02 Mar Happiness, meaning and purpose – using the 4 D’s
I’m pleased to bring you this interesting and happiness relevant article from Psychology Today…
Many people desire more meaning, purpose, and calling in life. Spiritual and religious perspectives help to provide at least some answers to questions of meaning, purpose, and a sense of calling and vocation. Many people find that their spiritual and religious beliefs, traditions, and community help to frame these existential questions and issues in a way that provides direction as well as solace and peace of mind.
My colleague at Santa Clara University, Professor Diane Dreher, and I recently published a chapter in an edited book of mine entitled, “Spirit, Science and Health: How the Spiritual Mind Fuels Physical Wellness (2007, Praeger/Greenwood) that offers a “calling protocol.” It uses the principles from the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius (founder of the Jesuits) to help people develop a better sense of vocation, calling, and purpose in their lives.
The calling protocol highlights the four D’s: discovery, detachment, discernment, and direction. Discovery refers to the development of a better understanding of personal strengths or gifts. The positive psychology literature refers to these as “signature strengths.” Getting a solid appreciation of one’s gifts can then be used to determine how these gifts can best be enlisted to improve one’s sense of meaning and purpose. For example, social skills, the ability to counsel others, musical talents, and organization skills are just a few examples of possible gifts or strengths that can be employed to improve quality of life and help find one’s calling and vocation. It is important to have a realistic understanding of our gifts to maximize the odds that they can be used effectively.
Read more, and find happiness through meaning and purpose – click here