Finding meaning in life through existentialism

Many of us encounter moments of deep questioning and introspection. We may ask ourselves, "What is the purpose of my existence? Why am I here? What is the meaning of life?" These questions, while daunting, are essential to our growth as individuals. They push us to explore the depths of our consciousness and seek answers that may not be readily apparent.

This search for meaning is at the heart of existentialism, a philosophical movement that has profoundly influenced psychology and psychotherapy. As a psychotherapist, I have witnessed how existentialism can offer a framework for understanding life's complexities and help individuals find meaning in their existence.

The foundations of existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, with roots in the works of thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Martin Heidegger. At its core, existentialism posits that life has no inherent meaning; instead, it is up to each individual to create their own meaning through their choices, actions, and experiences.

One of the central tenets of existentialism is the concept of "existence precedes essence." This means that individuals are not born with a predetermined purpose or essence; rather they exist first and then define themselves through their actions. This idea challenges the notion of a fixed identity and encourages us to take responsibility for our lives and the paths we choose.

Embracing freedom and responsibility

Existentialism emphasises the freedom of the individual. We are free to make choices, pursue different paths, and define our values and beliefs. However, with this freedom comes responsibility. Every decision we make shapes our identity and has consequences for ourselves and others. This can be both liberating and terrifying. The weight of this responsibility can lead to what existentialists call "existential angst" or "existential dread," a profound sense of anxiety that arises from the awareness of our freedom and the uncertainty of our choices.

In therapy, this concept of freedom and responsibility is crucial. Many individuals come to therapy feeling stuck, trapped by circumstances, or overwhelmed by the weight of their choices. They may struggle with feelings of meaninglessness or despair. As a therapist, I help clients explore their sense of freedom and responsibility, encouraging them to recognise the power they have to shape their lives. By embracing this power, they can begin to move beyond feelings of helplessness and take active steps toward creating a life that is meaningful to them.

Confronting the absurd

Another key concept in existentialism is the idea of "the absurd." The absurd refers to the conflict between our desire for meaning and the indifferent, often chaotic nature of the universe. Life can be unpredictable, full of suffering, and devoid of any clear, overarching purpose. This can lead to a sense of absurdity, where our efforts to find meaning seem futile in an uncaring world.

However, existentialists argue that it is precisely in confronting this absurdity that we can find meaning. Rather than succumbing to despair, we can embrace the absurd and continue our search for meaning, even if that meaning is ultimately self-created. This act of defiance against the absurd is what gives our lives value.

In therapy, I often work with clients grappling with the absurdity of life. They may be experiencing loss, trauma, or existential crises that shake their belief in a just and meaningful world. By helping them confront the absurd, we can explore ways to create meaning in their lives, even in the face of suffering. This might involve redefining their values, setting new goals, or finding purpose in helping others. Through this process, clients can begin to reclaim a sense of agency and resilience.

Authenticity and self-discovery

A central theme in existentialism is the pursuit of authenticity. To live authentically means to live by one's true self, rather than conforming to societal expectations or external pressures. It involves a deep exploration of one's values, beliefs, and desires, and making choices that align with one's genuine identity.

In our modern world, it is easy to become disconnected from our authentic selves. We are bombarded with messages about who we should be, what we should achieve, and how we should live. This can lead to feelings of alienation and disconnection, as we lose touch with our true selves in the pursuit of external validation.

In therapy, clients are encouraged to embark on a journey of self-discovery. This involves peeling back the layers of societal conditioning and external expectations to uncover their true values and desires. It requires courage to confront uncomfortable truths and to make changes that align with one's authentic self. But by doing so, clients can begin to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Finding meaning in relationships

Existentialism also highlights the importance of relationships in our search for meaning. While existentialism emphasises individual freedom and responsibility, it also recognises that we are inherently social beings. Our connections with others play a crucial role in shaping our identity and sense of purpose.

Clients coming to therapy often explore the meaning they derive from their relationships. This might involve examining the dynamics of their current relationships, healing past wounds, or building new connections that align with their values. By fostering meaningful relationships, clients can enhance their sense of belonging and purpose.

Embracing uncertainty and ambiguity

Life is full of uncertainty and ambiguity, and existentialism teaches us to embrace these aspects of our existence. Rather than seeking absolute answers or clinging to rigid beliefs, existentialism encourages us to live with the questions and find meaning in the exploration.

I help clients cultivate a tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity. This might involve challenging black-and-white thinking, exploring the complexity of their emotions, or embracing the unknown aspects of their future. By developing this tolerance, clients can approach life with greater openness and curiosity, leading to a richer and more meaningful existence.

Creating a life of meaning

Existentialism offers a powerful framework for understanding the human condition and finding meaning in life. It challenges us to take responsibility for our choices, to confront the absurdity of existence, and to live authentically following our true selves. It teaches us to embrace freedom and responsibility, to find meaning in our relationships, and to live with uncertainty and ambiguity.

As a psychotherapist, I have seen firsthand how these existential principles can help individuals navigate life's challenges and create a sense of meaning and purpose. While the journey may be difficult, it is deeply rewarding. By embracing the existential perspective, we can live more authentically, connect more deeply with others, and ultimately, find greater meaning in our lives.

Life may not come with inherent meaning, but through our choices and actions, we have the power to create a meaningful and fulfilling life. This, in essence, is the gift of existentialism – a gift that can guide us on our journey toward self-discovery and purpose.