PoRtFOLIO

by Magda Jarota

Sarah Lynn Ryeland, 26, is not your ordinary college student who spends her free time flipping through mainstream magazines and doing homework. Sarah has developed her own philosophy on the purpose of life, a topic that most students would not devote a minute to.

While recently visiting her boyfriend in Montreal, this topic happened to dominate their Monday night conversation. “I believe that people are motivated by either love or fear and the purpose of life is to work towards love.”

Clearly this issue has been given much thought by both of them. “When good things happen, when you enjoy yourself and feel happiness, it is coming from a place of love – either giving or receiving it or just feeling a loving energy.”

Taking part in any activity that brings an immense amount of joy also provides a thrill and energy that contributes to the fulfillment of this purpose. To illustrate, Sarah mentions her bungee jumping experience. “I was going through a really transitory time in my life. I moved to the other side of the world all by myself and forced myself to do things that I would normally be too scared to do.”

Judging by the huge smile on her face while reliving the jump, it is safe to say that the experience continues to provide a familiar and pleasant energy that helped Sarah take her mind off difficult situations. Be it a bungee jump or a new backpack, the little things in life all combine to bring everlasting self-enjoyment and happiness.

According to Sarah, hatred and negativity come from a place of fear. “When people act in hateful ways it is because they are afraid or feel threatened by something – usually what they are being hateful towards.”

So, the Beatles were right: all you need is love. “To me, the purpose of life is love – to give and receive love and always operate from a place of love in your heart.” Sarah adds that “not to let fear drive you but to handle every being with a loving heart should be everyone’s priority. The more love you put into your own life, the more you will feel coming toward you.”