The search for life's deeper meaning is a timeless quest. Artists of all types have lent their creative energies to this pursuit, and existentialist philosophers and psychologists have made the human need for meaning a focal point of their work. We yearn to understand our purpose and to know that we have a place in the world and the universe. Yet many of us feel an internal struggle between experiences of life's deeper meaning and our daily routines, which we often perceive to be mundane necessities that do not speak to our larger purpose. We find it difficult to access deeper meaning in the midst of preparing reports for work, fixing dinner for the kids, and the countless other daily responsibilities we undertake. We are deeply inspired by a sunset we see on vacation or a movie we watch on Saturday night, but our sense of awe fizzles when we return home to "reality."  

How can we become more in touch with our deeper sense of meaning in our everyday lives? How can we incorporate this sense of meaning into our lives so that there's less of a separation between our deeply meaningful experiences and our "mundane reality”?

Below are some ways to begin bridging this gap. These strategies involve bringing yourself into a state of mindfulness in which you are aware of your immediate experience instead of always being lost in thoughts, plans, and worries. Some of them may sound commonsensical, but how many have you incorporated into your own life? They all take practice, so be gentle with yourself as you try them.

1. Begin to slow down. Our society has become so fast-paced that slowing down seems like a radical step. If we have the courage to reduce our pace, however, we leave room for some magical spontaneity that can help put us in touch with our deepest values. Here are some exercises that can help you slow down:

• Practice mindful eating. Try eating a meal or a snack very slowly, paying close attention to tastes, smells, sounds, and bodily sensations associated with eating. Turn off the TV and minimize conversation during the meal. Expand this exercise into a routine of sitting down at the table for an entire meal without media distractions.

• Transition mindfully. Each time you transition from one part of your day or from one activity to the next, see if you can pause to bring yourself into the present moment. Bring attention to your breath; notice the sights, sounds, and smells of your surroundings; and acknowledge the transition you are in the process of making. This is a particularly helpful practice for transitioning between work and home at the end of the day.

• Listen to your body. Every few hours, take a break from what you're doing to tune into the sensations in your body...

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© Copyright Betsy Hedberg. This article was originally published at our website, SoulfulLiving.com, in Dec. 2006, as part of Soulful Living's "Life's Deeper Meaning" Issue.

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