Existentialism, The Universe, and The Void

Does the Universe really “have our back?”

Or is that power actually in our hands?

Is it scary to claim that power and autonomy for ourselves, instead of handing it off to an abstract concept like the Universe?

This post is inspired by a post by @seekingwithsattva on Instagram about the Universe and humans’ hubris.

Psychologist Eli J. Finkel says that existentialism "begins with the assumption that life has no ultimate or objective purpose. Individuals, who are confused and terrified by the awareness of their own smallness in a vast galaxy that lacks coherence, are responsible for generating their own sense of identity and idiosyncratic value system to achieve a sense of meaning." He continues to say that "people who succeed in both developing their own value system and living in accord with it (that is, people who live authentically) can build lives that are deeply fulfilling."

While I do believe in the power of (realistically) positive thinking, I also believe that the Universe is not constantly trying to make everything work out for us; why would it? We need to do that for ourselves and each other–and that autonomy is both terrifying and liberating. That's why it's important to do this work of self-awareness and self-intimacy, to cultivate a supportive community, and to have trusted mentors who can also support our goals & wellbeing. Our life purpose is within our control; it is not controlled or determined by an abstract force outside of us.

If you disagree, that's totally fine! We're all allowed to have our own beliefs and opinions, and I encourage you to think critically about everything you read & see, including everything you read and see from me. I believe in, and work with, deities. I am also a skeptic and I acknowledge that deities, the power of "The Universe,” etc, could not exist. Who are we to know for sure? And if the effect these things have on our lives is ultimately positive, does it matter if they're "real" or not? 

I appreciate this kind of critical inquiry, because I think it's important to hold multiple perspectives, and the potential of truth in all of them. And I think this kind of critical inquiry allows us to be more intentional, authentic, and liberated in our lives. I aim to cultivate this in the work I do: I don't tell people what to believe. I help them cultivate their own critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and self awareness skills with the intention of helping them help themselves.

Your journey of healing/empowerment/etc should always be led by YOU: your intuition, your joy, your critical thinking, your well-being. If you get a bad feeling from something a coach/teacher says or does, you don't have to put up with it. Your autonomy should be the number one priority.

So it doesn’t matter whether or not the Universe is constantly conspiring in your favor; because YOU are conspiring in your favor. The mentors and community members who support you are conspiring in your favor. The actions you take, the intuition within you, is conspiring in your favor. You have the power and autonomy in your life to make constructive, ethical, and mutually-supportive decisions in your life, and you don’t need to depend on an abstract, out-of-your-control concept like the Universe to do it for you. 

You are good enough.

You are wise enough.

You are powerful enough.

xo, Gwen

P.S. The reason I offer tarot readings is not because I'm some "highly ascended source of unattainable wisdom;" I'm an imperfect human too! I offer readings to provide an objective perspective, to help you help yourself navigate situations that you might be emotionally invested in, and thus offer objectivity to your subjectivity. I also think that I'm pretty good at reading tarot, and I have the skills as a sex educator, psychic, and emotional space-holder, but it's not because I'm "better" than you or more "enlightened" than you. I am a channel to help you help yourself. For the month of May only, I’m offering High Priestess tarot readings, which help you tune in to your unique High Priestess identity: your intuition, spiritual leadership, and unique gifts. These readings are not to seek something outside of yourself, or tell you how you need to “change” or “do better.” The HP reading is to support you in tuning in to what is already there; your inner self, and the intrinsic wisdom you hold in your own inner High Priestess. Click here to book yours; these readings are for all genders, with 30-minute and 60-minute options, and will disappear on May 31st.