🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 5 (from laksa046)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa005.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life","crawl_time":1773221428,"first_indexed_time":1739899090,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"edu,berkeley!greatergood,\/article\/item\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life s443","src_root_hash":"12957858574685170805","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Seven Ways to Bring More Meaning to Your Life","meta_descriptions":["A psychologist argues that asking ourselves existential questions and recognizing our values can make life more fulfilling and meaningful."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"How often do we stop to think about the meaning of life? If you’re like me, probably not much. Even though I may feel a vague sense of anxiety around how my life is unfolding and the inevitability of death, I don’t often slow down enough to reflect on what happens after we die or what it means to live life to the fullest.\nBut according to a new book,\nStart Making Sense\nby psychologist Steven Heine, this is the wrong attitude. By reflecting on existential questions like these and considering our own answers to these questions, we can live a more authentic, meaningful existence.\n“When people feel they are leading a meaningful life, their lives make more sense to them,” writes Heine. “They have a sense of purpose that guides their behaviors. They feel that their lives matter and that they’re capable of making a difference in the world.”\nWhy focus on meaning\nAdvertisement\nX\nAs Heine writes, the search for meaning is an inherent part of being human. Yet many of us don’t take the time to think about our place in the universe or what we value most. Instead of focusing on what might bring us more meaning, we distract ourselves with superficial sources of gratification—like overconsumption, alcohol and drugs, TV bingeing, or mindless social media scrolling—which are easier to access and, therefore, tempting. The ease with which we can get sucked into these interferes with making meaningful changes to our lives, argues Heine.\nHow to focus more on the larger context of our lives? We can look to philosophers who tried to explain the different approaches to the search for meaning, argues Heine. For example, Kierkegaard, a theologian, believed in God but also believed that people have free will and meaning in life is a personal construction. Camus, on the other hand, believed there was no God or inherent meaning in life; so, we must revolt against the absurdity of it all and live life with passion. Contemplating conflicting views like these, Heine suggests, help us clarify our own beliefs about life’s bigger questions. And, he adds, psychological science can help explain why we have this urge to see our lives as coherent and meaningful. If they aren’t, we’ll experience unpleasant cognitive dissonance and try to resolve that, somehow.\n“Our brains have evolved what I term a\nsense-making system\n, which ensures that we feel what we are doing is meaningful and makes good sense . . . and directs us to make efforts to correct matters whenever it senses anything that no longer makes sense,” he writes.\nThough we have tools at our disposal, the path to more meaning is not necessarily straight or narrow, Heine writes, but one involving personal choice and many possible detours. Our personal sense of meaning will be affected by our culture and the events in our lives—how we managed them and what they taught us. The trick is to recognize this and use it to our advantage.\n“Everything we encounter is wrapped up in layers of meanings, many of which are subjective and personal, and those meanings determine the ways that we make sense of our situation and the ways we act,” writes Heine. In other words, we have some power over the meaning we attribute to events and how these come together to shape the meaning of our lives overall.\nHow to infuse life with more meaning\nThe keys to a meaningful life generally stem from three things: our close personal relationships and communities, our work, and being connected to something greater than ourselves. Each of these can have a huge effect on our well-being through the meaning they impart. While there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach, here are some tips Heine suggests for finding meaning:\nGround yourself in your personal values.\nWhen people encounter problems in their lives, they can react in different ways depending on how grounded they feel, says Heine.\n“When people are grounded, they feel that the key connections in their lives that provide the foundation of a sense of meaning are solidly intact,” he writes. “They know who they are, who their important relationships are, and what they stand for, and they are in a better position to confront any new threats they might encounter.”\nA simple exercise of writing about what you value and why it’s important has been found to benefit people in many situations, writes Heine. He points to studies suggesting that doing so can help people\nchange their lifestyle in healthy ways\n,\ndo better in school when disadvantaged\n, and\naccept their choices in life and their mortality\nmore easily.\nUse nostalgia to reflect on your life.\nEngaging in nostalgia can help us see parts of ourselves that have remained steadfast, despite the passage of time. By reflecting on past experiences and how we dealt with them, we can boost our sense of continuity and authenticity.\nTo stimulate nostalgia, you can look through old photos, listen to favorite songs from the past, or go through old keepsakes and recall what was happening at that time of your life, says Heine. Or you can contact an old friend and reminisce about the past. It can be especially powerful to recall times when you were socially connected with others, he adds, since relationships are so meaningful.\n“By making your past memories more accessible, you will be better able to connect the path of your current life with the events that occurred along the way, writes Heine. “You will be reminded about how the events of your path have shaped who you are today.”\nResearch has found that reflecting on our lives through nostalgia can help us\nincrease our sense of meaning\n,\nfeel more socially connected\n,\nhave a greater sense of authenticity\n, and\nbe motivated to pursue important goals\n, among other benefits.\nPursue self-transcendent experiences.\nThere is a reason many people find meaning in religion—it can give us a sense of self-transcendence or being connected to something bigger than ourselves. But for nonbelievers, there are other ways to seek transcendent experiences that inspire awe and wonder—and these, too, bring meaning to our lives.\nFor example, watching a beautiful sunset or a starlit sky, witnessing people doing supremely moral acts, encountering deep states of meditation, or seeing incredible architecture or art can all inspire awe. When we have these kinds of mind-expanding experiences, they challenge our view of everyday existence in a way that forces us to think about what life means and what matters.\n“During . . . awe experiences, people’s lives often feel more significant and meaningful, as they have the sense that they are connected to something much vaster than themselves and that their existence extends beyond the material world,” writes Heine.\nEnhance your relationships.\n“One of the most reliable sources of meaning in our lives is the interpersonal connections that we have—in particular, those of our closest relationships,” writes Heine.\nFor that reason, it’s good to spend time with those we love—whether that means our families, friends, or romantic partners. Nurturing these relationships\nbrings a sense of meaning in life\n; even when they are challenging, our sense of meaning can help us maintain them in the long run. For example, a parent who finds taking care of their kids to be tedious or difficult may be able to persevere and find joy because of the meaning it provides in their lives.\nAnother way that relationships can imbue meaning is when we are part of a group or community with shared interests and values. If you lack this sense of belonging in your life, it could help to volunteer for a cause you believe in—perhaps providing help to others in need or working toward preserving a green space in your community—which can help connect you with others.\nFind meaning and purpose in your work.\nThe work we do in the world is a primary way we fulfill existential needs, writes Heine. “When people think about who they are, a big part of their answer comes from what they do for a living or whatever organizations they belong to.”\nWork provides a sense of identity and self-worth, and it allows us to contribute to something greater than ourselves, which feels purposeful. Work can also bring us meaning if the money we earn is used to provide for others (e.g., our families). Simply recognizing this can help us see the meaning behind what we do for a living, making our lives richer.\nSome careers lend themselves easily to finding meaning—such as those serving the needs of others, like teachers, health care workers, or the clergy, writes Heine. However, it can be challenging to find meaning in work for many people. Part of that comes from changing trends in the work world itself—like more remote work and less stable employment. But some of it comes from not keeping in mind the greater purpose of our work—how it contributes to something bigger than ourselves and to our sense of self-efficacy.\nIf you find it hard to find meaning in work—or if you’ve retired and have lost the everyday meaning work supplied—it’s still possible to find meaning in volunteering, participating in groups that interest you, or taking classes, writes Heine.\nSeek psychologically rich experiences.\nWhile there are many roads to happiness and meaning, one that is less commonly recognized is what psychologists call a “\npsychologically rich life\n.” This means seeking experiences that are novel and different—ones that challenge our way of thinking, offer us new perspectives, or stimulate deep feelings in us.\nWhile these can be large in scope (like living abroad for a year), they can also be simple and easy to do, writes Heine. For example, he suggests things like trying out a new ethnic cuisine, visiting an art gallery, or trying out an escape room with friends.\n“Psychologically rich experiences present people with complex challenges, and they provide opportunities for learning and discovery, all of which tend to be associated with enhanced feelings of meaning,” he writes.\nRecognize your own heroic journey.\nAll of us have had to face obstacles at some point in our lives. If we can reflect on how we overcame those obstacles—whether by pulling on our personal resources, learning new ways of thinking or behaving, creating allies to help us in our quest, or something else—we can tap into our own heroic narrative and find a sense of meaning in our existence.\nOf course, writing about the heroic thread in your life story may not grab you. Nor might some of the other ways to find meaning that Heine suggests. But it doesn’t hurt to assess where you’re at in each of these areas of life and see what you may be missing, he says.\n“If you can shore up any of the underpinnings of meaning that you find are lacking, you’ll likely start to feel that your life is more meaningful.”","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=881392575322432&ev=PageView%0A&noscript=1)\n\n#### Help keep Greater Good resources free for everyone.\nTo share the “science of a meaningful life” we rely on readers like you. Please donate today.