Walking Each Other Home: Examining the Life Well Lived Through the Lense of Impermanence

This thesis is an exploration of the underpinnings of the life well lived, as well as the cosmic truths that I believe enable us to reach beyond the realm of the human and into the universal. Drawing on Buddhist teachings, various scholars of religion & culture (Kimerer Lamothe, Alan Watts, etc.) and the discussions and praxis that occurred during the construction of my Senior Project dance piece, Walking Each Other Home, I will attempt to make the case for a generous giving of life and love in the face of impermanence and suffering. While human existence inherently leads to suffering, the gift of consciousness allows us to look beyond, tapping into the transcendent power of love in order to create a better world. It is my hope that this paper, as well as my piece, will be the spark for people to let go of their wounds, embrace themselves lovingly as masterful works of creation, and step into the world with the mindset that our lives are to be lived joyously, faithfully, and with the intention of lifting each other up through our every action