Exploring Existentialism: Finding Meaning in Life's Challenges
Have you ever felt a hollowness gnaw at your core, a loneliness that chills despite the company around you? Do you grapple with the vastness of the universe and the seeming insignificance of our lives? These are the raw, unfiltered questions that existentialism confronts. The Existential Movement isn't a path for the faint of heart. It delves into the messy tangle of human emotions – the pain, the sorrow, the loneliness that can feel like an endless pit of despair. But here's the twist: existentialism doesn't wallow in this despair. It uses it as the very foundation for forging meaning.
Existentialism is a fascinating philosophy that delves into the deep questions of human existence. Imagine life as a tapestry woven from various threads—pain, sorrow, loneliness, stress, and more. These threads, collectively called despair, are not just hardships but opportunities to create meaning.
Unlike traditional beliefs that tie meaning to backgrounds or circumstances, existentialism teaches us that meaning comes from within. It's about recognizing our freedom and responsibility to shape our own lives, regardless of where we come from.
Think of it like toughening up your mind, not to ignore problems, but to face them head-on with courage and clarity. This idea draws from the stoic wisdom of Epictetus, who emphasized the importance of resilience and inner strength.
Existentialism isn't about escaping reality. Instead, it's a brave journey of self-discovery. It challenges us to ask big questions: Who am I? What's my purpose? How do I navigate life's ups and downs? By exploring these questions, we uncover hidden truths about ourselves and find a meaningful path forward.
In essence, existentialism celebrates the messy, emotional rollercoaster of being human. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can find insights and grow stronger. It's a philosophy that encourages us to be true to ourselves and embrace life's complexities with courage and authenticity.
So, as you dive into the world of existentialism, remember that it's not just about grades or achievements. It's about discovering who you are, facing challenges with resilience, and living a life that's true to you.
To explore existentialism philosophy and existential therapy further read...Existentialism by Robert C. Solomon
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.