Uploaded January 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The terms meaning and purpose often appear together, and I would frame their relationship this way: when we act with purpose, we take actions that are important enough to lend meaning to our lives. Meaningful actions are always in accord with our personal life values, whether we value accomplishment, wellbeing, comfort and safety, healthy relationships, artistic expression, or any other quality of life. Living purposefully, engaged in an active search for meaning, is a highly beneficial mastery and wellbeing practice that can have a profound positive impact on physical and emotional health. It is particularly effective in alleviating depression.
I co-teach a course at College of Marin in Kentfield, California; Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion (MBSC). For those who do not live geographically close enough to attend the class, this page can serve as a guide along with my book: In Your Own Hands: New Hope for people with Chronic Medical Conditions.
Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Page: larryberkelhammer.com/mindfulness-based-self-compassion
Get a FREE Preview of "In Your Own Hands..." larryberkelhammer.com/free-preview
The purpose of these videos and my website is to provide evidence-based information on how to live with self-care mastery. It is for all medical patients, caregivers, and advocates who want to learn how to collaborate with physicians to optimize the efficacy of your medical care.
The terms meaning and purpose often appear together, and I would frame their relationship this way: when we act with purpose, we take actions that are important enough to lend meaning to our lives. Meaningful actions are always in accord with our personal life values, whether we value accomplishment, wellbeing, comfort and safety, healthy relationships, artistic expression, or any other quality of life. Living purposefully, engaged in an active search for meaning, is a highly beneficial mastery and wellbeing practice that can have a profound positive impact on physical and emotional health. It is particularly effective in alleviating depression.
I co-teach a course at College of Marin in Kentfield, California; Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion (MBSC). For those who do not live geographically close enough to attend the class, this page can serve as a guide along with my book: In Your Own Hands: New Hope for people with Chronic Medical Conditions.
Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion Page: larryberkelhammer.com/mindfulness-based-self-compassion
Get a FREE Preview of "In Your Own Hands..." larryberkelhammer.com/free-preview
The purpose of these videos and my website is to provide evidence-based information on how to live with self-care mastery. It is for all medical patients, caregivers, and advocates who want to learn how to collaborate with physicians to optimize the efficacy of your medical care.