\n\n[Give Now](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/donate?utm_source=magazine&utm_medium=popup&utm_id=donate&utm_campaign=donation_fixed_bottom_keep_greater_good_free)\n\nSKIP TO: [Header](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life#logo) \\| [Log in](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/_ajax\/login-popup) \\| [Register](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/_ajax\/register-popup) \\| [Navigation](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life#skip-nav) \\| [Main Content](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life#skip-main) \\| [Footer](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life#skip-footer)\n\n**Greater Good** [Science Center](https:\/\/ggsc.berkeley.edu\/ \"Greater Good Science Center\") • [Magazine](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/ \"Greater Good Magazine\") • [In Action](https:\/\/ggia.berkeley.edu\/ \"Greater Good In Action\") • [In Education](https:\/\/ggie.berkeley.edu\/ \"Greater Good In Education\")\n\n[Sign up for our newsletters](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/_ajax\/newsletter-popup)\n\n[Greater Good Magazine](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/)\n\n[Donate](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/donate)\n\n- [Log in](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/_ajax\/login-popup) [Register](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/_ajax\/register-popup)\n- [Become a Member](https:\/\/ggsc.berkeley.edu\/donate\/membership)\n\n[nav menu](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life)\n\n- [Topics](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic)\n  - [Mind & Body](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/mind_body)\n  - [Relationships](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/relationships)\n  - [Workplace](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/workplace)\n  - [Parenting & Family](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/parenting_family)\n  - [Education](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/education)\n  - [MORE...](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic)\n- [Quizzes](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/quizzes)\n  - [Purpose in Life](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/quizzes\/take_quiz\/purpose_in_life)\n  - [Happiness at Work](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/quizzes\/take_quiz\/happiness_at_work)\n  - [Social Capital](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/quizzes\/take_quiz\/social_capital)\n  - [Connection to Humanity](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/quizzes\/take_quiz\/connection_to_humanity)\n  - [Altruism](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/quizzes\/take_quiz\/altruism)\n  - [Gratitude](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/quizzes\/take_quiz\/gratitude)\n  - [Emotional Intelligence](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/quizzes\/take_quiz\/ei_quiz)\n  - [MORE...](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/quizzes)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video)\n  - [Bridging Differences for Teens and Parents](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video\/series\/bridging_differences_for_teens_and_parents)\n  - [Greater Good Books](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video\/series\/greater_good_books)\n  - [Dear Greater Good](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video\/series\/dear_greater_good)\n  - [Bridging Differences](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video\/series\/bridging_differences)\n  - [The Science of Happiness Videos](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video\/series\/the_science_of_happiness_videos)\n  - [MORE...](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video)\n- [Podcasts](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/podcasts)\n  - [Art As Medicine: The Science of Happiness](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/podcasts\/series\/the_science_of_happiness_art_as_medicine)\n  - [The Science of Love: The Science of Happiness](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/podcasts\/series\/the_science_of_love)\n  - [Caring for Caregivers: The Science of Happiness](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/podcasts\/series\/caring_for_caregivers)\n  - [Breathe Away Anxiety: The Science of Happiness](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/podcasts\/series\/breathe_away_anxiety_the_science_of_happiness_podcast)\n  - [Climate, Hope & Science: The Science of Happiness podcast](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/podcasts\/series\/climate_hope_and_science_by_the_science_of_happiness_podcast)\n  - [The Science of Awe](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/podcasts\/series\/the_science_of_awe)\n  - [Happiness Break](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/podcasts\/series\/happiness_break)\n  - [The Science of Happiness](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/podcasts\/series\/the_science_of_happiness)\n- [Keys to Well-Being](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/key)\n  - [Awe](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/awe)\n  - [Bridging Differences](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/bridging_differences)\n  - [Compassion](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/compassion)\n  - [Diversity](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/diversity)\n  - [Empathy](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/empathy)\n  - [Forgiveness](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/forgiveness)\n  - [Gratitude](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/gratitude)\n  - [Happiness](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/happiness)\n  - [Intellectual Humility](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/humility)\n  - [Mindfulness](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/mindfulness)\n  - [Purpose](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/purpose)\n  - [Social Connection](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/social_connection)\n  - [Love](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/love)\n  - [MORE...](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/key)\n\n[Donate](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/donate)\n\n## TOPICS\n- [Mind & Body](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/mind_body)\n- [Relationships](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/relationships)\n- [Workplace](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/workplace)\n- [Parenting & Family](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/parenting_family)\n- [Education](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/education)\n- [Spirituality](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/spirituality)\n- [Politics](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/politics)\n- [Society](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/society)\n- [Culture](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/culture)\n- [Media & Tech](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/media_tech)\n- [Community](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/community)\n- [Big Ideas](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/big_ideas)\n\n## KEYS TO WELL-BEING\n- [Altruism](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/altruism)\n- [Awe](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/awe)\n- [Bridging Differences](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/bridging_differences)\n- [Compassion](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/compassion)\n- [Diversity](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/diversity)\n- [Empathy](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/empathy)\n- [Forgiveness](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/forgiveness)\n- [Gratitude](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/gratitude)\n- [Happiness](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/happiness)\n- [Intellectual Humility](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/humility)\n- [Mindfulness](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/mindfulness)\n- [Purpose](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/purpose)\n- [Social Connection](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/social_connection)\n- [Love](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/topic\/love)\n\n## RESOURCES\n- [Quizzes](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/quizzes)\n- [Podcasts](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/podcasts)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video)\n- [Books](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/resources\/books)\n- [Studies](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/resources\/studies)\n\n- [Donate](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/donate)\n- [Events & Classes](https:\/\/ggsc.berkeley.edu\/what_we_do\/events)\n- [About](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/about)\n- [Diversity Statement](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/about\/greater_good_diversity_statement)\n- [Masthead](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/about\/masthead)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/contact)\n- [Log in](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/_ajax\/login-popup)\n- [Register](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/_ajax\/register-popup)\n\n[Spirituality](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/spirituality) Articles & More\n\n[Scroll To Top](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life)\n\n# Seven Ways to Bring More Meaning to Your Life\nA psychologist argues that asking ourselves existential questions and recognizing our values can make life more fulfilling and meaningful.\n\nBy [Jill Suttie](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/profile\/jill_suttie) \\| February 18, 2025\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/#facebook)\n\n[Bluesky](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/#bluesky)\n\n[LinkedIn](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/#linkedin)\n\n[Email](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/#email)\n\n[Share](https:\/\/www.addtoany.com\/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fgreatergood.berkeley.edu%2Farticle%2Fitem%2Fseven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life&title=Seven%20Ways%20to%20Bring%20More%20Meaning%20to%20Your%20Life)\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/#facebook)\n\n[Bluesky](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/#bluesky)\n\n[LinkedIn](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/#linkedin)\n\n[Email](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/#email)\n\n[Share](https:\/\/www.addtoany.com\/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fgreatergood.berkeley.edu%2Farticle%2Fitem%2Fseven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life&title=Seven%20Ways%20to%20Bring%20More%20Meaning%20to%20Your%20Life)\n\n- [*Print*](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life)\n- *Bookmark*\n\nHow often do we stop to think about the meaning of life? If you’re like me, probably not much. Even though I may feel a vague sense of anxiety around how my life is unfolding and the inevitability of death, I don’t often slow down enough to reflect on what happens after we die or what it means to live life to the fullest.\n\n![Hiker on a path with hills in the distance](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life-1x_-_abcdef_-_17a46d79eb5ed7dd269e9126740882c1a2cac088.webp)\n\nBut according to a new book, [*Start Making Sense*](http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1541600819?ie=UTF8&tag=gregooscicen-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1541600819) by psychologist Steven Heine, this is the wrong attitude. By reflecting on existential questions like these and considering our own answers to these questions, we can live a more authentic, meaningful existence.\n\n“When people feel they are leading a meaningful life, their lives make more sense to them,” writes Heine. “They have a sense of purpose that guides their behaviors. They feel that their lives matter and that they’re capable of making a difference in the world.”\n\n## Why focus on meaning\nAdvertisement X\n\n[![](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/ggsc_happiness_calendar_jan_2026_-_abcdef_-_4f40627156999ff67452b2ecdb6a2d5158e32b5d.webp)](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/your_happiness_calendar_for_january_2026)\n\n[Keep Up with the GGSC Happiness Calendar Focus on what matters to you this month](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/your_happiness_calendar_for_january_2026)\n\nAs Heine writes, the search for meaning is an inherent part of being human. Yet many of us don’t take the time to think about our place in the universe or what we value most. Instead of focusing on what might bring us more meaning, we distract ourselves with superficial sources of gratification—like overconsumption, alcohol and drugs, TV bingeing, or mindless social media scrolling—which are easier to access and, therefore, tempting. The ease with which we can get sucked into these interferes with making meaningful changes to our lives, argues Heine.\n\nHow to focus more on the larger context of our lives? We can look to philosophers who tried to explain the different approaches to the search for meaning, argues Heine. For example, Kierkegaard, a theologian, believed in God but also believed that people have free will and meaning in life is a personal construction. Camus, on the other hand, believed there was no God or inherent meaning in life; so, we must revolt against the absurdity of it all and live life with passion. Contemplating conflicting views like these, Heine suggests, help us clarify our own beliefs about life’s bigger questions. And, he adds, psychological science can help explain why we have this urge to see our lives as coherent and meaningful. If they aren’t, we’ll experience unpleasant cognitive dissonance and try to resolve that, somehow.\n\n“Our brains have evolved what I term a *sense-making system*, which ensures that we feel what we are doing is meaningful and makes good sense . . . and directs us to make efforts to correct matters whenever it senses anything that no longer makes sense,” he writes.\n\nThough we have tools at our disposal, the path to more meaning is not necessarily straight or narrow, Heine writes, but one involving personal choice and many possible detours. Our personal sense of meaning will be affected by our culture and the events in our lives—how we managed them and what they taught us. The trick is to recognize this and use it to our advantage.\n\n“Everything we encounter is wrapped up in layers of meanings, many of which are subjective and personal, and those meanings determine the ways that we make sense of our situation and the ways we act,” writes Heine. In other words, we have some power over the meaning we attribute to events and how these come together to shape the meaning of our lives overall.\n\n## How to infuse life with more meaning\nThe keys to a meaningful life generally stem from three things: our close personal relationships and communities, our work, and being connected to something greater than ourselves. Each of these can have a huge effect on our well-being through the meaning they impart. While there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach, here are some tips Heine suggests for finding meaning:\n\n**Ground yourself in your personal values.