In this episode, Dr. Jeff Taekman shares a profound moment atop the bluffs of Bodega Bay, California, that leads him to explore the concept of existential wellness. He delves into the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life beyond measurable metrics like sleep and diet.
Highlighting the impact of existential wellness on overall health, he cites research showing that a strong sense of purpose can lead to measurable health benefits. Jeff offers practical ways to integrate existential wellness into daily life through 'microdoses of meaning,' and emphasizes that wellness involves living meaningfully within life's uncertainties.
He sets the stage for the next episode on social wellness, connecting personal meaning to our relationships and community.
Links
Map Your Existential Wellness (and the other 8 dimensions) using the Comprehensive Nine Dimension Wellness Assessment
Citations
* Alimujiang A, Wiensch A, Boss J, et al. Association Between Life Purpose and Mortality Among US Adults Older Than 50 Years. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(5):e194270.
* Kim ES, Shiba K, Boehm JK, et al. Sense of Purpose in Life and Subsequent Physical, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Health: An Outcome-Wide Approach. Am J Health Promot. 2021;35(8):1042-1051.
* Sutin AR, Stephan Y, Terracciano A. The Benefits of a Sense of Purpose in Life for Healthier Cognitive Aging. GeroScience. 2022;44(5):2383-2391.
00:00 Existential Wellness
00:11 Awe on the Bluffs of Bodega Bay
01:20 Why the Existential Dimension Matters
02:31 The Science of Purpose
03:40 A Doctor’s Turning Point
04:50 Microdoses of Meaning
06:07 A Compass for the Nine Dimensions
06:47 Bringing Purpose into Everyday Life
07:58 Three Practices for the Week
09:04 Living with Mystery
09:54 Next Up: Social Wellness
10:32 OUTRO
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