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How to find meaning in life?
An invitation to reflection.
If we ask the Creator :
"Is there a meaning to my life or should I just survive, obey the laws and that's it?"
I believe He would return the question:
"Who are you?"
If the ant were the author of the bold question, the answer would be one.
If it were a lioness , it would be different.
O sentido da vida depende de quem somos.
São questionamentos conectados.
Therefore, we will begin our reflection by addressing 3 fundamental aspects of human identity :
Personality
Sense of Purpose
Belonging
Personalidade
É um conjunto complexo de características psicológicas que influenciam nossa maneira de pensar, sentir e se comportar.
Compreende fatores genéticos e ambientais, constantes e adaptáveis.
É dinâmica, moldada por experiências e interações sociais.
Sense of purpose
It is a mental construct that makes you perceive your actions as contributions to a greater goal .
It can manifest itself in different areas of life, such as career, relationships, creativity and service.
Belonging
It is the feeling of connection and attachment to a group , a community , an idea or a place .
It involves the social, cultural, national and spiritual dimensions. It provides a sense of security and support.
1. Personality
No one goes through life unscathed. We carry scars, lessons, stories, pain, smiles, traumas... This influences who we are .
Current science has proven that our personality is shaped by our experiences and also by our will . Yes, we can change a trait we have, accentuating it or not. We can be more extroverted and less negative, more kind and more diligent with our tasks.
We are beings with a dynamic personality . And this is fantastic, because it allows us to evolve to be the person we want to be , if we put the right effort into it.
An important step in this process is personality mapping. The Big Five Theory is widely accepted and proposes 5 main dimensions, in which the level of intensity is assessed, on a scale of opposite poles. In summary:
Openness to experience (creativity) vs. Traditionalism
Conscientiousness (responsibility) vs. Carelessness
Extroversion (sociability) vs. Introversion
Agreeableness (empathy) vs. Combativeness
Stability (ability to cope with stress) vs. Neuroticism
2. Sense of purpose
A sense of purpose is a motivating force, a mental construct, and is capable of engaging us deeply in work, relationships, social service, art, and spirituality.
We need to be careful what occupies our thoughts , because they become actions . Actions become habits . Habits become character . And character defines who you are .
At the same time, we must avoid dysfunctional mindsets such as rumination , victimhood , moral elitism , and perfectionism.
3. Belonging
Human beings are called to the collective . This is how we have survived as a species, even though we are not as strong as buffaloes or as fast as leopards. We are the most dominant species on the planet. One of the factors for this is our group behavior. We have a need to belong .
We have an individual and a collective identity.
Our behavior can be significantly altered by the group we belong to. Social influence shapes our opinions, attitudes, and even perceptions of our reality. This dynamic can sometimes be both positive and negative .
Mutual support
Belonging to a group provides a feeling of security and belonging , an environment to share experiences and seek mutual support .
Shared values and goals strengthen the sense of purpose and motivation.
Returning to the reflection initially proposed:
" Is there a meaning to my life or should I just survive, obey the laws and that's it? "
We saw that it depends on who you are.
And your identity involves personality, sense of purpose and belonging , dynamic factors that can be transformed .
Therefore, there is no ready answer .
The meaning of life is unique and very personal, as it is built from within us.
I conclude with the beauty proposed in the Judeo-Christian belief, which says that we are children of God .
An excellent starting point for our response.
If you want to learn more about identity and personality, come and check out our study programs!
