Huntington Beach City School District

The theme of this month’s Mindfulness Monthly Memo is “Meaningful May.” This theme highlights the importance of feeling connected to something greater than oneself and developing a sense of purpose. Research suggests that individuals experience greater well-being and authenticity by discovering personal purpose and meaning. 

Psychologist Steven Heine, in his book Start Making Sense, writes, “When people feel they are leading a meaningful life, their lives make more sense to them.” While the search for meaning is a natural human process, it is often overshadowed by distractions such as social media, TV binge-watching, and other sources of superficial gratification. In reality, finding meaning is a deeply personal experience shaped culture, life experiences, and reflection. 

Three primary factors that influence a meaningful life include having close personal relationships and communities, engaging in purposeful work, and feeling connected to something beyond oneself. Below are seven tips, based on Heine’s work, to help cultivate a more meaningful life:

1. Ground yourself in your personal values: Reflect on what matters most to you and why. A clear understanding of your values provides a strong foundation for meaning.

2. Use nostalgia to reflect on your life: Look through old photos, listen to your old favorite songs, or go through old keepsakes to recall past experiences. Connect your current life to past experiences and reflect on how they shaped who you are today. 

3. Pursue self-transcendent experiences: Engage in activities that connect you to something larger, such as observing nature, practicing meditation, or appreciating art.

4. Enhance your relationships: Invest time in meaningful connections with family, friends, or community groups. These relationships are a key source of purpose and belonging.

5. Find meaning and purpose in your work: Whether through your career, volunteering, or learning opportunities, contributing to something beyond yourself can foster meaning.

6. Seek psychologically rich experiences: Explore new activities, perspectives, or environments that challenge your thinking and promote personal growth.

7. Recognize your own heroic journey: Reflect on the obstacles you have overcome and how you overcame them to find a sense of meaning. 

Appendix
Suttie, J. (2025, February 18). Seven Ways to Bring More Meaning to Your Life. Greater Good.