** When people encounter problems in their lives, they can react in different ways depending on how grounded they feel, says Heine.\n\n“When people are grounded, they feel that the key connections in their lives that provide the foundation of a sense of meaning are solidly intact,” he writes. “They know who they are, who their important relationships are, and what they stand for, and they are in a better position to confront any new threats they might encounter.”\n\nA simple exercise of writing about what you value and why it’s important has been found to benefit people in many situations, writes Heine. He points to studies suggesting that doing so can help people [change their lifestyle in healthy ways](https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/doiLanding?doi=10.1037\/0278-6133.27.6.746), [do better in school when disadvantaged](https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/abs\/10.1126\/science.1128317), and [accept their choices in life and their mortality](https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/0146167204271567) more easily.\n\n![Book cover of 'Start Making Sense'](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/start_making_sense-1x_-_abcdef_-_a26c4878d68b6c47eb291eabb5cc8f4045faf08e.webp) [*Start Making Sense: How Existential Psychology Can Help Us Build Meaningful Lives in Absurd Times*](http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1541600819?ie=UTF8&tag=gregooscicen-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1541600819) (Basic Books, 2025, 352 pages)\n\n**Use nostalgia to reflect on your life.** Engaging in nostalgia can help us see parts of ourselves that have remained steadfast, despite the passage of time. By reflecting on past experiences and how we dealt with them, we can boost our sense of continuity and authenticity.\n\nTo stimulate nostalgia, you can look through old photos, listen to favorite songs from the past, or go through old keepsakes and recall what was happening at that time of your life, says Heine. Or you can contact an old friend and reminisce about the past. It can be especially powerful to recall times when you were socially connected with others, he adds, since relationships are so meaningful.\n\n“By making your past memories more accessible, you will be better able to connect the path of your current life with the events that occurred along the way, writes Heine. “You will be reminded about how the events of your path have shaped who you are today.”\n\nResearch has found that reflecting on our lives through nostalgia can help us [increase our sense of meaning](https:\/\/www.southampton.ac.uk\/~crsi\/Sedikides%20&%20Wildschut,%202018,%20Review%20of%20General%20Psychology.pdf), [feel more socially connected](https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2015-47828-001), [have a greater sense of authenticity](https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2014-44662-001), and [be motivated to pursue important goals](https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2014-44662-001), among other benefits.\n\n**Pursue self-transcendent experiences.** There is a reason many people find meaning in religion—it can give us a sense of self-transcendence or being connected to something bigger than ourselves. But for nonbelievers, there are other ways to seek transcendent experiences that inspire awe and wonder—and these, too, bring meaning to our lives.\n\nFor example, watching a beautiful sunset or a starlit sky, witnessing people doing supremely moral acts, encountering deep states of meditation, or seeing incredible architecture or art can all inspire awe. When we have these kinds of mind-expanding experiences, they challenge our view of everyday existence in a way that forces us to think about what life means and what matters.\n\n“During . . . awe experiences, people’s lives often feel more significant and meaningful, as they have the sense that they are connected to something much vaster than themselves and that their existence extends beyond the material world,” writes Heine.\n\n**Enhance your relationships.** “One of the most reliable sources of meaning in our lives is the interpersonal connections that we have—in particular, those of our closest relationships,” writes Heine.\n\nFor that reason, it’s good to spend time with those we love—whether that means our families, friends, or romantic partners. Nurturing these relationships [brings a sense of meaning in life](https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/17439760.2015.1117127); even when they are challenging, our sense of meaning can help us maintain them in the long run. For example, a parent who finds taking care of their kids to be tedious or difficult may be able to persevere and find joy because of the meaning it provides in their lives.\n\nAnother way that relationships can imbue meaning is when we are part of a group or community with shared interests and values. If you lack this sense of belonging in your life, it could help to volunteer for a cause you believe in—perhaps providing help to others in need or working toward preserving a green space in your community—which can help connect you with others.\n\n**Find meaning and purpose in your work.** The work we do in the world is a primary way we fulfill existential needs, writes Heine. “When people think about who they are, a big part of their answer comes from what they do for a living or whatever organizations they belong to.”\n\nWork provides a sense of identity and self-worth, and it allows us to contribute to something greater than ourselves, which feels purposeful. Work can also bring us meaning if the money we earn is used to provide for others (e.g., our families). Simply recognizing this can help us see the meaning behind what we do for a living, making our lives richer.\n\nSome careers lend themselves easily to finding meaning—such as those serving the needs of others, like teachers, health care workers, or the clergy, writes Heine. However, it can be challenging to find meaning in work for many people. Part of that comes from changing trends in the work world itself—like more remote work and less stable employment. But some of it comes from not keeping in mind the greater purpose of our work—how it contributes to something bigger than ourselves and to our sense of self-efficacy.\n\nIf you find it hard to find meaning in work—or if you’ve retired and have lost the everyday meaning work supplied—it’s still possible to find meaning in volunteering, participating in groups that interest you, or taking classes, writes Heine.\n\n**Seek psychologically rich experiences.** While there are many roads to happiness and meaning, one that is less commonly recognized is what psychologists call a “[psychologically rich life](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/what_if_you_pursued_whats_interesting_instead_of_happiness).” This means seeking experiences that are novel and different—ones that challenge our way of thinking, offer us new perspectives, or stimulate deep feelings in us.\n\nWhile these can be large in scope (like living abroad for a year), they can also be simple and easy to do, writes Heine. For example, he suggests things like trying out a new ethnic cuisine, visiting an art gallery, or trying out an escape room with friends.\n\n“Psychologically rich experiences present people with complex challenges, and they provide opportunities for learning and discovery, all of which tend to be associated with enhanced feelings of meaning,” he writes.\n\n**Recognize your own heroic journey.** All of us have had to face obstacles at some point in our lives. If we can reflect on how we overcame those obstacles—whether by pulling on our personal resources, learning new ways of thinking or behaving, creating allies to help us in our quest, or something else—we can tap into our own heroic narrative and find a sense of meaning in our existence.\n\nOf course, writing about the heroic thread in your life story may not grab you. Nor might some of the other ways to find meaning that Heine suggests. But it doesn’t hurt to assess where you’re at in each of these areas of life and see what you may be missing, he says.\n\n“If you can shore up any of the underpinnings of meaning that you find are lacking, you’ll likely start to feel that your life is more meaningful.”\n\n![GreaterGood Tiny Logo](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/css\/images\/temp\/logo-small.png) Greater Good wants to know: Do you think this article will influence your opinions or behavior?\n\nSubmitting your rating\n\n## About the Author\n- [![Headshot of Jill Suttie](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/photo_37_-_abcdef_-_6dbad40fc7c0e0ea5adee881f79d46c1ebd7cefa.webp)](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/profile\/jill_suttie)\n  ### [Jill Suttie](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/profile\/jill_suttie)\n  **Jill Suttie, Psy.D.**, is *Greater Good*’s former book review editor and now serves as a staff writer and contributing editor for the magazine. She received her doctorate of psychology from the University of San Francisco in 1998 and was a psychologist in private practice before coming to *Greater Good*.\n\n## You May Also Enjoy\n- [![](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/meaningful_photos_thumb_-_abcdef_-_d4dfd41eda04fb84f6ac88dd019e2a7b5d603539.webp)](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video\/item\/how_taking_photos_can_help_you_find_meaning_in_life)\n  ### [How Taking Photos Can Help You Find Meaning in Life](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video\/item\/how_taking_photos_can_help_you_find_meaning_in_life)\n  By [Greater Good](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/profile\/greater_good) \\| April 16, 2020\n- [![Flags of various countries are displayed on flagpoles in front of a building under a clear blue sky](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/where_people_in_17_countries_find_meaning_in_life_-_abcdef_-_d4dfd41eda04fb84f6ac88dd019e2a7b5d603539.webp)](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/where_people_in_17_countries_find_meaning_in_life)\n  ### [Where People in 17 Countries Find Meaning in Life](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/where_people_in_17_countries_find_meaning_in_life)\n  By [Jeremy Adam Smith](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/profile\/jeremy_smith), [Kira M. Newman](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/profile\/kira_newman) \\| January 4, 2022\n- [![Three friends clinking coffee cups together in a \"cheers\"](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/how_everyday_rituals_can_add_meaning_to_your_life_-_abcdef_-_d4dfd41eda04fb84f6ac88dd019e2a7b5d603539.webp)](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/how_everyday_rituals_can_add_meaning_to_your_life)\n  ### [How Everyday Rituals Can Add Meaning to Your Life](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/how_everyday_rituals_can_add_meaning_to_your_life)\n  By [Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/profile\/emiliana_simon_thomas) \\| May 6, 2024\n- [![](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/three_pathways_to_meaning_in_life_-_abcdef_-_d4dfd41eda04fb84f6ac88dd019e2a7b5d603539.webp)](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/three_ways_to_see_meaning_in_your_life)\n  ### [Three Ways to See Meaning in Your Life](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/three_ways_to_see_meaning_in_your_life)\n  By [Joshua A. Hicks](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/profile\/joshua_hicks), [Laura A. King](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/profile\/laura_king) \\| November 2, 2021\n- [![](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/how_people_think_about_meaning_and_happiness_in_life_-_abcdef_-_d4dfd41eda04fb84f6ac88dd019e2a7b5d603539.webp)](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/whats_the_difference_between_meaning_and_happiness)\n  ### [What’s the Difference Between Meaning and Happiness?](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/whats_the_difference_between_meaning_and_happiness)\n  By [Jill Suttie](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/profile\/jill_suttie) \\| December 26, 2022\n- [![](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/how_to_find_meaning_in_your_midlife_crisis_2_-_abcdef_-_d4dfd41eda04fb84f6ac88dd019e2a7b5d603539.webp)](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/heres_how_to_find_meaning_in_your_midlife_crisis)\n  ### [Here’s How to Find Meaning in Your Midlife Crisis](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/heres_how_to_find_meaning_in_your_midlife_crisis)\n  By [Michael F. Steger](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/profile\/Michael_Steger) \\| March 11, 2020\n\n## Comments\nPlease enable JavaScript to view the [comments powered by Disqus.](http:\/\/disqus.com\/?ref_noscript=greatergood)\n\n- ###\n- ### Related Articles\n  - [![Am I Doing This Right? School-Aged Kids Edition](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/am_i_doing_this_right__school-aged_kids_edition_-_abcdef_-_887d54d4ba37096d099b6a2acd511597c8dba22e.webp)](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/am_i_doing_this_right_school_aged_kids_edition)\n    \n    #### [Am I Doing This Right? School-Aged Kids Edition](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/am_i_doing_this_right_school_aged_kids_edition)\n    March 4, 2026\n    \n    Research-backed insights from renowned experts to everyday questions about raising kids in middle childhood.