On Emptiness
A common experience I encounter is that of a sense of emptiness - the feeling that “there must be something more”, that “I am missing something”, the sense of “my life should feel more fulfilling, more meaningful”. This empty feeling is behind all addiction, consumerism (which is just another type of addiction). It’s also behind cults, religion, tribalism and the obsessive acquisition of wealth and power. This is the hungry ego in action… tooth and nail. This feeling is most acutely experienced in such conditions as anxiety, depression and loneliness. But here’s the thing, this feeling cannot be “fixed” by the acquisition of stuff. There is nothing outside of you…