Finding Meaning and Purpose: Exploring Alternatives to Existential Depression
Existential depression is a complex and deeply personal experience that can leave individuals feeling lost, empty, and devoid of meaning in life. For some, this sense of existential despair leads to temporary escapes such as watching pornography or seeking the services of sex workers. While these activities may provide momentary relief from boredom, they do not address the underlying issue of finding purpose and meaning in life.
The Search for Meaning
When individuals give up their pursuit of grandiose egos and false senses of self, it becomes crucial to find a replacement that instills a sense of importance and fulfillment. This search for meaning can take various forms, and one potential avenue is through the exploration of realistic religious beliefs.
Embracing a Realistic Religion
Believing in God and working for human equality and love for all people through one's religion can provide a framework for finding meaning and purpose in life. This realistic approach to religion acknowledges the complexities of the world while emphasizing the importance of compassion, empathy, and social justice.
By embracing a realistic religion, individuals can find solace in the belief that their actions have a positive impact on the world and contribute to the well-being of others. This sense of purpose can help alleviate existential depression and provide a guiding force for individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
Working for Human Equality
One aspect of a realistic religion that can help individuals find meaning is the focus on human equality. Recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, can be a powerful motivator for working towards a more equitable society.
Engaging in activities that promote equality, such as volunteering at organizations that support marginalized communities, advocating for policy changes that address systemic injustices, or simply treating others with kindness and respect, can give individuals a sense of purpose and fulfillment. By actively working towards human equality, individuals can make a tangible difference in the lives of others and combat existential despair.
Love for All People
Another essential aspect of a realistic religion is the emphasis on love for all people. This love extends beyond personal relationships and encompasses a broader sense of compassion and empathy for humanity as a whole.
By practicing love for all people, individuals can foster connections and build meaningful relationships based on understanding and acceptance. This sense of interconnectedness can counter feelings of isolation and provide individuals with a sense of belonging and purpose.
Finding Personal Fulfillment
While embracing a realistic religion can provide a framework for finding meaning, it is essential to remember that personal fulfillment is a deeply individual journey. What brings one person a sense of purpose may not resonate with another.
Exploring personal interests, hobbies, and passions can also be a valuable avenue for finding meaning in life. Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, whether it be art, sports, writing, or any other creative outlet, can provide a sense of purpose and a channel for self-expression.
Seeking Support
It is important to acknowledge that overcoming existential depression and finding meaning in life can be challenging. It may be beneficial to seek support from mental health professionals, counselors, or support groups who can provide guidance and assistance along the journey.
Additionally, surrounding oneself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share similar values and aspirations can be instrumental in maintaining a sense of purpose and finding encouragement during difficult times.
Conclusion
Finding meaning and purpose in life is a deeply personal and ongoing process. While the pursuit of grandiose egos and false senses of self may lead to existential depression, embracing a realistic religion that focuses on human equality and love for all people can provide a framework for finding fulfillment.
However, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Exploring personal interests, seeking support, and surrounding oneself with a supportive community can also contribute to the journey of finding meaning in life. By actively engaging in these processes, individuals can navigate existential despair and lead lives that are truly meaningful and purposeful.
After UCLA College of Letters where I obtained PhD is Philosophy, Psychology and Religion I got a teaching job at the University. I felt uneasy teaching. I applied for a job in the mental health field; I got many offers and within two years was running the mental health center where I worked, supervising psychologists and psychiatrists who have been in that field for many decades.
Eventually, I felt bored by the job (of been executive director...I was barely thirty two years old when I was the executive director of the largest mental health agency in the city where I lived) and quit and tried doing other things.
Nothing I tried worked out for me. So, I did other executive director jobs but eventually wound up quitting and returning to college teaching until I felt that teaching is too easy for me; I felt unchallenged being a college professor (I filled my time writing on assorted subjects that interested me).
Eventually, I realized that I have a destiny and fate. My normal routine is to read until I go to sleep (although there is a huge TV in the house, I seldom watch it) and get up around 5 AM, think for a while, and then go to my computer and type the thoughts that I just had in my sleep.