“Life, Death, Suffering, Love, and Work” are general topics that assist clients in discovering and uncovering a new awareness and recognition of meaning in the past and present moments, as well as meaningful opportunities and possibilities that are still available for future moments. Discovering meaning in these aspects of life will enhance their sense of integrity, their dignity and their belief in the worthiness of life and existence.
“Life, Death, Suffering, Love, and Work” can be explored with clients in counseling sessions, or as part of a “Logo-Legacy Project” or “Meaning-Legacy Project”—a compilation of logos (Meaning) as a legacy of our life. To create a memento of clients’ Meaningful Life, clinicians can write down or record the answers to questions; clients can also transcribe their answers, make a video as a documentary, or find other creative ways to keep track of their responses. If clients do not have living family members, clinicians can act as witnesses of their lives and acknowledge the meaningful contributions they have made, and that they will continue to make.
The Meaning of Life, Suffering, Death, Love, and Work topics were inspired by Viktor Frankl’s existential analysis themes. The Meaning of Spirit, Peace, and Laughter topics were inspired by Lexie Brockway Potamkin’s book series: What is Spirit, What is Peace, What is Laughter, What is Death, What is Love. Frankl believed that happiness cannot be pursued directly, and that when we try to directly pursue it, we are bound to fail; however, happiness ensues as a byproduct of discovering meaning or doing the next right thing.
( From: Trauma Treatment – Healing the Whole Person, Dezelic & Ghanoum, 2016, p.93-97)
Clinicians can say: I am going to read you some questions to think about; imagine you are asking these questions of yourself.
Meaning of Life:
What is the “Meaning of Life” for me?
What situations/circumstances, experiences, creativity, and attitudes throughout life have brought me meaning, purpose, and significance?
When have I discovered “after the fact” Meaning regarding a situation that appeared meaningless, difficult, or even traumatic/tragic?
What is my concept or understanding of an Ultimate Meaning of life?
When have I said “ despite any and all inherent difficulties of the human condition?
What brings me Meaning in Life right now?
What would I like to do or see that would bring me Meaning in Life now, and in the coming days?
What is one statement I would want to share with others about the Meaning of Life?
Read more About:
Meaning of Suffering:
Meaning of Death:
Meaning of Love:
Meaning of Work:
Meaning of Spirit
Meaning of Peace
Meaning of Laughter
Meaning of Happiness
Final Thoughts