Finding Meaning in Times of Crisis

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is defined as transformation following trauma. It is a theory that was developed by psychologists Richard Tedeschi, PhD, and Lawrence Calhoun, PhD, in the mid-1990s. 

"People develop new understandings of themselves, the world they live in, how to relate to other people, the kind of future they might have and a better understanding of how to live life." - Richard Tedeschi, PhD 

PTG implies an ability to grow in meaningful and positive ways, a transformation that brings a deeper appreciation for life, and a sense of purpose following a traumatic experience.

Resiliency on the other hand, is the ability to “bounce back” or recover from adversity, stress, or challenging life situations. It requires an individual to use coping mechanisms in order to return to their baseline functioning after facing difficulties.

There are two traits that help experience greater PTG, according to Tedeschi. Those traits are openness to experience and extraversion. Extraversion is beneficial in the sense that people are more likely to seek out connections with others than to stay isolated, and isolation puts you at a greater risk for mental health challenges. Individuals in late adolescence and early adulthood also seem to have an increase in PTG comparatively to other age groups.

Moreover, according to Sarah Lowe, PhD what predicts PTG is positive personality traits like optimism and future orientation.

“If a lotus is to grow, it needs to be rooted in the mud. Compassion is born from understanding suffering.” - Thich Nhat Hanh.

The Lotus Flower is a symbol of awakening in Zen Buddhism. The roots of a lotus flower grow in muddy water. The meaning we can find from this beautiful flower is that we can be in touch with our pain in order to transform it. When we can bring elements of mindfulness in everyday life, we are able to grow and find a sense of freedom and clarity. Pain is unavoidable, but we can develop wisdom, resilience and compassion when we are able to meet our circumstances with non-attachment. Without pain, we wouldn't know happiness. It is a lesson of humility and impermanence, and appreciation for life's challenges.

"No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering" is a book written by the Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh.

It is important to remember that we cannot grow from adversity by minimizing our pain or the impact of the loss. It must first be felt and acknowledged before we can create meaning out of our challenges.

Finding Meaning

People, according to self-determination theory, have three innate psychological needs that are directly tied to health and wellbeing: need for competence, need for relatedness and need for autonomy. When we are able to meet those three fundamental needs, that is when we achieve a greater sense of accomplishment and self-actualization according to the Pyramid of Maslow.

Frankl proposed that meaning in life can be discovered in three ways:

1. By creating a work or accomplishing some task.

2. By experiencing something fully or loving somebody.

3. By the attitude that one adopts toward unavoidable suffering.

Meaning has 3 components (George & Park, 2016) : 

1. Comprehension, or the degree to which people perceive a sense of coherence and understanding regarding their own lives.

2. Purpose, or the extent to which people experience life as being directed and motivated by valued life goals.

3. Mattering, or the degree to which people feel their existence is significant, important, and of value to the world. 

According to Martela & Steger (2016), meaning in life involves three main components:

1. Significance : You feel significant when you can contribute or make a difference. Breaking down the word significance — a “SIGN” of importance.

2. Purpose : Having a direction in life or core goals makes you experience purpose.

3. Coherence : describes the connection between the past, present, and future. More in-depth coherence means our own understanding and construction of the world.

Frankl believed that finding a purpose and taking responsibility for ourselves and other human beings would bring meaning to our lives. We create meaning out of both positive and negative experiences. What is the meaning you want to give to your life? 

With these words I leave you with one of my favourite poems : 

“Cure yourself with the light of the sun and the rays of the moon.

With the sound of the river and the waterfall.

With the swaying of the sea and the fluttering of birds.

Heal yourself with mint, with neem and eucalyptus.

Sweeten yourself with lavender, rosemary, and chamomile.

Hug yourself with the cocoa bean and a touch of cinnamon.

Put love in tea instead of sugar, and take it looking at the stars.

Heal yourself with the kisses that the wind gives you and the hugs of the rain.

Get strong with bare feet on the ground and with everything that is born from it.

Get smarter every day by listening to your intuition, looking at the world with the eye of your forehead.

Jump, dance, sing, so that you live happier.

Heal yourself, with beautiful love, and always remember: you are the medicine.”

-Maria Sabina