Meaning is an Eden Alternative Domain of Well-Being® defined as: significance, heart, hope, import, value, purpose, reflection and sacred.
Eden Alternative Principle Six is also about meaning. It states: Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. Meaning is unique to each of us and is essential to health and well-being.
Creating meaning takes a lifetime of effort. Meaning thrives and grows in moments of time. It is woven into our emotions, our feelings, and our need to be wanted and needed. Each individual experiences meaning in different ways. Meaning sometimes arises out of other life events, trying to rationalize trials and successes. Meaning can happen during the very act of searching for it. Regardless of our life situation, as humans it is something we are always seeking.
We also have the capacity to destroy meaning for ourselves and others. We can downplay the importance of an item, a story, a group of individuals, or an event. We can label and stigmatize. When we support others with a medical or institutional mindset, we can strip away the meaning of the care partnership. We can create physical environments that are meaningless to those who use the spaces. The destruction of meaning can happen with or without intention.
Think about the different sources of meaning, for instance:
• Words, gestures, facial expressions, symbols, emojis, birth, death, childhood, adulthood, elderhood, possessions, geography, friends, acquaintances, organizations joined or lack there of, job descriptions, what we hold ourselves and others accountable to (or not), what we read or watch or tune into on social media, hobbies, where we shop (or don’t shop), our appearance or even what car we drive.
• Meaning is sought by getting curious, asking questions, reflecting, listening to others, learning, new experiences, immersing ourselves in new situations.
• Meaning is practiced through rituals, routines, simple pleasures, engaging in things that make us feel better, healthier, more satisfied, and more connected.
The Eden Approach® to person-directed care infuses meaning into every corner, every act and every relationship. This way, all care partners share in a life worth living. Simple pleasures are brought to life for all. The rhythm of daily life is affirming and nurturing, drawing people together in meaningful ways. Meaning is generated because of the caring relationships we have nurtured with one another.
It might seem as though meaning, while important, is more of a ‘nice to have’ than a ‘need to have’ but research tells us something different.
Here is a quote from “Does purpose play a positive role in mental health?”, posted by Rosean Bishop, Ph.D., L.P. on March 15, 2023:
“Studies show that those with a purpose live longer, sleep better and have a more robust immune system, lower stress levels and better cognitive function. … people with a sense of purpose tend to take better care of themselves through exercise, healthy eating and addressing health issues when they arise. Lower stress levels mean less cortisol, a hormone that regulates the fight-or-flight response, is released into your system.”
Here is a quote from “More than job satisfaction,” American Psychological Associate, by Kristen Weir, December 2013:
“As one might imagine, meaningful work and job satisfaction are linked, says Steger. In his 2012 paper, he found that having meaningful work predicts job satisfaction. But meaningful work was actually better than job satisfaction at predicting absenteeism – people who found their work more meaningful were less likely to miss work than people who merely reported being satisfied with their jobs. Meaningful work was also correlated with life satisfaction and less depression. People who feel called to their careers are likely to find their work deeply meaningful, he says. Their personal connection with the job makes even the most trivial tasks feel significant. People also seem to find more value in their work when they’re using — and being appreciated for — their unique talents, he says. “Being able to use your strengths to really shine and make an impact seems to be a huge part” of meaningful work, he says.”
If you want to learn more about the connection between work and meaning in your life, check out the Work and Meaning Inventory created by Michael F. Steger.
Meaning is woven throughout your Eden Membership. You can choose Practices to implement that are meaningful and relevant to your care partnership(s) now.
How can you heighten your awareness of how you create and destroy meaning for yourself and others? How can you ensure the balance leans more toward creating rather than destroying meaning?
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