Not very long ago, our ancestors lived in small communities and worked with nature to meet the needs of the group. Today, we retain the same psychological equipment but exist within a radically different environment. This whiplash—coupled with unlimited access to information about global human suffering, climate science, and systems dysfunction/breakdown—can leave some of us feeling overwhelmed, lost, or alienated.

Part of the human experience is a need to make meaning of our individual existence and contextualize it within our broader worldview. From this meaning-making framework, we can develop a sense of direction, define our personal creed, and embrace our sphere of influence. You may or may not identify the work you’re doing as spiritual in nature. It can be helpful to have a copilot outside your social circle who is non-judgmental, curious, empathetic, and invested in you getting the clarity you need in your own way.