Even in the course of a generally happy and fulfilling life, it’s natural to have moments where we question our meaning, value, and purpose. This is often concentrated when we’re faced with the reality of our own mortality. Today’s episode of Being Well considers how we can confront these basic questions with purpose, acceptance, and curiosity.

If you're in crisis, are thinking about suicide, or are concerned about a loved one, please call 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.

Subscribe to Being Well on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5d87ZU1...

Key Topics:
0:00 Introduction
2:20 Meaning and purpose as the basis for Existentialism
5:10 Four basic issues of existence
6:50 Practical reasons for exploring Existentialism
10:50 Forrest’s childhood acceptance of death.
12:00 Four approaches to confronting existential frailty
13:50 Rick’s orientation to existential dread and its three psychological challenges
15:55 Rick’s personal experience confronting ambivalence and asking the point of living
20:50 Confronting an existential crisis as a catapult into a meaningful life
23:20 Morbid preoccupation as avoidance and selfing
24:20 The three major whys of living: pleasure, service, and learning
26:50 What death can teach us about living a good life
32:35 Waves and water - resting in gratitude for life and it’s inevitable ending
37:45 Humor in the space of emptiness between living things
40:50 Natural fear vs. anticipatory dread
45:00 Finding your why when familiar structures break down
50:25 Recap and front porch meditation

Who Am I: I'm Forrest, the co-author of Resilient (https://amzn.to/3iXLerD) and host of the Being Well Podcast (https://apple.co/38ufGG0). I'm making videos focused on simplifying psychology, mental health, and personal growth.

You can follow me here:
🎤 https://apple.co/38ufGG0
🌍 https://www.forresthanson.com
📸   / f.hanson