Where to look for the meaning of life, if you have lost it, and whether you need to do it

It's hard to believe that you can exist just like that. It is imperative to be born into this world for something. Moreover, it is desirable for something grandiose. And if the years go by, and the purpose is vague, the meaning of life can be lost. Or not? We figure it out together with psychologists.

What is the meaning of life and is there any

According to psychotherapist Gleb Bagryantsev, in psychotherapy there is no term "meaning of life" as such. However, experts have investigated and continue to research the phenomenon itself.

Some believe that a person needs to constantly determine his own path for himself. Then the destination becomes a support and makes life more comfortable. From another point of view, the search for meaning is the main motivator of existence, and not an accompanying process.

Gleb Bagryantsev Psychotherapist.

I am doing Dialectical Behavior Therapy. And the concept closest to the meaning of life in it is values. This is a certain state and self-image that a person seeks to maintain over a period of time, often even throughout his life. Everyone has different values: to be rich, competent, recognized, to have friends.

Psychologist Andrei Smirnov notes that the meaning of life can be either chosen independently or imposed. In Soviet times, propaganda instilled that one must work conscientiously in the name of the ideas of communism. Japanese soldiers were told that their destiny was to die for the emperor. Some philosophers of antiquity believed that the meaning of life was in pleasures and pleasures. There are plenty to choose from.

Andrey Smirnov Master of Psychology, practical psychologist.

Even the imposed meaning of life could make a person happy, free him from doubts and painful searches, free him from the fear of death. But not always. Oftentimes, if a destination is imposed, expectations are deceived. The person is disappointed and experiences the deepest existential crisis.

And here, according to the psychologist, it is necessary to realize that the meaning of life does not have to be something grandiose or generally accepted. Any hobby can become it: drawing, music, breeding cats and much more.

Gleb Bagryantsev also agrees with Andrey Smirnov. He believes it isn't worth worrying if your mission doesn't seem big enough. Moreover, when goals are too large and unrealistic, they can be demotivating.

Does life need meaning

A total misunderstanding of why you live can poison existence.

Maria Eril Psychologist, psychotherapist, head of the "Psychology of Communication" department at Business Speech.

While working in therapy, I often encounter people in crisis. They say they don’t understand why they don’t feel the joy and meaning of life when they have a good job and a happy family. They still lack something.

Without meaning, a person does not feel the fullness of life. Let's remember Maslow's pyramid, the apex of which is self-realization. Self-realization and the meaning of life are close concepts. We all ask ourselves the questions: “What am I living for? What will remain after me? How am I changing this world?"

The answer to them and the meaning of a particular life, according to Eril, can only be the result of a person's personal search. Your choice is unlikely to suit your neighbor. Moreover, its purpose may conflict with yours.

But artificially constructing meaning is not worth it. Much depends on whether you suffer from its absence and why you decide at all that you have no purpose.

Gleb Bagryantsev Psychotherapist.

Is it worth looking for the meaning of life? To do this, you need to honestly answer the question: do you consider yourself a happy person or not? When there is not enough happiness in life, you need to analyze whether what you do corresponds to your values.

If the current one seems meaningless, you need to understand that you always have room for change. If you analyze your daily activities, you can identify what is amenable to change.

The challenge for each of us is not to find the absolute truth or the universal answer. The main thing is to hear yourself, realize your values and, relying on them, create your own meaning.

How to find the meaning of life

If you suddenly feel that you are lost and cannot decide where to move on, psychologist Oleg Ivanov advises you to do the following.

Describe all your experiences on paper

This way you can understand what exactly is bothering you. For example, they are worried about the unstable financial situation, difficulties in relationships with a partner or relatives. You will understand which particular area of life needs more attention.

Try to "grope" for your priorities

Identify the most important points for your current state and focus on them.

Oleg Ivanov Psychologist, conflictologist, head of the Center for Settlement of Social Conflicts.

Start small, don't try to move mountains right away. Reach small goals every day. It doesn't matter what you are doing - record the result and specific steps.

Try to understand what activities you enjoy

And also - where you yourself can be useful. Many people find themselves when they help someone else. Even a small participation in the lives of others, volunteering gives an incentive for self-development.

Take a closer look at your surroundings

Perhaps there are toxic people around you, communication with whom creates a feeling of lack of meaning in life. They can lower your self-esteem, impose your opinion, sow doubts. Try to avoid such people, communicate with those who are ready to support you.

See a psychologist

If you feel that you cannot cope and cannot get rid of the feeling of spiritual emptiness in any way, do not be afraid to consult a specialist. It’s okay to ask for help if something breaks inside you.