FSB Author Article
On Meaning: The Silver Lining
of The Recession
By Laura Berman Fortgang
Author of The Little Book on Meaning: Why We Crave It, How We
Create It
It seems that there has been a shift. Where finding meaning had often been a deep search for finding reasons to endure our own suffering, it seems that finding meaning now is more about finding significance in our living. Experiencing meaning requires an elevated state of consciousness -- the more disconnected or busy we are, the less meaningful life feels. So therefore, today's opportunity brought to us by seemingly negative circumstances (job layoffs or a shortage of cash) is forcing us to have the time to engage in our life in meaningful ways.
If you are wondering 'what it's all about', here are some ways you can reconnect, raise your awareness and start re-designing your way to a new meaningful life.
Raise
Your Vibration
Spend
time outdoors observing nature everyday.
Communicate
what you feel good or bad.
Notice
where you avoid connecting with people, be brave and try.
Bring
your talents into your work or find an outlet for them outside of
work. Either way USE them.
Begin
to plan your life as a vehicle for serving others instead of a series
of personal and professional benchmarks (and yes you can get paid
well for it!).
Become
more conscious of how your actions affect those around you and even
the global impact.
Live everyday for connection to self, others, work, and planet.
Questions to Consider
What matters to you?
What would you do if money were no object?
What have you left unsaid that must be said? (to family, coworkers, people who have hurt you or impacted you positively)
What frustrates you most?
What physical objects do you possess that carry great meaning for you?
What parts of yourself have you left behind that you'd like to reclaim?
What impact would you like to make?
What is your self-concept? What would you like it to be if you were not accused of bragging?
What kind of work would you do if you have all your needs cared for doing it?
To be connected to yourself and raising your awareness allows for a fullness of being that we call meaning. When we seem to see how the pieces fit together and what our part is in it, we start to have a trust in ourselves and our ability to make our way despite the evidence of hard circumstances all around us. When all the institutions we have relied on to form our lives are no longer able to provide that guidance, it is up to us. Creating your own definition of a meaningful life will be your raft to success as we navigate the current turbulent waters.
©2009 Laura Berman Fortgang, author of The Little Book on Meaning: Why We Crave It, How We Create It
Author Bio
Laura Berman Fortgang, author of The Little Book on Meaning:
Why We Crave It, How We Create It, is a nationally renowned speaker
and life
coach, helping individuals, small businesses, and corporations forge
new directions and weather change. Recently ordained
as an interfaith minister, she lives in Montclair, New Jersey.
Learn more about The Little Book on Meaning at http://www.thelittlebookonmeaning.com/