourselves. 

When one ecosystem is out of balance, others are, too. 

Perspective 2: Humans as Story Livers

Stories are the currency of human connection. 

They're how we make sense of the world, share our experiences, and transmit knowledge and culture across generations. From the ancient myths and legends passed down through oral tradition to the modern narratives we consume on our screens, stories shape our understanding of who we are and where we belong. But stories are more than just entertainment or a way to pass the time. 

We are the stories. 

Our lives are not just narratives we tell but narratives we actively live and breathe. Every moment, interaction, and decision we make adds a new thread to the tapestry of our lives. We are the protagonists of our own unfolding stories, the heroes and heroines navigating the twists and turns of our unique journeys.

This perspective invites us to embrace the adventure of being alive and to step into the roles we dream of playing. It encourages us to see our lives not as passive narratives, but as dynamic, ever-evolving creations. 

By recognizing ourselves as storylivers, we can approach life with a sense of curiosity and wonder. We can embrace the challenges and triumphs, the joys and sorrows, as integral parts of our unfolding narratives. 

We can become more conscious of our choices, knowing that each decision shapes the next chapter of our story.

And just like any good story, our lives are filled with unexpected plot twists, compelling characters, and moments of profound transformation. By embracing our role as storylivers, we can step into the fullness of our human experience, with all its complexities and contradictions, and create a story worth telling. A story that connects us to something larger than ourselves, to the shared human experience that binds us all.

Perspective 3: Humans as Time Travelers

We're all time travelers, hurtling through life on a one-way journey. 

Our past experiences shape our present, and our present choices shape our future (sometimes for generations to come). But sometimes, we get stuck in a time warp, replaying old hurts and regrets like a broken record. 

It's like that song you can't get out of your head, playing on repeat even though you're tired of hearing it.

This perspective invites us to reframe our relationship with time. Instead of dwelling on the past or anxiously anticipating the future, we can learn to embrace the present moment. Think of it like this: the past is a dusty old photo album. It's filled with memories, both good and bad, but it's not the whole story. We can cherish the good times, learn from the mistakes, and then gently close the album and move on.

The future, on the other hand, is like a blank canvas. It's full of potential, but it's also undefined. We can't control what will happen, but we can choose how we approach it. We can approach it with fear and trepidation, or we can approach it with courage and curiosity.

The present moment is where the magic happens. 

It's the only time we truly have agency, the only time we can make a real difference. By focusing on the here and now, we can break free from our past and create a more fulfilling future.

Perspective 4: Humans as Pattern Recognition Machines

Our brains are incredible pattern recognition machines, constantly seeking to make sense of the world around us. This ability has helped us survive and thrive as a species.

We see patterns in the stars, in the seasons, and in the behavior of others. We use these patterns to predict the future, to make decisions, to navigate our complex social world. It's like having an internal GPS that guides us through the terrain and trails of life.

But this incredible ability can also become a trap. 

We can become so accustomed to relying on our internal GPS that we forget to look around and appreciate the scenery. We might miss the hidden paths, the unexpected detours, and the breathtaking vistas that lie beyond our programmed routes. We become so fixated that we forget to embrace the mystery, the ambiguity, and the beautiful chaos of life.

This perspective challenges us to turn off our internal GPS every now and then, to wander off the beaten path and explore the unknown.

It's about embracing the discomfort of not always knowing, of not always having a clear direction. It's about allowing ourselves to get lost in the wonder and complexity of the world, to see things with fresh eyes, to discover new patterns, and to create new meanings. When we turn off our internal GPS, we open ourselves up to new possibilities. 

We allow ourselves to be surprised, to be challenged, to be transformed. 

We might stumble upon hidden treasures, forge unexpected connections, and discover new depths within ourselves. In the uncharted territory, in the spaces between the patterns, lies the potential for growth, for discovery, for a richer and more meaningful human experience.

Perspective 5: Humans as Impermanent Beings

Our time on this planet is finite. 

It's a simple truth, but one that we often grapple with. We can get so caught up in the day-to-day, in the endless to-do lists and the pursuit of bigger, better things, that we forget to appreciate the preciousness of each moment. Or, we can swing to the other extreme, becoming preoccupied with the inevitability of death, haunted by the ticking clock of our own mortality.

This perspective invites us to find a healthy balance in our relationship with time. It's about acknowledging our impermanence without letting it consume us. It's a reminder that our time here is limited, and that every day is a gift. 

It's not about living in fear of death, but about living with a deep appreciation for life.

Imagine you're holding a handful of sand. Each grain represents a moment, a day, a year. As time passes, the sand slips through your fingers. You can't hold onto it, no matter how tightly you grip your hand. The only thing you can do is appreciate the beauty of each grain as it falls away.

This perspective encourages us to savor each moment, to nurture our relationships, and to make the most of our limited time. 

It's a reminder to pursue our passions, to express our love, and to leave a positive impact on the world. Our time here may be fleeting, but our actions can have a ripple effect that extends far beyond our own lifespan (see the section on us being time travelers). 

By embracing our impermanence, we can find a sense of urgency and purpose, a deep appreciation for the present moment, and a profound connection to the flow of life.

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Embracing OUR Human Experience

As we wrap up these perspectives of the human experience, I invite you to take a deep breath and let these perspectives settle in. There is no need to rush off and reinvent yourself just yet (though, hey, if that's your jam, go for it!). 

Instead, grab a cozy spot, maybe a cup of something warm and comforting, and let's dive a little deeper into those thoughts swirling around in your head.

Here are a few questions to guide our reimagination… to ponder, to journal about, to let simmer in your soul:

• Humans as Symbiotes: We're not just individuals; we're walking, talking ecosystems. How does this awareness shift your perspective on your relationship with the world? What small steps can you take to nurture that connection within yourself and the world around you?

• Humans as Story Livers: Your life is a story unfolding. What kind of story are you creating? What are the recurring themes, the unexpected plot twists, and the characters that shape your narrative? How can you become more conscious of the choices you make, knowing that each decision shapes the next chapter of your story?

• Humans as Time Travelers: We're all on a one-way journey through time. How often do you find yourself stuck in the past or anxiously anticipating the future? How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment, savoring the beauty and richness of the here and now?

• Humans as Pattern Recognition Machines: Our brains are wired to seek patterns. But sometimes, those patterns can limit our vision, keeping us stuck in familiar ways of thinking. How can you challenge your assumptions, break free from limiting beliefs, and embrace new perspectives? Where can you find the "fuzziness" that leads to deeper truths?

• Humans as Impermanent Beings: Our time on this planet is precious and fleeting. How can you embrace this awareness without letting it overwhelm you? How can you live with a sense of purpose, savoring each moment and making the most of your limited time?

There's no single 'right' way to be human. This is about discovering what works for you.

Just choose one perspective that speaks to you, and let it guide you in your reimagination. Try on being a symbiotic being, a story-liver, a time traveler, a pattern breaker, or an impermanent being.

And most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way. 

The human experience is a messy, beautiful, and ever-evolving journey. By embracing these different perspectives, you'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your place in the world, and the intricate tapestry of human existence. 

So go out there, my friend, and let these perspectives help you hone in, even more deeply, to the extraordinary adventure of being human.

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Which perspective resonated the most with you? I invite you to leave a comment.

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About Alexander Lovell, PhD

Hello, my friend! I'm Dr. Alexander Lovell, a Yoga Therapist, Master Integrative Coach, and Breathworker (and a recovering political psychologist). My practice focuses on deep restoration to help bring the mind, body, and spirit back into alignment. My research, writing, and practice have been featured in a diversity of publications, including the Washington Post, Forbes, Fortune, and more.