Corey Keyes, a sociologist specializing in emotions and social well-being, explores the often misunderstood feeling of emptiness that affects many. He shares insights into why people may feel unfulfilled despite apparent success and the struggles of new parents navigating societal expectations. Keyes highlights the state of 'languishing,' where individuals grapple with emotional discontent. He emphasizes the power of social connections and pursuing genuine fulfillment over superficial happiness as crucial in combating feelings of emptiness.
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Quick takeaways
Feelings of emptiness often arise despite external successes, highlighting the disconnect between superficial happiness and deeper fulfillment.
Navigating experiences like postpartum emptiness reveals the complexity of emotions that defy societal expectations, emphasizing the need for understanding and support.
Deep dives
The Poetry of Perception
Edwin Arlington Robinson's poem about Richard Corey illustrates the disconnect between external success and internal satisfaction. Richard Corey, celebrated for his wealth and charm, ultimately succumbs to despair, revealing the hollowness behind his seemingly perfect life. This poignant story encapsulates a broader phenomenon where individuals, despite possessing all the trappings of happiness, grapple with feelings of emptiness and directionlessness. Such struggles raise questions about the nature of fulfillment and the deeper, often unseen, challenges people face in their quest for meaning.
Experiencing Postpartum Emptiness
The concept of postpartum emptiness challenges conventional perceptions of new motherhood. Denise's experience after having a baby underscores that even when a life event is desired and planned, it can lead to unexpected feelings of loss and stagnation. Despite meeting the criteria for neither depression nor postpartum depression, she confronts societal expectations that fail to acknowledge the complexity of her emotions. This raises awareness around the need to address such feelings, which might stem from the overwhelming changes and demands that accompany new parenthood.
The Silent Struggles of Successful Individuals
Jonas, a retired man who once thrived, faces a subtle yet profound shift in his emotional state, leading him to perceive his life as over. This reflects the broader issue of languishing that can afflict individuals who appear to have successful, fulfilling lives but still feel adrift and unneeded. The difficulty lies in reconciling one's accomplished past with feelings of invisibility and stagnation, as life’s engagement diminishes. This highlights the need for societal understanding of how even seemingly fortunate lives can mask profound emotional challenges.
Redefining Happiness and Flourishing
Corey Keys emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between fleeting happiness and a fulfilling life characterized by purpose and belonging. He argues that many people mistakenly equate happiness with flourishing, overlooking the necessary components of mental well-being such as personal growth and meaningful connections. Interestingly, students in his sociology class discover that chasing happiness does not guarantee long-term fulfillment; in fact, overemphasis on feeling good can detract from the effort needed for genuine life satisfaction. This suggests a paradigm shift is necessary, moving the focus from mere happiness towards a more well-rounded, flourishing existence.
Have you ever had an unexplainable feeling of emptiness? Life seems perfect - and yet - something is missing. This week, sociologist Corey Keyes helps us understand where feelings of emptiness come from, how to navigate them and why they're more common than we might assume.