It’s natural to have moments – even in the course of a generally happy, mostly fulfilling life – where we question our meaning, value, and purpose. This "existential dread" sometimes culminates in an "existential crisis." Today Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson consider how we can confront these basic questions with acceptance and curiosity, and find the meaning and purpose that can help us live good lives.
If you're in crisis, are thinking about suicide, or are concerned about a loved one, please call 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
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Key Topics:
0:00 Introduction
2:35 Meaning and purpose as the basis for Existentialism
5:20 Four basic issues of existence
7:00 Practical reasons for exploring Existentialism
10:50 Forrest’s childhood acceptance of death.
12:00 Four approaches to confronting existential frailty
13:45 Rick’s orientation to existential dread and its three psychological challenges
15:45 Rick’s personal experience confronting ambivalence and asking the point of living
20:25 Confronting an existential crisis as a catapult into a meaningful life
22:45 Morbid preoccupation as avoidance and self-ing
23:45 The three major whys of living: pleasure, service, and learning
26:10 What death can teach us about living a good life
31:30 Waves and water - resting in gratitude for life and it’s inevitable ending
36:15 Humor in the space of emptiness between living things
39:10 Natural fear vs. anticipatory dread
43:10 Finding your why when familiar structures break down
48:35 Recap and front porch meditation
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