In this module we begin our exploration of the Big Questions. The purpose of this module is help you become comfortable with trying to answer these questions, even if you are still searching for answers.

• In Session 1, Finding your Starting Place, we begin to explore your sense of meaning in life and start our journey of exploration into the bigger existential questions.
• In Session 2, Your Big Why, we delve deeper into the Big Existential Questions, how they appear in life, and the ways in which they influence how we engage with clients.
• In Session 3, Inspiration, we use the analogy of inspiration as a tool to bring meaning down to scale and demonstrate how exploring what inspires us reveals what we find meaningful.
• Finally, in Session 4, Thinking Big, we consider the importance of planning so that we can take time to be in the presence of the Big Stuff in life.

In this module we shift our gaze to primary theories and research of meaning, a topic deeply personal to Dr. Steger. To remind us that theory and research are just fun ideas and words with a little bit of empirical oomph, Dr. Steger has worn a nice cozy sweater for this module…Enjoy!

• In Session 1, Three Dimensions of Meaning, we begin to explore the importance of theory and research, what meaning is, and how meaning emerges through three dimensions.
• In Session 2, Prime Research Findings, we examine the recent explosion of research in the field of meaning and purpose, and how theory and research can help practitioners build credibility within the field.
• In Session 3, Measuring Meaning, we explore reasons for measuring meaning, the benefits that assessments provide, and the two most commonly used assessment tools.
• Finally, in Session 4, Seeking and Finding Meaning, we look at the differences between seeking and finding meaning, the diverse ways in which people search, and how searching for meaning might lead to unexpected distress.

In this module we begin to examine one of the best tools we have for working with clients in a practical way to explore and develop meaning and purpose in their lives. Sources of meaning are based on the notion that there is something real in our lives that is meaningful to us. Here we begin to explore the treasure chest of important, interesting, and curious things we store away and contribute to making life better!

• In Session 1, Sources of Meaning, we explore what makes life meaningful (i.e., sources of meaning), the role of sources of meaning, approaches to exploring these, and common categories of sources.
• In Session 2, Assessing Sources of Meaning, we take another step in our exploration of sources of meaning and learn several ways to assess these.
• In Session 3, Common Sources of Meaning, we look at common themes that have emerged in research on meaning and how knowing these themes can help practitioners work more deeply with clients to explore meaning.
• Finally, in Session 4, The Photo Approach, we discuss six practical ways to use sources of meaning to uncover challenges and opportunities, and introduce the Photo Approach, a method which encapsulates all the lessons on sources of meaning we’ve talked about so far!

In this module we delve deeper into how we can use ourselves as a source of meaning and understand the various aspects of ourselves that can support meaning and purpose in our lives.

• In Session 1, Authenticity, we explore ideas and theories around ‘self’ and how connecting with our authentic or true self provides a firm foundation for meaning.
• In Session 2, The Social Self, we shift the focus to our social self, which is the partner to our true self. We explore how the challenges we experience when interacting with others can teach us about our authentic or true self.
• In Session 3, Values, we go inward to explore what’s truly important to us and how this is expressed through our values. We think about how to uncover values, including those we share with others.
• Finally, in Session 4, Strengths, we explore how using our strengths is a powerful tool for pursuing our values, which facilitates a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

To signpost where we are going, in Modules 5, 6, and 7 we take a turn toward time to bring meaning into sharper focus.

In this module, Module 5, Past Perfect, we begin our time traveling journey by exploring treasures from our pasts. In Module 6, Future Tense, we look at the future in different ways by exploring motivation, action, hope and the role of goals. Finally, in Module 7, Present Continuous, we return to the present to explore mindfulness and meaning and how meaning manifests in the present moment. Looking through the frame of time provides three unique and practical perspectives on how meaning can be lived every day.

Right now, we will travel to our pasts to look for new insights, lessons, and perspectives to help us overcome challenges and barriers to living a meaningful life today. Buckle your seatbelt … it’s going to be a blast!

• In Session 1, Psychological Needs, we introduce self-determination theory and look toward our pasts in search of evidence of our psychological needs being met.
• In Session 2, Good Old Days, we explore the origins and benefits of returning to our pasts for treasured memories by activating nostalgia.
• In Session 3, Stronger, we look through the lens of narrative and story to explore our pasts and how we ‘build’ meaning through our stories.
• Finally, in Session 4, The Things We Carry, we review and expand our exploration of our pasts by focusing on the things we carry into today and how we take control of that process.

A reminder that In Modules 5, 6, and 7 we take a turn toward time to bring meaning into sharper focus. In Module 5, Past Perfect, we began our time traveling journey by exploring treasures from our pasts.

Now, in Module 6, Future Tense, we look at the future in different ways by exploring motivation, action, hope, and the role of goals. We then return to the present in Module 7 to explore mindfulness and meaning and how meaning manifests in the present moment. 

Looking through the frame of time provides three unique and practical perspectives on how meaning can be lived every day. In this module, we travel to our imagined future to see what insights we can give ourselves into the here and now.

• In Session 1, Self-Determination Theory and Motivation, we return to self-determination theory to explore what it says about motivation and how we can use this in the pursuit of purpose.
• In Session 2, Say Yes to Life, we explore the origins of the expression, what it means to have a bias for action, and making meaning happen on purpose.
• In Session 3, Hope, we look at the role hope plays in creating a pathway to our future and introduce the key ideas that underpin hope theory.
• Finally, in Session 4, Purpose into Goals, we delve more deeply into purpose, exploring the benefits and pathways of infusing goals with purpose.

Having visited the past in Module 5 and the future in Module 6, we conclude our time travel journey by coming back to the present moment.
In this module, we set our gaze on life as we live it right now to explore ideas and ways to live meaningfully in the moment; we also explore mindfulness and meaning, and ideas around …. fun!

• In Session 1, Living Meaning, we explore the fundamental notion that meaning is a living thing and discuss ways to live meaning every day, particularly through our choices and being open to new possibilities.
• In Session 2, Enjoying Meaning, we look more closely at misconceptions around what it means to pursue meaning and the importance of recognizing and embracing all the experiences life brings.
• In Session 3, Minding Meaning, we explore how mindfulness can help us to open our eyes and become aware of opportunities to infuse meaning and purpose into our daily experiences.
• Finally, in Session 4, Happy Strides of Purpose, we briefly review our journey so far and introduce the idea of taking ‘joyful strides’ of purpose.

In this final module of the course we take a moment to consider the big picture. Earlier in the course we spiraled down to look at ourselves and our lives in the past, present, and future. Now, we spiral back up to look at meaning beyond our daily lives, possibilities for transcendence, and review everything we’ve learned so far….enjoy the view!

• In Session 1, The Spirit of Things, we explore the idea that we are spiritual beings living and acting in a non-physical, invisible world, where meaning is the fabric that connects us.
• In Session 2, Beyond Ourselves, we look at life beyond ourselves (transcendence), and how embracing the needs of others can become another source of meaning for ourselves.
• In Session 3, Bigger Than Us, we continue our journey of transcendence by looking at the big picture and re-examining what meaning in life is really all about, the various ways we can ‘do meaning,’ and spiritual quests to become ‘bigger’ than ourselves.
• Finally, in Session 4, Everything, we look back at everything we’ve covered and offer suggestions and tips on how to prepare a meaning and purpose program.