Finding Your 'Pillar Of Meaning' Could Be The Key to Lasting Mental Health (2024)

That oft-quoted “meaning of life” question might be a little more critical than you’d think.

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What is the meaning of life? Whether you’re an angst-ridden philosophy major or a parent approaching that midlife crisis, most of us have — at some point or another — asked ourselves some variation of this question.

Most of us land on some type of “happiness” as the ultimate end goal. Still, in reality, people are getting more and more depressed.

Clearly, we’re not achieving the pursuit of happiness. But what if it’s because we’ve set the wrong goal altogether?

That’s what author and journalist Emily Esfahani Smith has proposed in her book, “The Power of Meaning.”

After years of research and countless interviews with people from many walks of life, Smith suggests that it’s meaning — not happiness — that we should aspire to.

Turns out, we were on the right track when we started asking ourselves what the meaning of life was.

Meaning allows us to find a reason to continue on, even when life is difficult. And a lack of meaning and purpose, Smith highlights in her TED Talk, is contributing to our increasing rates of suicide, depression, and loneliness.

Happiness, on the other hand, is a fleeting emotion. While it’s wonderful to experience, it isn’t what ultimately sustains us. Though, Smith notes, joy does tend to emerge as a side effect when you’ve located your sense of purpose.

But where do we find it?

The 4 pillars of meaning

In her book, Smith divides the quest for meaning into four pillars: belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence.

Belonging defines a connection to a larger community. Forging and sustaining relationships is how we increase this connection, which in turn makes our lives feel meaningful. If this is your pillar of meaning, your connections with others are a primary source of meaning.

As a part of her interview process, Smith asks respondents what makes their life meaningful. She found that “the first thing [people] always list are relationships. Belonging as a general principle is up there for most people.”

Purpose is defined by long-term goals that give us a sense of accomplishment. Purpose, for many, can be found in their children, their work, or a passionate hobby. Purpose allows us to have something to work toward and work for. If this is your pillar, having a long-term vision for your life imbues it with meaning.

Storytelling is building meaning through your own personal narrative and reflections. Understanding our place within the world, as well as our impact on those around us, is what creates a strong sense of identity. If this is your pillar, you likely find meaning in defining and reflecting on who you are.

Transcendence is based on connection to something bigger than one’s self. Transcendence can be tied to spirituality, nature, or historical ties. Those who prioritize transcendence as a pillar tend to feel awakened in experiences that make them feel connected to something bigger than themselves.

Tip: On her website, Smith provides a quiz that helps you find your primary pillar of meaning.

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Smith also notes that one’s primary pillar of meaning may change throughout different stages of life.

Smith states, “[For] emerging young adults, purpose again is important because you’re trying to figure out what you want to do with your life.”

As religiousness increases with age, folks often turn to transcendence for meaning as they become older.

It’s important to note that finding meaning is about more than navel-gazing.

The mental health impact can be significant. Meaning-making can even be used as a crisis intervention tactic.

In pursuing research for her book, Smith came across meaning-centered psychotherapy, also known as logotherapy. Logotherapy practitioners work with people who are experiencing depression, suicidal ideation, or both.

This therapeutic practice is also useful for those who are terminally ill or have substance use disorders. It seeks to provide them with meaning to stabilize the existentialism brought on by these conditions.

Tapping into different pillars of meaning can also aid different demographics.

Smith recalls a time she spoke to a Black religious leader in Louisville, Kentucky: “He was talking about stories younger African Americans were telling themselves, drawing from cultural scripts that were holding them back. He wanted to key them into this great, long history that they have.”

Descendants of the victims of the trans-Atlantic slave trade notoriously have difficulty tracing their ancestry. This leader was able to restore a sense of meaning in younger Black folks by teaching them about the great Black history American textbooks omit.

To add more meaning to our own communities, though, we must begin to cultivate a culture of meaning.

Cultures of meaning encourage folks to seek out purpose, storytelling, belonging, or transcendence.

Cultures of meaning look like The Future Project, in which adults work as “Dream Directors” in schools to guide adolescents toward lifelong goals. They help them map out the steps to pursue those goals, therefore leading them toward a purpose.

The Aspen Institute’s Weave Project aims to combat American individualism by aiding those in strengthening their own communities. Their landing page states: “As humans, we long for honest, deep connection. Weavers make the effort to build those connections and make others feel valued.” In this, weavers exemplify those who seek belonging.

