What does it mean to build a meaningful life in the face of death? Is the individual self even the right place to focus? Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson turn to two of humanistic psychology’s more challenging branches to find out, drawing on the work of Rollo May, Irvin Yalom, Abraham Maslow, and Stanislav Grof.
Key Takeaways:
- Confronting Mortality: Acknowledging death and groundlessness serves as a catalyst for creating personal freedom and urgency in life.
- The Transpersonal Shift: Moving beyond the individual “self” through peak experiences allows for a sense of connection that transcends the ego.
- Meaning Making: Agency is found not in avoiding anxiety, but in the courageous act of choosing a meaningful path despite inherent uncertainty.
- Limit Awareness: Understanding the boundaries of the self can release old patterns of self-criticism and foster a deeper sense of self-worth.
Being Well Podcast offers science-based practices and curated insights for better mental health. New episodes usually air every Monday.
