THE SIX FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN DESIRES
Meaning
Meaning helps us to make sense of life and find significance in life. It speaks to our desire to have a life filled with understanding and awareness, peace and satisfaction. Meaning gives us faith that within each moment of life there is some kernel of sacred truth--something important or worthwhile that can orient us, carry us forward, and help us to be well.
Purpose
Purpose grounds us, motivates us, unifies our life and directs us toward some ultimate concern around which we can shape our lives. It speaks to our desire to have a reason to get up for in the morning and go to sleep for at night, feeling as though we've done something important, something that matters. Purpose gives us faith that we have "miles to go before we sleep."
Value
Value helps us to determine what we give priority and precedence to, and what we pursue in life. It speaks to our desire to have something to work for, find deserving, invest in, and live by. Value gives us faith that there are certain things that we can always turn to and rely upon to point us in the right direction while ensuring that our integrity remains in tact.
Connection
Connection helps us relate to and form relationships with others and the world around us. It speaks to our desire to bond and belong, to have a type of familial warmth and security. Connection gives us faith in the power of possibility and community, availability and love.
Resilience
Resilience shows us how to flourish, not despite but because of adversity, in a way that actually improves rather than hurts our lives, and fortifies rather than weakens our spirit. It speaks to our desire to live fully, love deeply, and endure...everyday, come what may. Resilience gives us faith that life is always worth living.
Transcendence
Transcendence helps us to wake-up to the fullness life, to touch or experience something greater than our daily tasks and to-do lists, something truly sublime, extraordinary. It speaks to our desire for wonder and awe. Transcendence gives us faith that there are things in life that will always inspire, encourage, and excite us.