Finding your own pillar of meaning can give you guidance toward the direction your life can take. Meaning gives you a big-picture outlook on life, and life is long. Why not work toward something special?

Gabrielle Smith is a Brooklyn-based poet and writer. She writes about love/sex, mental illness, and intersectionality. You can keep up with her on Twitter and Instagram.

Finding Your 'Pillar Of Meaning' Could Be The Key to Lasting Mental Health (2024)

FAQs

What are the pillars that contribute to mental health? ›

So, how exactly do you not only achieve positive mental health but also maintain it? Well, there are four key pillars of mental health and wellness. There are four pillars of public health, which are physical health, emotional health, cognitive health, and social health.

What are the 4 pillars of meaning making? ›

In her book, Smith divides the quest for meaning into four pillars: belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence.

What are the three main pillars of meaning in life? ›

The three types of meaning that emerged are coherence, significance, and purpose. I explain each of these and offer some practical steps you can take forward via personal examples, questions to dig deeper, and activities with your VIA strengths.

What are the 4 pillars of wellbeing? ›

While the concept of wellbeing encompasses various aspects of life, there are four key pillars that form the foundation of overall wellbeing: mental, physical, social, and financial.

What are the 4 pillars of health? ›

Experts widely consider exercise, good nutrition, relaxation and sleep crucial to healthy living. While these so-called “four pillars” of good health help keep your body running, they also do wonders for your emotional well-being.

What is the key of mental health? ›

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better.

What are the 4 pillars code? ›

The four pillars of OOPS (object-oriented programming) are Inheritance, Polymorphism, Encapsulation and Data Abstraction.

What does the pillar symbolize? ›

The pillar is the bridge between HEAVEN and EARTH, the vertical axis which both unites and divides these two realms. It is closely connected to the symbolism of the TREE; it also represents stability, and a broken pillar represents death and mortality.

What is 4 pillars concept? ›

These four pillars are inheritance, polymorphism, abstraction, and encapsulation. Inheritance is the cornerstone of the 4 pillars of Oops and allows for code reuse by taking advantage of the existing functionality in parent classes.

What does you are a pillar in my life mean? ›

: someone or something that gives support or help during difficult times. My husband was my/a pillar of strength during my mother's illness.

What is the key to a meaningful life? ›

Affirm the meaning of life — Believe that life has intrinsic meaning and value. Value connection — Be engaged with people who matter to you. Serve something greater than you — Practice altruism & self-transcendence. Develop a sense of meaning and purpose — Pursue a life goal as a calling.

What are the most important pillars of life? ›

What are the 5 pillars of life? The five pillars of life are essential to achieving success and leading a balanced life. These five pillars are health, family, finances, work, and play. Each of these aspects is important in its own right and needs to be given attention to achieve success.

What are the four pillars of mental health? ›

Social interaction, emotional regulation and cognitive and physical fitness are key components and pillars of mental health. When you care for each of the pillars, you can experience improved moods and well-being.

What are the 4 pillars of life? ›

The DLA resilience model has four pillars: mental, physical, social and spiritual; balancing these four components help strengthen your life. Mental: The ability to effectively cope with mental stressors and challenges. Pay attention to your needs and feelings. Our thoughts control our energy.

What is the pillar of emotional health? ›

Health Pillar #3: Emotional health. Emotional health is often seen as the ability to cope with life's challenges and maintain a positive outlook. However, emotional health is about more than just resilience. It is also about having a deep understanding of one's emotions and being able to express them in a healthy way.

What are the 4 pillars of mental capacity? ›

Principle 1 – A presumption of capacity. Principle 2 – The right to be supported when making decisions. Principle 3 – An unwise decision cannot be seen as a wrong decision. Principle 4 – Best interests must be at the heart of all decision making.

What are the 4 pillars of healthy mind? ›

The Center for Healthy Minds has created a new scientific framework for understanding how human flourishing can be nurtured consisting of four pillars of well-being: awareness, connection, insight, and purpose.

What are the 4 pillars of mental resilience? ›

Resilience is the ability to function well in the face of adversity. The DLA resilience model has four pillars: mental, physical, social and spiritual; balancing these four components help strengthen your life. Mental: The ability to effectively cope with mental stressors and challenges.

What are the three pillars of mental health counseling? ›

For example, mental flexibility, mindfulness, and resilience are often cited as the three pillars of well-being.

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