EXISTENTIALISM

There seem to be many definitions of existentialism. I prefer to go by the definition that is associated with psychotherapy. Therefore, I see existentialism as a philosophy that is to do with finding self and the meaning or purpose of life through free will, choice and responsibility.  Existentialism considers the reality that as humans we live/suffer/die alone; the inevitability of death for us and for those we love; the freedom to make our lives how we wish and the absence of any obvious meaning or purpose to life. Freedom means that one is responsible for one’s choices, actions and life situations. It takes into account the idea that even though one’s life isn’t felt to be completely satisfying, it has meaning. Hence there is the idea that human struggles can be reduced if one has a real purpose to their life.

From very early on, at the core of human existence is the ever-present conflict between the desire to continue to live and the knowledge of the inevitability of death. In order to accept the reality of death humans are forever creating ways to escape or deny it. Accepting the the reality of death can lead one to make the most of one’s life by engaging in meaningful activities and relationships.

When thinking of existence, one automatically thinks of death. How does this relate? Accepting the reality of death can provide a shift in life perspective. It can allow an individual to take stock of one’s present way of finding meaning and evaluate how fulfilling this is. People find their purpose from various areas of life, for example, work, relationships, acquiring possessions, keeping fit and so on.

To live fully one needs to find their purpose. This is being in a place where your life feels full and meaningful. For many people this might involve a journey of self-discovery. When a person truly knows how they feel and what makes them tick, it is easier to find purpose. Ways of finding one’s self can include; meditation, yoga, being in nature or on a deeper level, personal therapy.

Finding your meaning can start with making meaningful connections with people. Relationships are the core of human wellbeing. The support of well-meaning connections enhances our chance of living a rewarding and meaningful life. Our journey of self discovery starts from as early as when we were a baby. This information is made known to us by how we are in relationships, first with our parents, then later with friends and the wider world.

Many existential therapists believe that the primal stuff of psychotherapy is always existential pain. In this, is the reality that basic anxiety arises from a person’s endeavours, conscious or unconscious to cope with the harsh reality of the nature of human existence.