Explore the Virtue of Transcendence and it Character Strengths

Many have this need or desire, a longing to be part of something
bigger than themselves. The science of happiness or the field of
positive psychology refers to this idea of virtue as
#transcendence. What is transcendence and what does it have to do
with happiness?


People are seeking happiness but don't know where or how to find
it? They are looking for something but unsure of what they are
looking for? They, maybe you feel that you're empty inside. Many
feel tired. Like life is dragging them down with a feeling as if
life is passing them or possibly passing you by. Part of this
emptiness may be because you are looking for a sense of purpose,
a reason, so basic to be enough just to get out of bed in the
morning. We all need to feel that we matter. That there is a
reason we are even alive.


Transcendence is also about rising above your normal day-to-day
worries and concerns. It's a feeling of elevation, of being
inspired. You might feel it when you look up at the stars and
think about how small you are compared to the universe. Maybe
when you're in nature, when listening to beautiful music, or
watching your child asleep that's when you sleep into this
feeling associated with transcendence.


Principle of Positive Psychology that Works!


As a health and wellness coach, it is important to help others
improve their lives. I could willy nilly guess at ways to help
others improve their lives or I can stand on both the shoulders
of modern giants of modern positive psychology and those going
back for more than 4,000 years. To ancient Greeks, monks,
spiritual and philosophy leaders. For me, I have to take a few
things into consideration.


First, it has to work. The principals have to be sound. They have
to be simple. That doesn't necessarily mean easy to accomplish or
change. It simply means the idea has to make sense to those I'm
trying to explain it to. The individuals need to apply them to
their lives. and what better way to know if your principles are
sound than to look at the science behind them. So, stepping back
into the science of positive psychology what are the character
strengths associated with transcendence and how can we utilize
them to improve our sense of well-being?


Character Strengths of the Virtue of Transcendence


If you've been following along over the past few weeks, you know
in positive psychology, the VIA Institute has identified 24
different character strengths categorized under 7 virtues. You
can also find more of my writing on character strengths here.
Under transcendence, we have the following character
strengths: spirituality, perspective, creativity,
appreciation of beauty and excellence, gratitude,
hopefulness. Let's take a look at each one and discuss how we
can find a creative way to implement them into our daily lives.


Spirituality 


If you're struggling to find purpose or meaning in your life as
many people are today spirituality is a great way to help you
gain a sense of transcendence.


However, spirituality is not necessarily about going to church
more often or memorizing religious scriptures even though for
some those acts may be a part of it. Spirituality is more of a
belief system that you can implement into your life. You get to
decide what spirituality means for you and develop it in a way
that works for you.


A person with spirituality actively searches for new information
on how they can improve themselves from the inside out. They
don't believe that they know everything and are always looking to
learn and grow. They take an interest in their own development
and the development of others. They see life as a journey with
many opportunities for growth and change.


That overarching theme