\n  - #### [Your Happiness Calendar for March 2026](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/your_happiness_calendar_for_march_2026)\n    February 27, 2026\n    \n    This month, expand your circle of care.\n  - #### [Your Happiness Calendar for Educators for March 2026](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/your_happiness_calendar_for_educators_for_march_2026)\n    February 26, 2026\n    \n    This month, let awe lead the way—finding beauty and wonder with daily tips from Greater Good Science Center.\n- ### [Five Families Who Learned How to Bridge Differences Together](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video\/item\/five_families_who_learned_how_s_to_bridge_differences_together)\n  [![Five Families Who Learned How to Bridge Differences Together](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/screenshot_2025-11-17_at_2_01_01_pm_-_abcdef_-_6eee4894b00241b043264d0ae6b70bb7ac0e2d6a.webp)](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/video\/item\/five_families_who_learned_how_s_to_bridge_differences_together)\n  \n  In this video from our Bridging Differences for Parents and Teens series, learn how five families fostered skills for dialogue and understanding across group lines.\n- ### [How to Make Work More Satisfying](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/podcasts\/item\/how_to_make_work_more_satisfying)\n  [![How to Make Work More Satisfying](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/2_26_26_soh_job_crafting_susan_glass_-_abcdef_-_6eee4894b00241b043264d0ae6b70bb7ac0e2d6a.webp)](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/podcasts\/item\/how_to_make_work_more_satisfying)\n  \n  Finding ways to bend tasks toward your strengths and passions can make you happier, more productive and find more meaning in your life—no matter your job.\n- [![Creative Commons License](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/images\/uploads\/cc-logo.svg)](http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0\/)\n  \n  ### Promote a kinder and more compassionate society.\n  #### Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under Creative Commons license.\n\nThe Greater Good Science Center studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society.\n\n- [About this site](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/about)\n- [Masthead](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/about\/masthead)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/contact)\n- [Donate](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/donate)\n\n[*Berkeley: University of California*](http:\/\/www.berkeley.edu\/)\n\n© 2026 The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley\n\nDeveloped by  [*Hop Studios* Hop Studios](https:\/\/www.hopstudios.com\/)\n\nDesigned by  [*Project6* Project6](https:\/\/www.project6.com\/?utm_source=greatergood&utm_medium=client&utm_campaign=footer_link \"Designed by Project6 Design, a San Francisco Bay Area website design firm\")\n\n[Accessibility](https:\/\/dac.berkeley.edu\/web-accessibility) \\| [Nondiscrimination](https:\/\/ophd.berkeley.edu\/policies-and-procedures\/nondiscrimination-policy-statement) \\| [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/privacy) \\| [Consent Preferences](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life)\n\n- [*Twitter*](http:\/\/twitter.com\/GreaterGoodSC)\n- [*Facebook*](http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/The-Greater-Good-Science-Center\/83163029449)\n- [*YouTube*](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/greatergoodscience)\n- [*LinkedIn*](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-greater-good-science-center\/)\n- [*Instagram*](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/greatergoodmag\/%20)\n\n✓\n\nThanks for sharing\\!\n\n[AddToAny](https:\/\/www.addtoany.com\/ \"Share Buttons\")\n\n[More…](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life#addtoany \"Show all\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"How often do we stop to think about the meaning of life? If you’re like me, probably not much. Even though I may feel a vague sense of anxiety around how my life is unfolding and the inevitability of death, I don’t often slow down enough to reflect on what happens after we die or what it means to live life to the fullest.\n\n![Hiker on a path with hills in the distance](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life-1x_-_abcdef_-_17a46d79eb5ed7dd269e9126740882c1a2cac088.webp)\n\nBut according to a new book, [*Start Making Sense*](http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1541600819?ie=UTF8&tag=gregooscicen-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1541600819) by psychologist Steven Heine, this is the wrong attitude. By reflecting on existential questions like these and considering our own answers to these questions, we can live a more authentic, meaningful existence.\n\n“When people feel they are leading a meaningful life, their lives make more sense to them,” writes Heine. “They have a sense of purpose that guides their behaviors. They feel that their lives matter and that they’re capable of making a difference in the world.”\n\n## Why focus on meaning\nAdvertisement X\n\n[![](https:\/\/ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/assets\/images\/ggsc_happiness_calendar_jan_2026_-_abcdef_-_4f40627156999ff67452b2ecdb6a2d5158e32b5d.webp)](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/your_happiness_calendar_for_january_2026)\n\nAs Heine writes, the search for meaning is an inherent part of being human. Yet many of us don’t take the time to think about our place in the universe or what we value most. Instead of focusing on what might bring us more meaning, we distract ourselves with superficial sources of gratification—like overconsumption, alcohol and drugs, TV bingeing, or mindless social media scrolling—which are easier to access and, therefore, tempting. The ease with which we can get sucked into these interferes with making meaningful changes to our lives, argues Heine.\n\nHow to focus more on the larger context of our lives? We can look to philosophers who tried to explain the different approaches to the search for meaning, argues Heine. For example, Kierkegaard, a theologian, believed in God but also believed that people have free will and meaning in life is a personal construction. Camus, on the other hand, believed there was no God or inherent meaning in life; so, we must revolt against the absurdity of it all and live life with passion. Contemplating conflicting views like these, Heine suggests, help us clarify our own beliefs about life’s bigger questions. And, he adds, psychological science can help explain why we have this urge to see our lives as coherent and meaningful. If they aren’t, we’ll experience unpleasant cognitive dissonance and try to resolve that, somehow.\n\n“Our brains have evolved what I term a *sense-making system*, which ensures that we feel what we are doing is meaningful and makes good sense . . . and directs us to make efforts to correct matters whenever it senses anything that no longer makes sense,” he writes.\n\nThough we have tools at our disposal, the path to more meaning is not necessarily straight or narrow, Heine writes, but one involving personal choice and many possible detours. Our personal sense of meaning will be affected by our culture and the events in our lives—how we managed them and what they taught us. The trick is to recognize this and use it to our advantage.\n\n“Everything we encounter is wrapped up in layers of meanings, many of which are subjective and personal, and those meanings determine the ways that we make sense of our situation and the ways we act,” writes Heine. In other words, we have some power over the meaning we attribute to events and how these come together to shape the meaning of our lives overall.\n\n## How to infuse life with more meaning\nThe keys to a meaningful life generally stem from three things: our close personal relationships and communities, our work, and being connected to something greater than ourselves. Each of these can have a huge effect on our well-being through the meaning they impart. While there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach, here are some tips Heine suggests for finding meaning:\n\n**Ground yourself in your personal values.** When people encounter problems in their lives, they can react in different ways depending on how grounded they feel, says Heine.\n\n“When people are grounded, they feel that the key connections in their lives that provide the foundation of a sense of meaning are solidly intact,” he writes. “They know who they are, who their important relationships are, and what they stand for, and they are in a better position to confront any new threats they might encounter.”\n\nA simple exercise of writing about what you value and why it’s important has been found to benefit people in many situations, writes Heine. He points to studies suggesting that doing so can help people [change their lifestyle in healthy ways](https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/doiLanding?doi=10.1037\/0278-6133.27.6.746), [do better in school when disadvantaged](https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/abs\/10.1126\/science.1128317), and [accept their choices in life and their mortality](https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/0146167204271567) more easily.\n\n**Use nostalgia to reflect on your life.** Engaging in nostalgia can help us see parts of ourselves that have remained steadfast, despite the passage of time. By reflecting on past experiences and how we dealt with them, we can boost our sense of continuity and authenticity.\n\nTo stimulate nostalgia, you can look through old photos, listen to favorite songs from the past, or go through old keepsakes and recall what was happening at that time of your life, says Heine. Or you can contact an old friend and reminisce about the past. It can be especially powerful to recall times when you were socially connected with others, he adds, since relationships are so meaningful.\n\n“By making your past memories more accessible, you will be better able to connect the path of your current life with the events that occurred along the way, writes Heine. “You will be reminded about how the events of your path have shaped who you are today.”\n\nResearch has found that reflecting on our lives through nostalgia can help us [increase our sense of meaning](https:\/\/www.southampton.ac.uk\/~crsi\/Sedikides%20&%20Wildschut,%202018,%20Review%20of%20General%20Psychology.pdf), [feel more socially connected](https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2015-47828-001), [have a greater sense of authenticity](https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2014-44662-001), and [be motivated to pursue important goals](https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2014-44662-001), among other benefits.\n\n**Pursue self-transcendent experiences.** There is a reason many people find meaning in religion—it can give us a sense of self-transcendence or being connected to something bigger than ourselves. But for nonbelievers, there are other ways to seek transcendent experiences that inspire awe and wonder—and these, too, bring meaning to our lives.\n\nFor example, watching a beautiful sunset or a starlit sky, witnessing people doing supremely moral acts, encountering deep states of meditation, or seeing incredible architecture or art can all inspire awe. When we have these kinds of mind-expanding experiences, they challenge our view of everyday existence in a way that forces us to think about what life means and what matters.\n\n“During . . . awe experiences, people’s lives often feel more significant and meaningful, as they have the sense that they are connected to something much vaster than themselves and that their existence extends beyond the material world,” writes Heine.\n\n**Enhance your relationships.** “One of the most reliable sources of meaning in our lives is the interpersonal connections that we have—in particular, those of our closest relationships,” writes Heine.\n\nFor that reason, it’s good to spend time with those we love—whether that means our families, friends, or romantic partners. Nurturing these relationships [brings a sense of meaning in life](https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/17439760.2015.1117127); even when they are challenging, our sense of meaning can help us maintain them in the long run. For example, a parent who finds taking care of their kids to be tedious or difficult may be able to persevere and find joy because of the meaning it provides in their lives.\n\nAnother way that relationships can imbue meaning is when we are part of a group or community with shared interests and values. If you lack this sense of belonging in your life, it could help to volunteer for a cause you believe in—perhaps providing help to others in need or working toward preserving a green space in your community—which can help connect you with others.\n\n**Find meaning and purpose in your work.** The work we do in the world is a primary way we fulfill existential needs, writes Heine. “When people think about who they are, a big part of their answer comes from what they do for a living or whatever organizations they belong to.”\n\nWork provides a sense of identity and self-worth, and it allows us to contribute to something greater than ourselves, which feels purposeful. Work can also bring us meaning if the money we earn is used to provide for others (e.g., our families). Simply recognizing this can help us see the meaning behind what we do for a living, making our lives richer.