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The Zone Beyond Yourself
In one African myth the word for God is even identical with skill and capacity. The Godhead is defined as that thing which appears in man as the mystery of an unusual skill or capacity. It is something divine, a spark of the divinity in him, not his own possession or achievement, but a miracle.
— Marie-Louise von Franz
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….there’s a difference between happiness and meaning in life.
In fact, according to modern day philosopher Emily Esfahani Smith, chasing happiness can actually make us unhappy.
Psychologists define happiness as a state of comfort and feeling good in the moment. Meaning, though, is deeper.
Psychologist Martin Seligman says meaning comes from belonging to and serving something beyond yourself and developing the best within you.
While our culture is obsessed with happiness, Smith says that seeking meaning is a more fulfilling path.
Purpose gives you something to live for and to drive you forward.
Stepping beyond yourself:
This is about “transcendence”. These are states where you are lifted above yourself, away from the hustle and bustle of life and you feel connected to a higher reality.
