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Finding Meaning in Life: Science-Backed Pathways

Discover how coherence, purpose, mattering, and experiential appreciation create a meaningful life. Learn science-backed ways to find daily fulfillment.

MISTY PRATT
Jul 27, 2025
2 min read(388 words)
Finding Meaning in Life: Science-Backed Pathways

What Makes Life Meaningful? A Psychological Perspective

For centuries, philosophers and scientists have explored what gives life meaning. Modern psychology identifies four core components that contribute to meaningful living:

  1. Coherence - Seeing your life as orderly and understandable
  2. Purpose - Being driven by meaningful goals and values
  3. Existential Mattering - Believing your existence has significance
  4. Experiential Appreciation - Valuing and savoring daily experiences

The Power of Experiential Appreciation

Recent research published in Nature Human Behaviour reveals that appreciating everyday moments is equally important as the other three components for creating meaning. Texas A&M professor Joshua Hicks and colleagues found:

  • People who practice experiential appreciation report higher life meaning
  • Simple daily moments can be as meaningful as major life events
  • This appreciation can be cultivated through mindfulness

7 Key Findings from the Research:

  1. Appreciation during COVID-19 predicted greater meaning beyond other factors
  2. Researchers developed a scale to measure experiential appreciation
  3. Daily journaling about meaningful moments increased perceived meaning
  4. Recalling appreciated past events boosted current sense of meaning
  5. Awe-inspiring videos (like Planet Earth) enhanced appreciation
  6. Writing about appreciated experiences increased meaning more than control tasks
  7. Appreciation creates confidence that life is worth living

Practical Ways to Cultivate Meaning Daily

Mindfulness Practices

  • Savor small moments like meals or conversations
  • Practice present-moment awareness
  • Keep a gratitude journal

Awe-Inspiring Experiences

  • Watch nature documentaries
  • Visit scenic locations
  • Stargaze or observe natural wonders

Daily Habits for Meaning

  1. Start each day with intention
  2. Notice and appreciate small joys
  3. Reflect on meaningful connections
  4. Engage in activities aligned with your values

The Connection Between Awe and Meaning

While big awe experiences (like seeing the James Webb telescope images) are powerful, Hicks notes:

  • Daily small appreciations matter more for sustained meaning
  • Awe helps put problems in perspective ("small self" effect)
  • Nature connection is particularly meaningful

Future Research Directions

Scientists plan to further study:
- How nature connectedness boosts meaning
- The role of mindfulness in appreciation
- Cultural differences in meaning-making

The Takeaway: Meaning Is Always Accessible

As Hicks concludes, "Experiential appreciation is a primary source of meaning that's available to us at any moment." By practicing awareness and appreciation of our daily experiences, we can cultivate a richer, more meaningful life.

MISTY PRATT

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