Many have this need or desire, a longing to be part of something bigger than themselves. The science of happiness or the field of positive psychology refers to this idea of virtue as #transcendence. What is transcendence and what does it have to do with happiness?
People are seeking happiness but don't know where or how to find it? They are looking for something but unsure of what they are looking for? They, maybe you feel that you're empty inside. Many feel tired. Like life is dragging them down with a feeling as if life is passing them or possibly passing you by. Part of this emptiness may be because you are looking for a sense of purpose, a reason, so basic to be enough just to get out of bed in the morning. We all need to feel that we matter. That there is a reason we are even alive.
Transcendence is also about rising above your normal day-to-day worries and concerns. It's a feeling of elevation, of being inspired. You might feel it when you look up at the stars and think about how small you are compared to the universe. Maybe when you're in nature, when listening to beautiful music, or watching your child asleep that's when you sleep into this feeling associated with transcendence.
Principle of Positive Psychology that Works!
As a health and wellness coach, it is important to help others improve their lives. I could willy nilly guess at ways to help others improve their lives or I can stand on both the shoulders of modern giants of modern positive psychology and those going back for more than 4,000 years. To ancient Greeks, monks, spiritual and philosophy leaders. For me, I have to take a few things into consideration.
First, it has to work. The principals have to be sound. They have to be simple. That doesn't necessarily mean easy to accomplish or change. It simply means the idea has to make sense to those I'm trying to explain it to. The individuals need to apply them to their lives. and what better way to know if your principles are sound than to look at the science behind them. So, stepping back into the science of positive psychology what are the character strengths associated with transcendence and how can we utilize them to improve our sense of well-being?
Character Strengths of the Virtue of Transcendence
If you've been following along over the past few weeks, you know in positive psychology, the VIA Institute has identified 24 different character strengths categorized under 7 virtues. You can also find more of my writing on character strengths here. Under transcendence, we have the following character strengths: spirituality, perspective, creativity, appreciation of beauty and excellence, gratitude, hopefulness. Let's take a look at each one and discuss how we can find a creative way to implement them into our daily lives.
Spirituality
If you're struggling to find purpose or meaning in your life as many people are today spirituality is a great way to help you gain a sense of transcendence.
However, spirituality is not necessarily about going to church more often or memorizing religious scriptures even though for some those acts may be a part of it. Spirituality is more of a belief system that you can implement into your life. You get to decide what spirituality means for you and develop it in a way that works for you.
A person with spirituality actively searches for new information on how they can improve themselves from the inside out. They don't believe that they know everything and are always looking to learn and grow. They take an interest in their own development and the development of others. They see life as a journey with many opportunities for growth and change.
That overarching theme
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