Sense
Meaning is the feeling that an experience, action, or life has meaning, direction, or value greater than a momentary reaction.
Definition
Meaning may result from values, relationships, responsibility, creativity, work, spirituality or the way of interpreting suffering. It is not always a ready feeling; is often created through commitment and choice of direction. In psychology, meaning can be an important component of well-being and resilience.
Key ideas
- Meaning
- Direction
- Connection to values
Practice and life
Write down three actions that made you feel like your day had more meaning. Check what values stand behind them.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to expect that meaning will always be experienced as a strong motivation. It is also a mistake to look for meaning without contact with action.
> Meaning doesn't always come as an answer, in many cases it comes from the direction you choose despite uncertainty.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What gives my effort meaning?
- What values stand behind what I do?
- Where meaning comes only after commitment?