\n\nSome careers lend themselves easily to finding meaning—such as those serving the needs of others, like teachers, health care workers, or the clergy, writes Heine. However, it can be challenging to find meaning in work for many people. Part of that comes from changing trends in the work world itself—like more remote work and less stable employment. But some of it comes from not keeping in mind the greater purpose of our work—how it contributes to something bigger than ourselves and to our sense of self-efficacy.\n\nIf you find it hard to find meaning in work—or if you’ve retired and have lost the everyday meaning work supplied—it’s still possible to find meaning in volunteering, participating in groups that interest you, or taking classes, writes Heine.\n\n**Seek psychologically rich experiences.** While there are many roads to happiness and meaning, one that is less commonly recognized is what psychologists call a “[psychologically rich life](https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/what_if_you_pursued_whats_interesting_instead_of_happiness).” This means seeking experiences that are novel and different—ones that challenge our way of thinking, offer us new perspectives, or stimulate deep feelings in us.\n\nWhile these can be large in scope (like living abroad for a year), they can also be simple and easy to do, writes Heine. For example, he suggests things like trying out a new ethnic cuisine, visiting an art gallery, or trying out an escape room with friends.\n\n“Psychologically rich experiences present people with complex challenges, and they provide opportunities for learning and discovery, all of which tend to be associated with enhanced feelings of meaning,” he writes.\n\n**Recognize your own heroic journey.** All of us have had to face obstacles at some point in our lives. If we can reflect on how we overcame those obstacles—whether by pulling on our personal resources, learning new ways of thinking or behaving, creating allies to help us in our quest, or something else—we can tap into our own heroic narrative and find a sense of meaning in our existence.\n\nOf course, writing about the heroic thread in your life story may not grab you. Nor might some of the other ways to find meaning that Heine suggests. But it doesn’t hurt to assess where you’re at in each of these areas of life and see what you may be missing, he says.\n\n“If you can shore up any of the underpinnings of meaning that you find are lacking, you’ll likely start to feel that your life is more meaningful.”","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

27 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.9 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life
Last Crawled	2026-03-11 09:30:28 (27 days ago)
First Indexed	2025-02-18 17:18:10 (1 year ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Seven Ways to Bring More Meaning to Your Life
Meta Description	A psychologist argues that asking ourselves existential questions and recognizing our values can make life more fulfilling and meaningful.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	How often do we stop to think about the meaning of life? If you’re like me, probably not much. Even though I may feel a vague sense of anxiety around how my life is unfolding and the inevitability of death, I don’t often slow down enough to reflect on what happens after we die or what it means to live life to the fullest. But according to a new book, Start Making Sense by psychologist Steven Heine, this is the wrong attitude. By reflecting on existential questions like these and considering our own answers to these questions, we can live a more authentic, meaningful existence. “When people feel they are leading a meaningful life, their lives make more sense to them,” writes Heine. “They have a sense of purpose that guides their behaviors. They feel that their lives matter and that they’re capable of making a difference in the world.” Why focus on meaning Advertisement X As Heine writes, the search for meaning is an inherent part of being human. Yet many of us don’t take the time to think about our place in the universe or what we value most. Instead of focusing on what might bring us more meaning, we distract ourselves with superficial sources of gratification—like overconsumption, alcohol and drugs, TV bingeing, or mindless social media scrolling—which are easier to access and, therefore, tempting. The ease with which we can get sucked into these interferes with making meaningful changes to our lives, argues Heine. How to focus more on the larger context of our lives? We can look to philosophers who tried to explain the different approaches to the search for meaning, argues Heine. For example, Kierkegaard, a theologian, believed in God but also believed that people have free will and meaning in life is a personal construction. Camus, on the other hand, believed there was no God or inherent meaning in life; so, we must revolt against the absurdity of it all and live life with passion. Contemplating conflicting views like these, Heine suggests, help us clarify our own beliefs about life’s bigger questions. And, he adds, psychological science can help explain why we have this urge to see our lives as coherent and meaningful. If they aren’t, we’ll experience unpleasant cognitive dissonance and try to resolve that, somehow. “Our brains have evolved what I term a sense-making system , which ensures that we feel what we are doing is meaningful and makes good sense . . . and directs us to make efforts to correct matters whenever it senses anything that no longer makes sense,” he writes. Though we have tools at our disposal, the path to more meaning is not necessarily straight or narrow, Heine writes, but one involving personal choice and many possible detours. Our personal sense of meaning will be affected by our culture and the events in our lives—how we managed them and what they taught us. The trick is to recognize this and use it to our advantage. “Everything we encounter is wrapped up in layers of meanings, many of which are subjective and personal, and those meanings determine the ways that we make sense of our situation and the ways we act,” writes Heine. In other words, we have some power over the meaning we attribute to events and how these come together to shape the meaning of our lives overall. How to infuse life with more meaning The keys to a meaningful life generally stem from three things: our close personal relationships and communities, our work, and being connected to something greater than ourselves. Each of these can have a huge effect on our well-being through the meaning they impart. While there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach, here are some tips Heine suggests for finding meaning: Ground yourself in your personal values. When people encounter problems in their lives, they can react in different ways depending on how grounded they feel, says Heine. “When people are grounded, they feel that the key connections in their lives that provide the foundation of a sense of meaning are solidly intact,” he writes. “They know who they are, who their important relationships are, and what they stand for, and they are in a better position to confront any new threats they might encounter.” A simple exercise of writing about what you value and why it’s important has been found to benefit people in many situations, writes Heine. He points to studies suggesting that doing so can help people change their lifestyle in healthy ways , do better in school when disadvantaged , and accept their choices in life and their mortality more easily. Use nostalgia to reflect on your life. Engaging in nostalgia can help us see parts of ourselves that have remained steadfast, despite the passage of time. By reflecting on past experiences and how we dealt with them, we can boost our sense of continuity and authenticity. To stimulate nostalgia, you can look through old photos, listen to favorite songs from the past, or go through old keepsakes and recall what was happening at that time of your life, says Heine. Or you can contact an old friend and reminisce about the past. It can be especially powerful to recall times when you were socially connected with others, he adds, since relationships are so meaningful. “By making your past memories more accessible, you will be better able to connect the path of your current life with the events that occurred along the way, writes Heine. “You will be reminded about how the events of your path have shaped who you are today.” Research has found that reflecting on our lives through nostalgia can help us increase our sense of meaning , feel more socially connected , have a greater sense of authenticity , and be motivated to pursue important goals , among other benefits. Pursue self-transcendent experiences. There is a reason many people find meaning in religion—it can give us a sense of self-transcendence or being connected to something bigger than ourselves. But for nonbelievers, there are other ways to seek transcendent experiences that inspire awe and wonder—and these, too, bring meaning to our lives. For example, watching a beautiful sunset or a starlit sky, witnessing people doing supremely moral acts, encountering deep states of meditation, or seeing incredible architecture or art can all inspire awe. When we have these kinds of mind-expanding experiences, they challenge our view of everyday existence in a way that forces us to think about what life means and what matters. “During . . . awe experiences, people’s lives often feel more significant and meaningful, as they have the sense that they are connected to something much vaster than themselves and that their existence extends beyond the material world,” writes Heine. Enhance your relationships. “One of the most reliable sources of meaning in our lives is the interpersonal connections that we have—in particular, those of our closest relationships,” writes Heine. For that reason, it’s good to spend time with those we love—whether that means our families, friends, or romantic partners. Nurturing these relationships brings a sense of meaning in life ; even when they are challenging, our sense of meaning can help us maintain them in the long run. For example, a parent who finds taking care of their kids to be tedious or difficult may be able to persevere and find joy because of the meaning it provides in their lives. Another way that relationships can imbue meaning is when we are part of a group or community with shared interests and values. If you lack this sense of belonging in your life, it could help to volunteer for a cause you believe in—perhaps providing help to others in need or working toward preserving a green space in your community—which can help connect you with others. Find meaning and purpose in your work. The work we do in the world is a primary way we fulfill existential needs, writes Heine. “When people think about who they are, a big part of their answer comes from what they do for a living or whatever organizations they belong to.” Work provides a sense of identity and self-worth, and it allows us to contribute to something greater than ourselves, which feels purposeful. Work can also bring us meaning if the money we earn is used to provide for others (e.g., our families). Simply recognizing this can help us see the meaning behind what we do for a living, making our lives richer. Some careers lend themselves easily to finding meaning—such as those serving the needs of others, like teachers, health care workers, or the clergy, writes Heine. However, it can be challenging to find meaning in work for many people. Part of that comes from changing trends in the work world itself—like more remote work and less stable employment. But some of it comes from not keeping in mind the greater purpose of our work—how it contributes to something bigger than ourselves and to our sense of self-efficacy. If you find it hard to find meaning in work—or if you’ve retired and have lost the everyday meaning work supplied—it’s still possible to find meaning in volunteering, participating in groups that interest you, or taking classes, writes Heine. Seek psychologically rich experiences. While there are many roads to happiness and meaning, one that is less commonly recognized is what psychologists call a “ psychologically rich life .” This means seeking experiences that are novel and different—ones that challenge our way of thinking, offer us new perspectives, or stimulate deep feelings in us. While these can be large in scope (like living abroad for a year), they can also be simple and easy to do, writes Heine. For example, he suggests things like trying out a new ethnic cuisine, visiting an art gallery, or trying out an escape room with friends. “Psychologically rich experiences present people with complex challenges, and they provide opportunities for learning and discovery, all of which tend to be associated with enhanced feelings of meaning,” he writes. Recognize your own heroic journey. All of us have had to face obstacles at some point in our lives. If we can reflect on how we overcame those obstacles—whether by pulling on our personal resources, learning new ways of thinking or behaving, creating allies to help us in our quest, or something else—we can tap into our own heroic narrative and find a sense of meaning in our existence. Of course, writing about the heroic thread in your life story may not grab you. Nor might some of the other ways to find meaning that Heine suggests. But it doesn’t hurt to assess where you’re at in each of these areas of life and see what you may be missing, he says. “If you can shore up any of the underpinnings of meaning that you find are lacking, you’ll likely start to feel that your life is more meaningful.”
