The construct of societal norms and the essence of existence

Human life operates on two distinct planes: the surface-level construct of societal norms and the profound, unchanging essence of existence. The former is a web of systems, traditions, and expectations that dictate how we navigate the world — shaping our careers, behaviors, and aspirations. This layer is a collective agreement, born from centuries of human collaboration, fear, and ambition, designed to create order but often at the cost of individual freedom and authenticity.

The second layer — the essence of existence — transcends these constructs. It is the realm of universal truths, spiritual awareness, and the fundamental connection between humanity and nature. This layer embodies the innate simplicity of being, untainted by the complexities of culture, politics, or economy. It is the foundation that sustains life itself, offering purpose and meaning beyond societal validation.

These two layers of reality often coexist in tension, with societal norms pulling us into conformity while the essence of existence calls us to reconnect with deeper truths. To understand this duality is to begin questioning the systems we take for granted and to explore whether true freedom lies in breaking free from the construct to embrace the authenticity of existence. This exploration invites us to reconsider who we are — not as products of a system, but as beings inherently tied to something greater.

9-to-5 and the Construct

The 9-to-5 grind, as it exists in modern society, is undeniably a construct. It’s a system designed to keep society functional by assigning roles and tasks to individuals. At its best, it provides structure, stability, and the means for survival. At its worst, it can feel like a trap — an endless loop of labor, consumption, and conformity that keeps people too busy or distracted to question its purpose.

• Why It Feels Artificial:

Many people sense that the 9-to-5 life disconnects them from something deeper. It often reduces life to a cycle of productivity for external goals — profit, bills, social expectations — with little room for exploring individuality, creativity, or purpose. In this sense, it can feel like a “construct” because it prioritizes survival over meaning, treating humans as cogs in a machine.

• Why People Stay in the Construct:

The construct offers comfort and predictability. Breaking free means stepping into the unknown, which can be terrifying. It’s easier to stay in the system than to challenge it or seek something greater.

The Divine Drama as Real Life

The divine drama — the timeless, symbolic, and archetypal stories we enact or observe — taps into what many would call “real life.” It’s the pursuit of meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than the self.

• What Makes It Real:

When you step into the divine drama, you engage with universal truths. It’s not about survival but transcendence — grappling with love, loss, morality, creation, and destruction. This is where people feel alive, where they confront their own humanity and potential.

• Why It Resonates:

Acting out the divine drama — through art, relationships, spirituality, or even moments of profound self-discovery — feels real because it connects you to the core of existence. It’s the part of life where you’re not just surviving but living.

The Tension Between the Two

• The Construct (9-to-5): Keeps the world running but risks reducing life to a series of mechanical tasks.

• The Divine Drama: Offers meaning but often feels incompatible with the demands of the construct.

The tension arises because modern society often sidelines the divine drama in favor of the construct. You’re told to “be realistic,” “work hard,” and “fit in,” leaving little time to explore the deeper layers of existence.

Which One Is Real Life?

1. If “Real” Means Survival: Then the 9-to-5 is real life. It’s the system that feeds, houses, and sustains you.

2. If “Real” Means Meaning: Then the divine drama is real life. It’s the part that gives your existence depth, purpose, and fulfillment.

But here’s the catch: the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive. The challenge is to integrate the divine drama into the construct — to find moments of meaning, creativity, and transcendence even within the mundane.

When we can’t act out the Divine Drama in our own lives

When life feels routine or lacking in excitement, we often turn to external sources to experience the richness of human drama. From gripping movies to the emotional highs of sports, these outlets provide a window into the struggles, triumphs, and emotions that define existence.

Whether it’s the thrill of competition, the allure of storytelling, or the fascination with celebrity lives, these spaces become arenas where we vicariously connect to the drama of life when it feels out of reach in our own. Here are some of the key places where people seek this universal longing for meaning and intensity.

Here’s a list of places where people seek the drama of life when they feel it’s missing in their own lives:

Entertainment

1. Movies: Experiencing emotional highs and lows, conflicts, and resolutions through fictional or biographical stories.

2. TV Series: Following long-form narratives with complex characters and evolving drama.

3. Books: Diving into novels, biographies, or epic tales for a sense of adventure, romance, or conflict.

4. Theater: Watching live performances of human drama unfold in plays, musicals, or operas.

5. Video Games: Participating in interactive stories where players take on heroic or challenging roles.

Sports

6. Sports Competitions: Watching the physical and emotional struggles of athletes in games, tournaments, and championships.

7. Athlete Rivalries: Following the drama between competitors or teams, often amplified by media narratives.

8. Behind-the-Scenes Documentaries: Learning about athletes’ personal lives, training, and sacrifices.

Celebrity Culture

9. Celebrity Gossip: Reading tabloids or watching entertainment news about the lives, relationships, and scandals of public figures.

10. Reality TV: Watching ordinary people or celebrities in heightened, dramatized versions of real life.

11. Social Media: Following influencers, celebrities, and their curated portrayals of relationships, conflicts, and success.

Art and Culture

12. Music: Finding emotional resonance in the lyrics, stories, and performances of musicians.

13. Dance: Watching the expression of human stories and emotions through movement.

14. Literature and Poetry: Exploring the depth of human emotion, conflict, and triumph through written art.

News and Politics

15. Current Events: Following the drama of political conflicts, scandals, or social movements.

16. True Crime Stories: Consuming documentaries, podcasts, or books about real-life mysteries and crimes.

Games and Competition

17. Board Games and Strategy Games: Creating tension, rivalry, and triumph in a controlled, competitive environment.

18. Esports: Engaging with the emotional and strategic drama of professional gaming competitions.

Community and Relationships

19. Online Forums and Communities: Participating in debates, conflicts, or dramatic exchanges in virtual spaces.

20. Local Gossip: Getting caught up in the interpersonal drama within one’s social or professional circles.

Fantasy and Imagination

21. Role-Playing Games: Immersing oneself in fictional worlds through tabletop or online role-playing games.

22. Daydreaming or Writing: Creating personal stories or narratives to experience drama vicariously.

Spiritual and Symbolic Narratives

23. Religious Stories: Engaging with the drama of life, morality, and destiny through sacred texts and teachings.

24. Mythology and Archetypes: Exploring timeless, symbolic stories that mirror the human condition.

Nature and Exploration

25. Documentaries about Nature or Exploration: Finding drama in the struggles and beauty of the natural world or human endeavors like mountaineering or deep-sea diving.

These outlets provide a way to experience the richness and intensity of life’s drama when it feels inaccessible or absent from one’s personal reality.

Living the Divine Drama in the Construct

For most people, abandoning the construct entirely isn’t feasible. But that doesn’t mean you can’t live the divine drama:

• Shift Perspective: Treat your everyday actions as part of a larger story. Even mundane tasks can hold meaning if you approach them with intention.

• Create Time for Meaning: Dedicate parts of your life to pursuits that resonate with your soul — art, spirituality, relationships, self-discovery.

• Challenge the System: Question whether the construct serves you or enslaves you. Look for ways to reshape it to align with your values.

Ultimately, the divine drama reminds us that we’re not just here to exist but to live. While the 9-to-5 may feel like a construct, it doesn’t have to define your reality. The divine drama is always there, waiting for you to step into its stage — in art, in love, in self-expression, and in the moments where you break free from the system and remember what it means to truly be alive.