My blog today is about a subject that is not normally talked about – perhaps only in a group or with a therapist, 
and I would like to address it with you today.
Lack of Meaning
I see and hear so much of having no meaning in life whether said overtly or covertly. Victor Frankl (a Psychologist and Psychotherapist) called the feeling of emptiness, meaningless or purposelessness, the “existential vacuum”. This often results from a lack of connection to yourself and something larger than yourself.
The art of dying
It has been said that most of us can struggle with the “inner kill” – the art of dying without knowing it! You can feel stuck in a kind of vocational quicksand – not challenged by meaningless tasks.
It seems like you are – stuck in ‘couldn’t go or stay’. There is no compelling reason to get up in the morning. Nothing is growing or changing. Life continues at the same petty pace day in, day out. In this place, your talents and gifts are sleeping.
You are quite simply bored with yourself and your life. You are not living – only existing! It’s a living death to be here! This is the art of dying!!
No wonder there is so much mental ill-health around nowadays, and also addictions as we search for meaning and connection with ourselves.
Fear
I am sure you know what stops you from choosing and taking action, and being visible to yourself and the world. It is fear. It is fear of failure, of success, of rejection, of disappointment or even unconscious fears you don’t even know you have! And even of finding out that life is meaningless – has no purpose!!
Courage
What frees you is having the Courage to deal with your inner life. It doesn’t mean that you’re not afraid – it means, in spite of your fear, you do it anyway. And courage also means coming from your heart. It’s the willingness to stop, face yourself and break through the limitations and pretences you have put on yourself, and take action for the greater good.
I would suggest that you find someone or some people you trust and who can support you to find courage to choose faith over fear, faith in yourself, in others and in life. So don’t play small, safe or to heed that voice that says “What’s the point so carry on as usual”. It is about going on your own spiritual journey.
BY BEING WHO YOU ARE, ENCOURAGES OTHERS TO SAY A DEEPER ‘YES’ TO THAT QUIET ORDINARINESS IN US THAT LIES JUST BEHIND YOUR POSTURES OF BEING SOMEONE SPECIAL!!
I would love to hear your comments.
Powerful post Irene that touches me deeply as I just learned about the sudden death of someone. We never know…
And I wholeheartedly agree with you: “What frees you is having the Courage to deal with your inner life.” If someone reading this lacks meaning or feels bored I share Irene’s love: take action now, you never know…
Thank you, Patricia, for your kind words and the support of my work. Love Irene x
You know I am all too familiar with the feelings you are talking about. I have mastered the Art of Dying really rather well. I think you can do it for years without even noticing. Yes it is fear that holds you back but it can also be depression. I think I have experienced both and still do from time to time. It takes courage to get out of the pit but also sometimes sheer persistence trying different things to let the connection back in. I’m still a work in progress! Lovely post as ever.
Thanks, Jenny, for your lovely comments and your honesty about yourself. AND I love this work in progress xx