Markdown	![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=881392575322432&ev=PageView%0A&noscript=1) #### Help keep Greater Good resources free for everyone. To share the “science of a meaningful life” we rely on readers like you. Please donate today. [Give Now](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/donate?utm_source=magazine&utm_medium=popup&utm_id=donate&utm_campaign=donation_fixed_bottom_keep_greater_good_free) SKIP TO: [Header](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life#logo) \\| [Log in](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/_ajax/login-popup) \\| [Register](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/_ajax/register-popup) \\| [Navigation](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life#skip-nav) \\| [Main Content](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life#skip-main) \\| [Footer](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life#skip-footer) Greater Good [Science Center](https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/ "Greater Good Science Center") • [Magazine](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ "Greater Good Magazine") • [In Action](https://ggia.berkeley.edu/ "Greater Good In Action") • [In Education](https://ggie.berkeley.edu/ "Greater Good In Education") [Sign up for our newsletters](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/_ajax/newsletter-popup) [Greater Good Magazine](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/) [Donate](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/donate) - [Log in](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/_ajax/login-popup) [Register](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/_ajax/register-popup) - [Become a Member](https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/donate/membership) [nav menu](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life) - [Topics](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic) - [Mind & Body](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/mind_body) - [Relationships](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/relationships) - [Workplace](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/workplace) - [Parenting & Family](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/parenting_family) - [Education](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/education) - [MORE...](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic) - [Quizzes](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes) - [Purpose in Life](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/purpose_in_life) - [Happiness at Work](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/happiness_at_work) - [Social Capital](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/social_capital) - [Connection to Humanity](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/connection_to_humanity) - [Altruism](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/altruism) - [Gratitude](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/gratitude) - [Emotional Intelligence](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/ei_quiz) - [MORE...](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes) - [Videos](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video) - [Bridging Differences for Teens and Parents](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/series/bridging_differences_for_teens_and_parents) - [Greater Good Books](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/series/greater_good_books) - [Dear Greater Good](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/series/dear_greater_good) - [Bridging Differences](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/series/bridging_differences) - [The Science of Happiness Videos](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/series/the_science_of_happiness_videos) - [MORE...](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video) - [Podcasts](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts) - [Art As Medicine: The Science of Happiness](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/series/the_science_of_happiness_art_as_medicine) - [The Science of Love: The Science of Happiness](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/series/the_science_of_love) - [Caring for Caregivers: The Science of Happiness](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/series/caring_for_caregivers) - [Breathe Away Anxiety: The Science of Happiness](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/series/breathe_away_anxiety_the_science_of_happiness_podcast) - [Climate, Hope & Science: The Science of Happiness podcast](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/series/climate_hope_and_science_by_the_science_of_happiness_podcast) - [The Science of Awe](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/series/the_science_of_awe) - [Happiness Break](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/series/happiness_break) - [The Science of Happiness](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/series/the_science_of_happiness) - [Keys to Well-Being](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/key) - [Awe](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/awe) - [Bridging Differences](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/bridging_differences) - [Compassion](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/compassion) - [Diversity](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/diversity) - [Empathy](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/empathy) - [Forgiveness](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/forgiveness) - [Gratitude](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/gratitude) - [Happiness](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/happiness) - [Intellectual Humility](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/humility) - [Mindfulness](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness) - [Purpose](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/purpose) - [Social Connection](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/social_connection) - [Love](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/love) - [MORE...](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/key) [Donate](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/donate) ## TOPICS - [Mind & Body](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/mind_body) - [Relationships](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/relationships) - [Workplace](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/workplace) - [Parenting & Family](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/parenting_family) - [Education](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/education) - [Spirituality](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/spirituality) - [Politics](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/politics) - [Society](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/society) - [Culture](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/culture) - [Media & Tech](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/media_tech) - [Community](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/community) - [Big Ideas](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/big_ideas) ## KEYS TO WELL-BEING - [Altruism](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/altruism) - [Awe](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/awe) - [Bridging Differences](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/bridging_differences) - [Compassion](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/compassion) - [Diversity](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/diversity) - [Empathy](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/empathy) - [Forgiveness](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/forgiveness) - [Gratitude](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/gratitude) - [Happiness](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/happiness) - [Intellectual Humility](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/humility) - [Mindfulness](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness) - [Purpose](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/purpose) - [Social Connection](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/social_connection) - [Love](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/love) ## RESOURCES - [Quizzes](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes) - [Podcasts](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts) - [Videos](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video) - [Books](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/resources/books) - [Studies](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/resources/studies) - [Donate](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/donate) - [Events & Classes](https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/what_we_do/events) - [About](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/about) - [Diversity Statement](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/about/greater_good_diversity_statement) - [Masthead](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/about/masthead) - [Contact](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/contact) - [Log in](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/_ajax/login-popup) - [Register](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/_ajax/register-popup) [Spirituality](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/spirituality) Articles & More [Scroll To Top](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life) # Seven Ways to Bring More Meaning to Your Life A psychologist argues that asking ourselves existential questions and recognizing our values can make life more fulfilling and meaningful. By [Jill Suttie](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/jill_suttie) \\| February 18, 2025 [Facebook](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/#facebook) [Bluesky](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/#bluesky) [LinkedIn](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/#linkedin) [Email](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/#email) [Share](https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fgreatergood.berkeley.edu%2Farticle%2Fitem%2Fseven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life&title=Seven%20Ways%20to%20Bring%20More%20Meaning%20to%20Your%20Life) [Facebook](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/#facebook) [Bluesky](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/#bluesky) [LinkedIn](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/#linkedin) [Email](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/#email) [Share](https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fgreatergood.berkeley.edu%2Farticle%2Fitem%2Fseven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life&title=Seven%20Ways%20to%20Bring%20More%20Meaning%20to%20Your%20Life) - [Print](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life) - Bookmark How often do we stop to think about the meaning of life? If you’re like me, probably not much. Even though I may feel a vague sense of anxiety around how my life is unfolding and the inevitability of death, I don’t often slow down enough to reflect on what happens after we die or what it means to live life to the fullest. ![Hiker on a path with hills in the distance](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life-1x_-_abcdef_-_17a46d79eb5ed7dd269e9126740882c1a2cac088.webp) But according to a new book, [Start Making Sense](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1541600819?ie=UTF8&tag=gregooscicen-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1541600819) by psychologist Steven Heine, this is the wrong attitude. By reflecting on existential questions like these and considering our own answers to these questions, we can live a more authentic, meaningful existence. “When people feel they are leading a meaningful life, their lives make more sense to them,” writes Heine. “They have a sense of purpose that guides their behaviors. They feel that their lives matter and that they’re capable of making a difference in the world.” ## Why focus on meaning Advertisement X [![](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/ggsc_happiness_calendar_jan_2026_-_abcdef_-_4f40627156999ff67452b2ecdb6a2d5158e32b5d.webp)](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/your_happiness_calendar_for_january_2026) [Keep Up with the GGSC Happiness Calendar Focus on what matters to you this month](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/your_happiness_calendar_for_january_2026) As Heine writes, the search for meaning is an inherent part of being human. Yet many of us don’t take the time to think about our place in the universe or what we value most. Instead of focusing on what might bring us more meaning, we distract ourselves with superficial sources of gratification—like overconsumption, alcohol and drugs, TV bingeing, or mindless social media scrolling—which are easier to access and, therefore, tempting. The ease with which we can get sucked into these interferes with making meaningful changes to our lives, argues Heine. How to focus more on the larger context of our lives? We can look to philosophers who tried to explain the different approaches to the search for meaning, argues Heine. For example, Kierkegaard, a theologian, believed in God but also believed that people have free will and meaning in life is a personal construction. Camus, on the other hand, believed there was no God or inherent meaning in life; so, we must revolt against the absurdity of it all and live life with passion. Contemplating conflicting views like these, Heine suggests, help us clarify our own beliefs about life’s bigger questions. And, he adds, psychological science can help explain why we have this urge to see our lives as coherent and meaningful. If they aren’t, we’ll experience unpleasant cognitive dissonance and try to resolve that, somehow. “Our brains have evolved what I term a sense-making system, which ensures that we feel what we are doing is meaningful and makes good sense . . . and directs us to make efforts to correct matters whenever it senses anything that no longer makes sense,” he writes. Though we have tools at our disposal, the path to more meaning is not necessarily straight or narrow, Heine writes, but one involving personal choice and many possible detours. Our personal sense of meaning will be affected by our culture and the events in our lives—how we managed them and what they taught us. The trick is to recognize this and use it to our advantage. “Everything we encounter is wrapped up in layers of meanings, many of which are subjective and personal, and those meanings determine