If you could change one thing in life, what would it be?
Don’t hesitate, just decide, and really picture it…
I’m Matthew. When I was 18, I was lying awake on the operating table during heart surgery, knowing there was a significant chance of dying.
Right there and then, I vowed that if I survived, I’d make some serious changes. I wouldn’t sleep-walk into a career or lifestyle that left me feeling hollow. I would instead follow my dreams and passions, wherever that took me. I would try to find a life that was meaningful to me.
Over the years I have been an artist, a writer, a web designer, a full-time dad… but throughout that I have had an enduring passion for, well, thinking. Whether that’s contemplation, meditation, imagination, deep hypnotic dives into the subconscious, it doesn’t matter—I love exploring the vast landscape of the mind in an ongoing quest for meaning. I love reading, listening, learning about and reflecting upon different schools of thought, and what others have discovered throughout the centuries. And I love expressing my ideas in different media.
So with this website, I put down into words some of the ideas I have found—concerning philosophy, spirituality, mindfulness, reality and the human condition. WithMeaning.net also houses my ongoing collection of essays and articles exploring practical ways to manage stress and anxiety, increase mindfulness, and help you to lead a more contemplative, fulfilling life in this unrelenting world.
If you suffer from anxiety, chronic stress or are a person struggling with the difficulties of modern life, then perhaps this is the place for you.
Trying to just stay afloat?
Prolonged stress and anxiety have serious long-term effects on our physical and mental health, and yet they are accepted by most people as normal, everyday aspects of modern life. Coupled with the relentless demands, distractions and responsibilities we face, contemporary lifestyles can leave us feeling an absence of meaning or purpose, especially when we see the months and years flying past.
I started this blog because I have been working on these questions for many years, and I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences, detailing the ways I have found to achieve a happier, less stressful existence. My continuing aim is to create a safe space where people can come and explore different ideas, in the hope of finding a path to meaning and contentment.
Your private, portable sanctuary
You probably have a lot on your plate, and perhaps life doesn’t offer you many opportunities to unwind and catch your breath. In which case, you need a place where you can escape the day-to-day chaos and find the peace you need to heal. Like a temple or retreat for your mind.
Here are some of the topics I touch on in this blog:
- Coping with the world if you have anxiety, stress, or cognitive sensitivity.
- Mental well-being and how to maintain it.
- Mindfulness and why it is crucial for our health.
- Finding meaning or spirituality in a rational modern world.
- Simple meditations that can help us through the day.
- Nature writing, for those times when we cannot escape.
- Guided meditations, where you can experience something completely different.
- Articles on philosophy that can be applied to everyday life.
- Step-by-step guides on changing your life in positive ways.
I want this blog to feel like as much portable sanctuary as a resource for practical advice—a peaceful place to come where you can escape the frenetic activities of the day, and even chat with other like-minded individuals if you like.
Why not subscribe?
In order to fund the time it takes to write articles, I have created a Members Area and a monthly subscription, so that members can enjoy my in-depth content. I hope you will consider taking up this option—not only is there more content available, and a space where you can feel safe from the worries of the world, but it also allows me to keep creating.
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Join the conversation
Have fun exploring, and feel free to get in touch and share your thoughts via the comments sections. I always love hearing from my readers!
Be part of a community of people who share your interests. Participate in the comments section, or email me via the contact page.
