tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17251610.post1948974305337726998..comments2009-12-27T11:16:13.695-08:00MK Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993376259173103142noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17251610.post-49067857814724730882009-12-27T11:16:13.695-08:002009-12-27T11:16:13.695-08:00Thanks, Brian! I agree that this post was particularly narcissistic, and I agree that a bigger question of purpose is yours . . .<br /><br />But then your continued interaction with me and I with you is a good example of my point, which is still my point (though just for this post) that our individual identities are largely socially defined, but that we play the manager&#39;s role in that process of social definition.<br /><br />When I got out of bed this morning, though, my first activity of the morning was (as it always is) to engage in my morning prayers and readings, which are specifically designed to center me on the answer for today of YOUR question. And for me, as for you, the answer to what I&#39;ll do this day and this moment must be centered in a bigger picture - bigger than my identity, and bigger than my goals for my life!<br /><br />I wish you and Suzanne were on twitter and participated in my circle of friends there. But you get your daily need for intellectual stimulation at your level met through your vocational choice, as you shepherd graduate students, don&#39;t you?<br /><br />You are one of the friends that is shaping me, though -- and for that I am grateful!Maria Kettleson Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06993376259173103142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17251610.post-78580065945988498962009-12-26T19:33:14.392-08:002009-12-26T19:33:14.392-08:00I disagree- the critical question is &quot;What will I do today?&quot; <br /><br />If you believe (as I think you do) that our lives are lived out in the context of a much larger process set in motion by a higher power, then the most important thing for us to do in life is to align our actions with that larger purpose. Many religious traditions teach that failure to do so leads to suffering. <br /><br />The question &quot;who will I be?&quot; is all about your own reaction to your role in this drama. If you decide that your self is separate and you get to decide who you will be, then you&#39;re setting yourself up for suffering. <br /> <br />I&#39;m sorry to hear of your friend&#39;s death- sorry for whatever pain drove him to this point, and sorry for the pain this caused you (and of course his family and other friends.)Brian Borchershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18216044824246034466noreply@blogger.com