the ways that we make sense of our situation and the ways we act,” writes Heine. In other words, we have some power over the meaning we attribute to events and how these come together to shape the meaning of our lives overall. ## How to infuse life with more meaning The keys to a meaningful life generally stem from three things: our close personal relationships and communities, our work, and being connected to something greater than ourselves. Each of these can have a huge effect on our well-being through the meaning they impart. While there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach, here are some tips Heine suggests for finding meaning: Ground yourself in your personal values. When people encounter problems in their lives, they can react in different ways depending on how grounded they feel, says Heine. “When people are grounded, they feel that the key connections in their lives that provide the foundation of a sense of meaning are solidly intact,” he writes. “They know who they are, who their important relationships are, and what they stand for, and they are in a better position to confront any new threats they might encounter.” A simple exercise of writing about what you value and why it’s important has been found to benefit people in many situations, writes Heine. He points to studies suggesting that doing so can help people [change their lifestyle in healthy ways](https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037/0278-6133.27.6.746), [do better in school when disadvantaged](https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.1128317), and [accept their choices in life and their mortality](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0146167204271567) more easily. ![Book cover of 'Start Making Sense'](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/start_making_sense-1x_-_abcdef_-_a26c4878d68b6c47eb291eabb5cc8f4045faf08e.webp) [Start Making Sense: How Existential Psychology Can Help Us Build Meaningful Lives in Absurd Times](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1541600819?ie=UTF8&tag=gregooscicen-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1541600819) (Basic Books, 2025, 352 pages) Use nostalgia to reflect on your life. Engaging in nostalgia can help us see parts of ourselves that have remained steadfast, despite the passage of time. By reflecting on past experiences and how we dealt with them, we can boost our sense of continuity and authenticity. To stimulate nostalgia, you can look through old photos, listen to favorite songs from the past, or go through old keepsakes and recall what was happening at that time of your life, says Heine. Or you can contact an old friend and reminisce about the past. It can be especially powerful to recall times when you were socially connected with others, he adds, since relationships are so meaningful. “By making your past memories more accessible, you will be better able to connect the path of your current life with the events that occurred along the way, writes Heine. “You will be reminded about how the events of your path have shaped who you are today.” Research has found that reflecting on our lives through nostalgia can help us [increase our sense of meaning](https://www.southampton.ac.uk/~crsi/Sedikides%20&%20Wildschut,%202018,%20Review%20of%20General%20Psychology.pdf), [feel more socially connected](https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-47828-001), [have a greater sense of authenticity](https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-44662-001), and [be motivated to pursue important goals](https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-44662-001), among other benefits. Pursue self-transcendent experiences. There is a reason many people find meaning in religion—it can give us a sense of self-transcendence or being connected to something bigger than ourselves. But for nonbelievers, there are other ways to seek transcendent experiences that inspire awe and wonder—and these, too, bring meaning to our lives. For example, watching a beautiful sunset or a starlit sky, witnessing people doing supremely moral acts, encountering deep states of meditation, or seeing incredible architecture or art can all inspire awe. When we have these kinds of mind-expanding experiences, they challenge our view of everyday existence in a way that forces us to think about what life means and what matters. “During . . . awe experiences, people’s lives often feel more significant and meaningful, as they have the sense that they are connected to something much vaster than themselves and that their existence extends beyond the material world,” writes Heine. Enhance your relationships. “One of the most reliable sources of meaning in our lives is the interpersonal connections that we have—in particular, those of our closest relationships,” writes Heine. For that reason, it’s good to spend time with those we love—whether that means our families, friends, or romantic partners. Nurturing these relationships [brings a sense of meaning in life](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17439760.2015.1117127); even when they are challenging, our sense of meaning can help us maintain them in the long run. For example, a parent who finds taking care of their kids to be tedious or difficult may be able to persevere and find joy because of the meaning it provides in their lives. Another way that relationships can imbue meaning is when we are part of a group or community with shared interests and values. If you lack this sense of belonging in your life, it could help to volunteer for a cause you believe in—perhaps providing help to others in need or working toward preserving a green space in your community—which can help connect you with others. Find meaning and purpose in your work. The work we do in the world is a primary way we fulfill existential needs, writes Heine. “When people think about who they are, a big part of their answer comes from what they do for a living or whatever organizations they belong to.” Work provides a sense of identity and self-worth, and it allows us to contribute to something greater than ourselves, which feels purposeful. Work can also bring us meaning if the money we earn is used to provide for others (e.g., our families). Simply recognizing this can help us see the meaning behind what we do for a living, making our lives richer. Some careers lend themselves easily to finding meaning—such as those serving the needs of others, like teachers, health care workers, or the clergy, writes Heine. However, it can be challenging to find meaning in work for many people. Part of that comes from changing trends in the work world itself—like more remote work and less stable employment. But some of it comes from not keeping in mind the greater purpose of our work—how it contributes to something bigger than ourselves and to our sense of self-efficacy. If you find it hard to find meaning in work—or if you’ve retired and have lost the everyday meaning work supplied—it’s still possible to find meaning in volunteering, participating in groups that interest you, or taking classes, writes Heine. Seek psychologically rich experiences. While there are many roads to happiness and meaning, one that is less commonly recognized is what psychologists call a “[psychologically rich life](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_if_you_pursued_whats_interesting_instead_of_happiness).” This means seeking experiences that are novel and different—ones that challenge our way of thinking, offer us new perspectives, or stimulate deep feelings in us. While these can be large in scope (like living abroad for a year), they can also be simple and easy to do, writes Heine. For example, he suggests things like trying out a new ethnic cuisine, visiting an art gallery, or trying out an escape room with friends. “Psychologically rich experiences present people with complex challenges, and they provide opportunities for learning and discovery, all of which tend to be associated with enhanced feelings of meaning,” he writes. Recognize your own heroic journey. All of us have had to face obstacles at some point in our lives. If we can reflect on how we overcame those obstacles—whether by pulling on our personal resources, learning new ways of thinking or behaving, creating allies to help us in our quest, or something else—we can tap into our own heroic narrative and find a sense of meaning in our existence. Of course, writing about the heroic thread in your life story may not grab you. Nor might some of the other ways to find meaning that Heine suggests. But it doesn’t hurt to assess where you’re at in each of these areas of life and see what you may be missing, he says. “If you can shore up any of the underpinnings of meaning that you find are lacking, you’ll likely start to feel that your life is more meaningful.” ![GreaterGood Tiny Logo](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/css/images/temp/logo-small.png) Greater Good wants to know: Do you think this article will influence your opinions or behavior? Submitting your rating ## About the Author - [![Headshot of Jill Suttie](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/photo_37_-_abcdef_-_6dbad40fc7c0e0ea5adee881f79d46c1ebd7cefa.webp)](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/jill_suttie) ### [Jill Suttie](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/jill_suttie) Jill Suttie, Psy.D., is Greater Good’s former book review editor and now serves as a staff writer and contributing editor for the magazine. She received her doctorate of psychology from the University of San Francisco in 1998 and was a psychologist in private practice before coming to Greater Good. ## You May Also Enjoy - [![](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/meaningful_photos_thumb_-_abcdef_-_d4dfd41eda04fb84f6ac88dd019e2a7b5d603539.webp)](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/item/how_taking_photos_can_help_you_find_meaning_in_life) ### [How Taking Photos Can Help You Find Meaning in Life](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/item/how_taking_photos_can_help_you_find_meaning_in_life) By [Greater Good](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/greater_good) \\| April 16, 2020 - [![Flags of various countries are displayed on flagpoles in front of a building under a clear blue sky](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/where_people_in_17_countries_find_meaning_in_life_-_abcdef_-_d4dfd41eda04fb84f6ac88dd019e2a7b5d603539.webp)](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/where_people_in_17_countries_find_meaning_in_life) ### [Where People in 17 Countries Find Meaning in Life](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/where_people_in_17_countries_find_meaning_in_life) By [Jeremy Adam Smith](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/jeremy_smith), [Kira M. Newman](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/kira_newman) \\| January 4, 2022 - [![Three friends clinking coffee cups together in a "cheers"](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/how_everyday_rituals_can_add_meaning_to_your_life_-_abcdef_-_d4dfd41eda04fb84f6ac88dd019e2a7b5d603539.webp)](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_everyday_rituals_can_add_meaning_to_your_life) ### [How Everyday Rituals Can Add Meaning to Your Life](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_everyday_rituals_can_add_meaning_to_your_life) By [Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/emiliana_simon_thomas) \\| May 6, 2024 - [![](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/three_pathways_to_meaning_in_life_-_abcdef_-_d4dfd41eda04fb84f6ac88dd019e2a7b5d603539.webp)](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three_ways_to_see_meaning_in_your_life) ### [Three Ways to See Meaning in Your Life](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three_ways_to_see_meaning_in_your_life) By [Joshua A. Hicks](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/joshua_hicks), [Laura A. King](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/laura_king) \\| November 2, 2021 - [![](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/how_people_think_about_meaning_and_happiness_in_life_-_abcdef_-_d4dfd41eda04fb84f6ac88dd019e2a7b5d603539.webp)](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/whats_the_difference_between_meaning_and_happiness) ### [What’s the Difference Between Meaning and Happiness?](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/whats_the_difference_between_meaning_and_happiness) By [Jill Suttie](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/jill_suttie) \\| December 26, 2022 - [![](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/how_to_find_meaning_in_your_midlife_crisis_2_-_abcdef_-_d4dfd41eda04fb84f6ac88dd019e2a7b5d603539.webp)](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/heres_how_to_find_meaning_in_your_midlife_crisis) ### [Here’s How to Find Meaning in Your Midlife Crisis](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/heres_how_to_find_meaning_in_your_midlife_crisis) By [Michael F. Steger](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/Michael_Steger) \\| March 11, 2020 ## Comments Please enable JavaScript to view the [comments powered by Disqus.](http://disqus.com/?ref_noscript=greatergood) - ### - ### Related Articles - [![Am I Doing This Right? School-Aged Kids Edition](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/am_i_doing_this_right__school-aged_kids_edition_-_abcdef_-_887d54d4ba37096d099b6a2acd511597c8dba22e.webp)](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/am_i_doing_this_right_school_aged_kids_edition) #### [Am I Doing This Right? School-Aged Kids Edition](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/am_i_doing_this_right_school_aged_kids_edition) March 4, 2026 Research-backed insights from renowned experts to everyday questions about raising kids in middle childhood. - #### [Your Happiness Calendar for March 2026](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/your_happiness_calendar_for_march_2026) February 27, 2026 This month, expand your circle of care. - #### [Your Happiness Calendar for Educators for March 2026](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/your_happiness_calendar_for_educators_for_march_2026) February 26, 2026 This month, let awe lead the way—finding beauty and wonder with daily tips from Greater Good Science Center. - ### [Five Families Who Learned How to Bridge Differences Together](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/item/five_families_who_learned_how_s_to_bridge_differences_together) [![Five Families Who Learned How to Bridge Differences Together](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/screenshot_2025-11-17_at_2_01_01_pm_-_abcdef_-_6eee4894b00241b043264d0ae6b70bb7ac0e2d6a.webp)](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/item/five_families_who_learned_how_s_to_bridge_differences_together) In