The philosophical movement called existentialism began its formation in the 30s of the last century. The founder is considered to be the Danish writer Søren Kierkegaard. In many ways, his ideas were consonant with Kant’s, but they diverged mainly: Kierkegaard did not consider ethical standards to be self-sufficient. A person, in his opinion, should strive for God and bear responsibility for his every action.
Being a religious philosopher, S. Kierkegaard does not consider the adoption of faith merely a tribute to tradition, but a free, conscious choice , which must be achieved through certain stages. The philosopher considered rational knowledge to be less important than the attitude of the individual to his existence.
Why are we experiencing an existential crisis?
Most often this happens when we begin to reflect on our purpose in life. Due to regular routines and monotonous work environment, we become dissatisfied with our lives and start wondering why we keep working so much? Where is all this going? What do I get out of life after all this work?
This raises many significant and profound questions, such as:
- What is life? – What is my goal? – Why do I exist?
Existential thoughts begin to arise and the person ponders all sorts of personal questions.
What is a sense of life? Why live on? These thoughts can be explained by Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy explains that people are driven by five basic needs. These are psychology, safety, love, respect and self-realization. In the last part, self-actualization is the existential crisis part of discovering your purpose.
Epicurus of Samos
Self-improvement through searching for answers to existential questions is a topic of concern not only to modern specialists. The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, for example, considered the main human fear to be the fear of losing life. It was to this topic that he devoted most of his work, pursuing a noble goal: to help mere mortals survive their main fear.
Epicurus of Samos saw his task in helping his neighbors strive to achieve the highest goal in life - to be happy. Considering pleasure to be the main condition for achieving happiness, the great philosopher of antiquity put into this concept a meaning that is completely unconventional for modern man. Pleasure in the understanding of Epicurus lies in the absence of physical and mental suffering, that is, it has nothing to do with debauchery, gluttony and the satisfaction of ambitions.
What is existentialism?
This is a branch of philosophy that studies the nature of human existence. It is a philosophy rooted in the subjective aspects of thinking, feeling, purpose and living on our own terms, free from the barriers of external thinking.
Existentialists believe that there is no fixed design or universal creator. They believe that meaning is found through accepting existence.
In essence, people are free and responsible for their lives. This is the philosophy of free will.
The philosophy of existentialism began in Europe with the New Thought movement and became popular through great thinkers such as Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus and Kierkegaard.
They proposed that humans are independent, conscious beings capable of great things, without the labels, roles and restrictions that society places on us.
It is a philosophy of empowerment and independence. Through this philosophy and nihilism, Nietzsche suggested that this was the key to superhuman strength.
Existentialist philosophers
A. Camus is a Nobel laureate who did not consider his views existential at all. However, the influence of Jaspers and other adherents of this philosophy is clearly visible in his work. True, Camus was alien to religiosity, although he did not consider himself an atheist. He was just not satisfied with escaping from reality in the hope of a better life “over there.” Without trying to fight the absurdity of the world around him, he suggested accepting it as a given. He embodied the struggle for the best in his creativity, and although he did not deny rebellions, he was against their extreme manifestations.
N. Abbagnano is the author of the “positive” existential view. Fully accepting freedom, he believed that there was always an option that was “healthy.” He turned typical reproaches against this movement into positive aspects, with the help of which it is easier to understand the rational world. The main conditions of human existence are freedom and uncertainty.
K. Jaspers - created clear formulations for this philosophical movement. He perceived cognition not as passive observation, but as a continuous process, the center of which is the personality itself. Abstract concepts in his formulations became very pathetic. A new look at philosophy turned suffering and death into its indivisible part.
M. Heidegger is his man - the hero of a tragic story. Real life becomes the antithesis of banality, an attempt to escape thoughts about the finitude of existence. In this existential world there is no place for compromises, deceptions, or illusions. His freedom goes in everything to the end - until death.
G. Marcel is the first representative of the existential philosophical movement originally from France. He was a very religious Catholic, a humanist. In addition to working as a literary critic, he composed music. In philosophy, he separated the concepts of being and owning something. He assigned a special role to the human body, considering it not only an object of possession, but also an integral part of existence. He saw the soul as an ideal form of existence.
J.P. Sartre - adhered to atheistic views. Created his own concept of freedom. I saw it as an integral part of human existence. Sartre denied inaction; his Personality constantly creates itself. The world around us has no value in itself; only awareness and choice make it “being.”
