Commentary: There are three secret levels to life

Sometimes we wonder (not while driving, of course), “What is life about?”

Which is an intelligent-sounding way of asking, “Where am I?”

Which is a slightly less panicky way of asking, “Who am I?”

Well, hard to say.

Yet, after all, it might be helpful to look at life, and people, as having three levels. That at least brings it down to something we can count on one hand. That still gives us one hand to drive with, should we be running those kinds of thrilling risks.

1.) Spiritual: Kindness. Generosity. Sensitivity. Faith in the world and in each other. A willingness to look at conflicts from multiple points of view. Patience and understanding. A greater desire to give than to receive. Love in the largest sense. (We’re looking at you, presidential candidates!)

2.) Functional: Can-do. Gung-ho. Know-how. On time, under budget. Where there’s a will there’s a way. Providing for our needs means we set reasonable goals, pursue them with dedicated focus, follow through to success, creatively troubleshoot any problems we encounter, and then, of course, party.

3.) Emotional: The love theme to “Titanic.” The glory of the sun going down over the sea behind Catalina as a cool breeze springs up. The taste of tacos and limes. The rollicking, good-time sounds of “Margaritaville,” the warmth of friends and family. And, perhaps, most importantly, laughter.

Strange as it seems, close attention to those three touchstone levels of living will go a long way toward living well — staying in harmony with the universe, taking good care of yourself and others, and having a great time while you’re at it.

Dr. STEVE DAVIDSON is a clinical psychologist in Newport Beach.