Over the past 15 years or so, two different types of supernaturalismhave become distinguished on a regular basis (Metz 2019). That is truenot only in the literature on life’s meaning, but also in thaton the related pro-theism/anti-theism debate, about whether it wouldbe desirable for God or a soul to exist (e.g., Kahane 2011; Kraay2018; Lougheed 2020). On the one hand, there is extremesupernaturalism, according to which spiritual conditions are necessaryfor any meaning in life. If neither God nor a soul exists, then, bythis view, everyone’s life is meaningless. On the other hand,there is moderate supernaturalism, according to which spiritualconditions are necessary for a great or ultimate meaning in life,although not meaning in life as such. If neither God nor a soulexists, then, by this view, everyone’s life could have somemeaning, or even be meaningful, but no one’s life could exhibitthe most desirable meaning.
Why is life so meaningless?
You create your purpose through values, kindness, and actions. Secular spirituality focuses on connection with people, nature, or the universe. Focus on detaching from material desires and embracing life’s present moment.
What Is the Meaning of Life? 9 Ways to Find Your Unique Answer
Instead, how to create meaning in life it often comes quietly — through little moments, honest reflection, and the things that make your heart feel steady. Why do people like Kezia and Christopher seem to find purpose in suffering—while others are crushed by it? Part of the answer, as we’ll see next, might have to do with the emotions and behaviors we cultivate in ourselves. Many people I interviewed for this article mentioned pivotal books or ideas they found in books.
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- Research has found that individuals with high levels of eudemonic well-being—a sense of purpose and control control and a feeling like what you do is worthwhile—tend to live longer.
- I want the kids out there who grew up like me, to know they have futures ahead of them.
- You don’t need to take a sabbatical or spend weeks in a meditation retreat.
- Make time for hobbies, activities, and subjects that you care about.
Imagine a list not of places to visit, but of skills, ideas, and wisdom you want to master before you kick the bucket. A Learning Bucket List turns curiosity into a lifelong adventure, fueling your growth and Halfway house keeping your purpose alive. Your values are the foundation of a meaningful life. But instead of treating values as abstract concepts, allow them to guide your decision-making process.
Do things that you find personally fulfilling and motivating. Engage in hobbies, activities, and pursuits that you are passionate about. When you pursue your genuine interests, you will find more meaning and purpose. Helping people in need and making genuine connections with others are two of the most powerful ways to add meaning and purpose. Look for opportunities to make a positive impact, whether through volunteering your time, performing random acts of kindness, or simply being fully present with friends and loved ones. While life may feel meaningless, you have the power to cultivate meaning and purpose.
- Thus, making sure that people receive positive psychology interventions, especially those relating to purpose in life, seems a viable and inexpensive way to help millions of people to have a better and healthier life (Menec, 2003; Seligman et al., 2005).
- Life may seem meaningless when you avoid responsibility, but meaning emerges when you choose to fully participate in life with all its ups and downs.
- In contrast, a lack of purpose can lead to restlessness, depression, and health issues.
- Focus on living according to your values and finding ways to contribute value to the world.
- This involves achieving eudaemonia, usually translated as “happiness”, “well-being”, “flourishing”, and “excellence”.
Giving to others is one of the surest ways to find purpose. Make social interaction a priority; don’t isolate yourself. Escapism and avoidance of responsibility are common reasons why life may seem meaningless. It’s easy to fill your time with distractions and escape from what really matters.
In addition, there are arguments for extremenaturalism (or its “anti-theist” cousin) mentioned below(sub-section 3.3). Sometimes the people we admire most in life give us a clue to how we might want to contribute to a better world ourselves. Reading about the work of civil rights leaders or climate activists can give us a moral uplift that can serve as motivation for working toward the greater good. If we need help, a survey like the VIA Character Strengths Survey can be useful in identifying our personal strengths and embracing them more fully. Then, you can take the results and think about how https://ecosoberhouse.com/ you can apply them toward something you really care about. Purpose is all about applying your skills toward contributing to the greater good in a way that matters to you.