Signs You're Currently Experiencing an Existential Crisis
Unfortunately, experiencing an existential crisis can bring up unpleasant feelings. This can make you feel lost and depressed. Your general mood becomes melancholic.
People experiencing an existential crisis feel like they no longer know who they are. They feel powerless and struggle to find motivation. It became a global phenomenon involving record numbers of people.
You feel empty
This can often come from feeling unimportant. The universe is so big that it's easy to feel small.
This creates insecurity within us. When we are born and experience the world at a young age, we enjoy the pleasures and adventures that the universe has to offer.
We just love to climb trees and run through fields.
It's only when we get older and take on responsibility that we begin to question everything.
Learning to cope with the experience of an existential crisis will ultimately help us grow, but for now it is very difficult.
We stop having fun and become more objective about how we spend our time and how we fit into the world.
You feel powerless
When we are young, there is a feeling that the Universe is always working for us, and not against us. The Universe is our friend and mentor.
As we get older, we face new challenges and financial responsibilities, and life becomes more complex. There is more pressure from society and from people to do something with our lives.
The playful relationship with the universe has ended and it begins to seem like it is working against us. We begin to feel that something is being imposed on us. Other people now control our time and our lives.
This makes us feel a strong sense of powerlessness. It's no longer about the entertainment, but how we fit into the experience.
Is all this really worth it? Many people going through an existential crisis don’t feel like this is the case.
You feel completely different from others
Some people do not suffer from existential thinking and can easily live their lives. No matter what they are going through, they can easily focus on their tasks.
However, when you are in the midst of an existential crisis, it takes over your entire life. You constantly feel different. You constantly ponder the existence and immensity of everything.
Because it is such a difficult experience, you are left with a constant feeling of emptiness and powerlessness. It becomes part of your daily emotional makeup. You always feel completely different from others.
Your past achievements seem meaningless
Experiencing a real threat tends to put your life in quite a harsh perspective.
In the grand scheme of the Universe, any big things we achieve in our lives tend to become insignificant and small.
We think, “What did I really do that made a difference in the world?” Many people think so. However, those experiencing an existential crisis feel even worse because they see less meaning in everything.
The problem is that we compare our achievements to the greatness of the Universe. How can you compete with something incomprehensible?
Maybe an existential crisis is a good sign
Although it may seem counterintuitive, a personal crisis may actually be a good sign for you. As Nietzsche said:
"What doesn't kill me makes me stronger."
Going through the experience of analyzing and figuring out yourself and your role in the Universe as much as possible will only lead to even greater growth and personal enlightenment.
You become more connected to yourself. You begin to explore your inner truth and can begin to discover your purpose in life.
The metamorphosis you experience can be positive if you allow yourself to be open to the process. You can change your perspective to a new, healthier one when you learn to accept and appreciate darkness.
You understand that there is no good without bad. When you learn this and begin to accept it, you will become stronger.
As a result, you become more resilient and empowered. What once seemed impossible is now a thing of the past.
This is an opportunity to learn and grow. Discover your values, meaning, passions and motivations.
Methods, techniques, techniques
It is impossible to clearly name the methods of existential psychotherapy, since for each new client the specialist “invents” a special approach to treatment. Therefore, in her arsenal there is a wide selection of techniques and techniques with the help of which a person is brought to light from the dark depths of his own consciousness. As a rule, they are borrowed from other areas:
- manifestation of creative potential through art therapy techniques (depending on the client’s abilities);
- transference and countertransference from Gestalt therapy (work in a team of a client and an existential psychotherapist);
- journaling, distancing, empirical experiments, reappraisal, decentering, decatastrophizing, targeted repetition, procrastination - methods of cognitive therapy;
- role-playing training aimed at acting out and understanding a problem situation from within - from behavioral psychotherapy;
- question-and-answer technique, conversation, pronunciation - the basis of a positive direction;
- bioenergetic psychoanalysis, biodynamics, insight therapy are borrowed from body-oriented psychotherapy.
This is not the entire list of methods and techniques. Despite the fact that 90% of the tools are borrowed from other directions, the arsenal also has its own techniques that allow you to work with the basic concepts of existentialism.
