One thing most everyone can agree to is that we all desire a good life and happiness. Psychologists,mystics and philosophers have put forth many theories that delineate the needs and wants people pursue, and how one's actions all point to experiencing the attainment of them. This may come under the heading "the common way", and comprehensive logic and experience tells us this is "normal". Have you noticed that the experiencer's wishes are mostly born from observing others attain desired things, or from society or "sales" entities. "Well, she really 'loves' her new smartphone, I will get one just like it." This may partially come from our social nature, (mirroring others), but many view it as what's known in Buddhist thought as " neti neti" - not this - not this. The varied, seemingly endless search for enjoyment goes forth, maybe a fling with someone or something, then on to the next try. Of course, many find enjoyable activities and stick to them for a lifetime. They find levels of "happiness" that no one will argue with. It's entirely your choice that you have been given and rightly so, and it follows that you will be given enough time and opportunity to complete your "destiny." When the eventual time comes when you or the object of your enjoyment have to separate, there is often great trauma. The values people ascribe to things are temporary, so it is eventually lost. The promising thing is that we have small pleasures from things and in a different way people(hopefully), with the negative - that - rarely are those in this pursuit -
DEEPLY FULFILLED. Because of the sovereignty of all, free will is given - but not to the point of the destruction of the environment, or other planetary habitats. The mysteries and sufferings in this world are long and deep. Sometimes, people turn to atheism, after terrible events which they see as being allowed by God - "How could a loving God let this happen?" Gielgud answers as HIM in Time Bandits: 'I think it has something to do with free will.' The wounded seeker had been told that 'not a blade of grass moves without the hand of the Lord.' That is true because it is all the energy of the source, but it is given to many others to co-create this reality(dream). Certainly the source of compassion has great regard for the creation, but it is obvious that it is given to us to be the ones who care for this world. The amount of beings and energy it takes is beyond our comprehension. Arguing over the name or way of God is beyond our mental power to know, and only makes working together more difficult. The bottom line is: You don't know - And this is not a comfortable position - not knowing. Of course, each path believes it is the best - despite claiming that there are many paths. Some say they are the only way - was there not enlightenment before 2000 years ago? That doesn't seem very compassionate. Once again, we are all in various degrees of illusion. Going deeper we have subjective experiences of bliss, wisdom, and oneness. These gifts you have attracted by your love and compassion. Re - choosing not to judge, by allowing, like the creator. Being one and yet still simultaneously different, we move within the energy of all. Patience will serve to help you to be honest. Saying "I don't really know" is preferable to blindly or fearfully following. If it's true, it'll come to you. What do we know - being truthful - we have love in our hearts, we empathize with others, we're all in the same boat. Judge not, try suspending belief, and give whatever you've got. When you do it while being connected to your deepest self, especially now, you are co-creating a wonderous paradise...