this video from our Bridging Differences for Parents and Teens series, learn how five families fostered skills for dialogue and understanding across group lines. - ### [How to Make Work More Satisfying](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/item/how_to_make_work_more_satisfying) [![How to Make Work More Satisfying](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/2_26_26_soh_job_crafting_susan_glass_-_abcdef_-_6eee4894b00241b043264d0ae6b70bb7ac0e2d6a.webp)](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/item/how_to_make_work_more_satisfying) Finding ways to bend tasks toward your strengths and passions can make you happier, more productive and find more meaning in your life—no matter your job. - [![Creative Commons License](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/cc-logo.svg)](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) ### Promote a kinder and more compassionate society. #### Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under Creative Commons license. The Greater Good Science Center studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society. - [About this site](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/about) - [Masthead](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/about/masthead) - [Contact](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/contact) - [Donate](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/donate) [Berkeley: University of California](http://www.berkeley.edu/) © 2026 The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley Developed by [Hop Studios Hop Studios](https://www.hopstudios.com/) Designed by [Project6 Project6](https://www.project6.com/?utm_source=greatergood&utm_medium=client&utm_campaign=footer_link "Designed by Project6 Design, a San Francisco Bay Area website design firm") [Accessibility](https://dac.berkeley.edu/web-accessibility) \\| [Nondiscrimination](https://ophd.berkeley.edu/policies-and-procedures/nondiscrimination-policy-statement) \\| [Privacy Policy](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/privacy) \\| [Consent Preferences](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life) - [Twitter](http://twitter.com/GreaterGoodSC) - [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Greater-Good-Science-Center/83163029449) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/greatergoodscience) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greater-good-science-center/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/greatergoodmag/%20) ✓ Thanks for sharing\! [AddToAny](https://www.addtoany.com/ "Share Buttons") [More…](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life#addtoany "Show all")
Readable Markdown	How often do we stop to think about the meaning of life? If you’re like me, probably not much. Even though I may feel a vague sense of anxiety around how my life is unfolding and the inevitability of death, I don’t often slow down enough to reflect on what happens after we die or what it means to live life to the fullest. ![Hiker on a path with hills in the distance](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life-1x_-_abcdef_-_17a46d79eb5ed7dd269e9126740882c1a2cac088.webp) But according to a new book, [Start Making Sense](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1541600819?ie=UTF8&tag=gregooscicen-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1541600819) by psychologist Steven Heine, this is the wrong attitude. By reflecting on existential questions like these and considering our own answers to these questions, we can live a more authentic, meaningful existence. “When people feel they are leading a meaningful life, their lives make more sense to them,” writes Heine. “They have a sense of purpose that guides their behaviors. They feel that their lives matter and that they’re capable of making a difference in the world.” ## Why focus on meaning Advertisement X [![](https://ggsc.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/images/ggsc_happiness_calendar_jan_2026_-_abcdef_-_4f40627156999ff67452b2ecdb6a2d5158e32b5d.webp)](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/your_happiness_calendar_for_january_2026) As Heine writes, the search for meaning is an inherent part of being human. Yet many of us don’t take the time to think about our place in the universe or what we value most. Instead of focusing on what might bring us more meaning, we distract ourselves with superficial sources of gratification—like overconsumption, alcohol and drugs, TV bingeing, or mindless social media scrolling—which are easier to access and, therefore, tempting. The ease with which we can get sucked into these interferes with making meaningful changes to our lives, argues Heine. How to focus more on the larger context of our lives? We can look to philosophers who tried to explain the different approaches to the search for meaning, argues Heine. For example, Kierkegaard, a theologian, believed in God but also believed that people have free will and meaning in life is a personal construction. Camus, on the other hand, believed there was no God or inherent meaning in life; so, we must revolt against the absurdity of it all and live life with passion. Contemplating conflicting views like these, Heine suggests, help us clarify our own beliefs about life’s bigger questions. And, he adds, psychological science can help explain why we have this urge to see our lives as coherent and meaningful. If they aren’t, we’ll experience unpleasant cognitive dissonance and try to resolve that, somehow. “Our brains have evolved what I term a sense-making system, which ensures that we feel what we are doing is meaningful and makes good sense . . . and directs us to make efforts to correct matters whenever it senses anything that no longer makes sense,” he writes. Though we have tools at our disposal, the path to more meaning is not necessarily straight or narrow, Heine writes, but one involving personal choice and many possible detours. Our personal sense of meaning will be affected by our culture and the events in our lives—how we managed them and what they taught us. The trick is to recognize this and use it to our advantage. “Everything we encounter is wrapped up in layers of meanings, many of which are subjective and personal, and those meanings determine the ways that we make sense of our situation and the ways we act,” writes Heine. In other words, we have some power over the meaning we attribute to events and how these come together to shape the meaning of our lives overall. ## How to infuse life with more meaning The keys to a meaningful life generally stem from three things: our close personal relationships and communities, our work, and being connected to something greater than ourselves. Each of these can have a huge effect on our well-being through the meaning they impart. While there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach, here are some tips Heine suggests for finding meaning: Ground yourself in your personal values. When people encounter problems in their lives, they can react in different ways depending on how grounded they feel, says Heine. “When people are grounded, they feel that the key connections in their lives that provide the foundation of a sense of meaning are solidly intact,” he writes. “They know who they are, who their important relationships are, and what they stand for, and they are in a better position to confront any new threats they might encounter.” A simple exercise of writing about what you value and why it’s important has been found to benefit people in many situations, writes Heine. He points to studies suggesting that doing so can help people [change their lifestyle in healthy ways](https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037/0278-6133.27.6.746), [do better in school when disadvantaged](https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.1128317), and [accept their choices in life and their mortality](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0146167204271567) more easily. Use nostalgia to reflect on your life. Engaging in nostalgia can help us see parts of ourselves that have remained steadfast, despite the passage of time. By reflecting on past experiences and how we dealt with them, we can boost our sense of continuity and authenticity. To stimulate nostalgia, you can look through old photos, listen to favorite songs from the past, or go through old keepsakes and recall what was happening at that time of your life, says Heine. Or you can contact an old friend and reminisce about the past. It can be especially powerful to recall times when you were socially connected with others, he adds, since relationships are so meaningful. “By making your past memories more accessible, you will be better able to connect the path of your current life with the events that occurred along the way, writes Heine. “You will be reminded about how the events of your path have shaped who you are today.” Research has found that reflecting on our lives through nostalgia can help us [increase our sense of meaning](https://www.southampton.ac.uk/~crsi/Sedikides%20&%20Wildschut,%202018,%20Review%20of%20General%20Psychology.pdf), [feel more socially connected](https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-47828-001), [have a greater sense of authenticity](https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-44662-001), and [be motivated to pursue important goals](https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-44662-001), among other benefits. Pursue self-transcendent experiences. There is a reason many people find meaning in religion—it can give us a sense of self-transcendence or being connected to something bigger than ourselves. But for nonbelievers, there are other ways to seek transcendent experiences that inspire awe and wonder—and these, too, bring meaning to our lives. For example, watching a beautiful sunset or a starlit sky, witnessing people doing supremely moral acts, encountering deep states of meditation, or seeing incredible architecture or art can all inspire awe. When we have these kinds of mind-expanding experiences, they challenge our view of everyday existence in a way that forces us to think about what life means and what matters. “During . . . awe experiences, people’s lives often feel more significant and meaningful, as they have the sense that they are connected to something much vaster than themselves and that their existence extends beyond the material world,” writes Heine. Enhance your relationships. “One of the most reliable sources of meaning in our lives is the interpersonal connections that we have—in particular, those of our closest relationships,” writes Heine. For that reason, it’s good to spend time with those we love—whether that means our families, friends, or romantic partners. Nurturing these relationships [brings a sense of meaning in life](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17439760.2015.1117127); even when they are challenging, our sense of meaning can help us maintain them in the long run. For example, a parent who finds taking care of their kids to be tedious or difficult may be able to persevere and find joy because of the meaning it provides in their lives. Another way that relationships can imbue meaning is when we are part of a group or community with shared interests and values. If you lack this sense of belonging in your life, it could help to volunteer for a cause you believe in—perhaps providing help to others in need or working toward preserving a green space in your community—which can help connect you with others. Find meaning and purpose in your work. The work we do in the world is a primary way we fulfill existential needs, writes Heine. “When people think about who they are, a big part of their answer comes from what they do for a living or whatever organizations they belong to.” Work provides a sense of identity and self-worth, and it allows us to contribute to something greater than ourselves, which feels purposeful. Work can also bring us meaning if the money we earn is used to provide for others (e.g., our families). Simply recognizing this can help us see the meaning behind what we do for a living, making our lives richer. Some careers lend themselves easily to finding meaning—such as those serving the needs of others, like teachers, health care workers, or the clergy, writes Heine. However, it can be challenging to find meaning in work for many people. Part of that comes from changing trends in the work world itself—like more remote work and less stable employment. But some of it comes from not keeping in mind the greater purpose of our work—how it contributes to something bigger than ourselves and to our sense of self-efficacy. If you find it hard to find meaning in work—or if you’ve retired and have lost the everyday meaning work supplied—it’s still possible to find meaning in volunteering, participating in groups that interest you, or taking classes, writes Heine. Seek psychologically rich experiences. While there are many roads to happiness and meaning, one that is less commonly recognized is what psychologists call a “[psychologically rich life](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_if_you_pursued_whats_interesting_instead_of_happiness).” This means seeking experiences that are novel and different—ones that challenge our way of thinking, offer us new perspectives, or stimulate deep feelings in us. While these can be large in scope (like living abroad for a year), they can also be simple and easy to do, writes Heine. For example, he suggests things like trying out a new ethnic cuisine, visiting an art gallery, or trying out an escape room with friends. “Psychologically rich experiences present people with complex challenges, and they provide opportunities for learning and discovery, all of which tend to be associated with enhanced feelings of meaning,” he writes. Recognize your own heroic journey. All of us have had to face obstacles at some point in our lives. If we can reflect on how we overcame those obstacles—whether by pulling on our personal resources, learning new ways of thinking or behaving, creating allies to help us in our quest, or something else—we can tap into our own heroic narrative and find a sense of meaning in our existence. Of course, writing about the heroic thread in your life story may not grab you. Nor might some of the other ways to find meaning that Heine suggests. But it doesn’t hurt to assess where you’re at in each of these areas of life and see what you may be missing, he says. “If you can shore up any of the underpinnings of meaning that you find are lacking, you’ll likely start to feel that your life is more meaningful.”
Shard	5 (laksa)
Root Hash	12957858574685170805
Unparsed URL	edu,berkeley!greatergood,/article/item/seven_ways_to_bring_more_meaning_to_your_life s443