Techniques for working with death awareness:
- “permission to endure” - open discussion of topics about death;
- defense mechanisms - correction of naive views on death;
- dream analysis;
- constant but correct reminders of the fragility of existence;
- deepening awareness of the inevitability of death through auxiliary techniques (writing your own obituary, detailed presentation of your funeral);
- decreased sensitivity to the fear of death, which is given in doses at sessions;
- semantic revaluation of death, search for positive aspects in it.
Techniques for working with personal freedom of choice and responsibility for it:
- admitting one's own guilt;
- awareness of shirking responsibility;
- overcoming boundaries and prohibitions;
- working with conscience, feelings of guilt for making the wrong choice;
- releasing one's own desires;
- decision-making facilitation: every action is preceded by a choice.
Techniques for working with insulation:
- an independently made decision to completely isolate yourself from communication for a while;
- overcoming the contradiction between the need for communication and existential isolation;
- learning the “language of intimacy” - developing automatic skills for expressing feelings;
- establishing a trusting relationship between client and psychotherapist.
Techniques for working with the lack of meaning of being:
- redefining the problem of meaninglessness;
- overcoming anxiety;
- involvement in life;
- establishing and maintaining authentic relationships.
Depending on the identified problem, the psychotherapist may choose a specific block of techniques, or may sequentially include individual moments from them in sessions.
How to overcome an existential crisis
When we discover our existential purpose, we can begin the healing process. Our place in the universe seems a little larger, and we begin to feel more content. We no longer feel like our energy is being depleted.
Here are some ways to find your purpose and overcome an existential crisis.
Create a gratitude journal and write down your thoughts
Being grateful is the key to happiness. When we are more grateful in life, we don't feel the need to acquire more things to be happy.
We just naturally appreciate everything. So, we need to pay more attention to our gratitude. We need to plan this like any other task during the day because it is just as important.
Starting a gratitude journal is the best way to begin your gratitude journey.
- 10 Benefits of Gratitude Proven by Science
If you don't know how to keep a journal, that's okay. There's nothing complicated about it. Just start writing down what you are grateful for and why. Let it all come naturally and don't think about it too much.
The best time to journal is early in the morning, when you are alert and focused, and in the evening before bed.
You may be a little more tired after the day, but you validate your thoughts right before you drift off to normal sleep, which is when your subconscious mind really starts working. So, make it positive and uplifting!
Touch nature
A hike in the woods or park is a fantastic way to clear your mind and connect with nature. You can begin to appreciate the beautiful simplicity of the universe again.
Admire a beautiful forest, lake or waterfall. Remove all distractions, such as your phone or tablet, and simply learn to be alone with yourself outdoors. Reconnect with your soul and your inner child.
When we can return to our original nature and simply learn to be ourselves, we become more aware. Clarity begins to emerge and we no longer experience social obstacles, restrictions, or distractions.
We step outside of ourselves and see our problems from a distance, rather than feeling stuck in a hole that we can't get out of. Connect with nature and connect with yourself.
Start practicing self-care
An existential crisis can have detrimental effects on our thinking and emotions. We need to start treating ourselves easier. Self-care is very important in this process.
To overcome melancholy and confusion, we must show some self-love. There are many ways to do this.
Practice healthy sleep. Try to get as much sleep as possible. Cognitive function is much better when your body and brain are rested.
Practice healthy eating. Watch what you eat. Eat healthy foods. Eating fatty fried foods or fast food without healthy nutrients naturally depresses us.
Treat yourself. A spa day is recommended for women. For men, go to a sporting event or watch a good movie. Getting out of the environment is good for mental health.
Move. Regular exercise releases those happy endorphins, making you naturally feel better. If you're not ready to start jogging, just start walking and moving.
History, representatives
Humanistic psychology - brief and clear
Attention! Researchers cannot say for sure who was the founder of the new direction in the study of personality in psychology. Existentialism in psychology is associated with the ideas of B. Medard, L. Binswanger, R. May, A. Lenglet, K. Jaspers. In Russia, representatives of existential psychologists are F.I. Dostoevsky and L.N. Tolstoy.
Throughout the 19th century, existential psychology actively developed, and narrowly focused branches were formed, one of which is logotherapy. This is a type of psychotherapy, the founder of which is considered to be V. Frankl. As an existential psychologist, V. Frankl distinguished himself by the fact that he tested all the psychotherapeutic methods and techniques of this direction on himself. Classes with him helped clients find a way out of difficult life situations and find meaning in life.
