What is the meaning of life? Why are we here? What is my purpose? Why does it matter? Existential questions can be hard to deal with and even cause anxiety. As one of my clients noted recently they are what has given rise to philosophers, religions and scientists throughout time but that doesn't mean we've got it all worked out yet....
In addition to philosophers, religions and scientists, writers, poets, singers, Film and TV makers have also tried to answer these questions. I remember seeing two particular film/tv projects recently that stood out to me in this area. The first was the American remake of the Japanese movie "Shall We Dance" when Susan Sarandon's character talks about the purpose of life having to do with being a witness to the lives of those we love as they go through the ups and down and journey of life. The second was a British TV Series written and directed by Ricky Gervais called "After Life" where Ricky questions everything after losing the love of his life to cancer. It was Penelope Wilton's line about the purpose of life being to help each other through it all that caught my attention and has stayed with me. There are more, but these are two examples of potential answers if you chose to agree with them or at least use them as launching pads for discussion.
I have always felt the purpose of life was to experience all the joy and pain of the human experience...to live as fully as possible which means knowing all the emotions one can experience as a human being. However, we each need to find an answer that works for us and in our own time frame.
If these kinds of thoughts cause you distress, I have included some additional tips taken from an article by Gayane Hakobyan below.
6 ways to overcome existential dread:
One of the founders of existential psychotherapy, Austrian philosopher and psychologist Viktor Frankl, described three factors that make a person's life meaningful:
- Creativity
- Experience
- Attitude
Based on these factors, experts have developed some recommendations for those going through an existential crisis.
1) Share your experiences with your loved ones
You can derive meaning from the love of others. One way to do so is to ask them what they value in you and your relationship. In addition to that, you can confide in those dear to you and share what haunts you, which can in itself be therapeutic. Seeking advice from the elderly can also shine a different light on what you’re going through, since they could have dealt with the same painful questions when they were your age.
2) Take a proactive approach to finding answers
Meaning is not discovered, it is created. The answer doesn't lie in the universe but in ourselves. Try asking yourself these questions: "What activities give me a sense of meaning?", "What brings me joy?", and "What do I worry about?" Remember that there is no "right" way to manage life.
3) Don't try to find a timeless solution
Existential questions can arise throughout your whole life, and what worked for you before might seem meaningless today. Concentrate on the present. Remember that what seems important right now may not matter 10 or 20 years from now, and vice versa.
4) Keep track of pessimistic thoughts
If you find yourself thinking, "life is meaningless and our efforts are worthless," try not to wallow in these thoughts. According to Frankl, even when we cannot change the circumstances of life, we have the freedom to choose how we react to those circumstances.
5)Find meaning in your work
Some experts believe that one of the main causes of emotional burnout is a failed search for meaning in one’s professional life. Psychotherapist Alfrid Langle claimed that burnout is most common among those who fail to realize their values at work.
Surely, it's easier to find meaning in some spheres than others. One way to derive meaning from work is to help others. Numerous studies show that people who help others are happier. You can offer to help a colleague with a difficult task, or help a new employee understand the company and project processes.
The way we structure our work also affects our sense of meaning. We are more invested in our jobs when we’re able to realize our skills, values, and interests.
Think about these three factors and how you can incorporate them into your work. It's not about drastically changing your role, but recognizing your unique strengths and how you can use them to help the team achieve its goals.
6) Seek professional help
If you cannot cope with an existential crisis on your own, seek help from a mental health professional, like a psychotherapist or a psychiatrist. When existential dread is too strong, a combination of talk therapy and medication may be necessary.
*For the full article click HERE.
If these type of questions cause you excessive anxiety then search out some relaxation and calming tools before putting on your thinking cap or engaging with these difficult questions.
You have a lifetime to explore this and sometimes we need to evolve, mature and strengthen as a human before we can take these questions on. Hypnotherapy and Wellness is here to help if needed!
