Feeling lost, apathetic, or stuck in an existential funk? This episode breaks down 10 research-supported practices that reliably increase meaning and purpose—no religion required. You’ll learn how engaging on purpose, acting by your core values, designing rituals, serving others, and cultivating awe can re-train reward systems in the brain so life feels worth showing up for again. We also map what therapists can help with and where you’ll need to take the lead yourself. You’ll hear why some modalities (e.g., ACT, logotherapy, narrative work) tend to help with existential distress while others can miss the mark, plus practical prompts like the “best possible life” writing exercise, prosocial connection, and body-based practices to get your prefrontal cortex back online. We contrast philosophical vs psychological nihilism, explain the role religion often plays, and show how to build purpose from the ground up—staying honest about reality while improving your day-to-day experience. Resources: No Nonsense Spirituality: All the Tools No Belief Required: https://bit.ly/NNSBook What Is The Void: https://bit.ly/TheVoidyt Religious Deconstruction: https://bit.ly/RELDecon All My Available Courses: https://bit.ly/NNSCourses Video Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Define Purpose 01:46 Religion’s Offer 02:30 Mormon Purpose 03:15 Meaning Debate 04:03 Three Perspectives 04:50 Delusional Defined 05:39 Religion Evidence 06:28 Bridging Approaches 07:19 The List Begins 08:06 Engage Intentionally 08:53 Knitting Example 09:40 Live Your Values 11:20 Tiny Value Acts 12:13 Auschwitz Test 13:07 CBT Limits 14:03 Best Life Vision 14:51 Writing Study 15:44 Taking Risks 16:31 Therapist Tools 17:21 Keep Philosophy 18:06 Purpose Now 19:02 Serve Others 19:56 Give to Others 20:51 Action Required 21:40 Build Rituals 22:49 Why Rituals Work 23:38 Rituals in Therapy 24:26 Stop Doom Loop 25:10 Body Matters 26:00 Mind–Body Coherence 26:57 Philosophy First 27:44 Health as Values 28:28 Chocolate Note 29:13 Support Coaches 30:02 Stop Ruminating 30:47 Shift Question 31:36 Cultivate Purpose 32:26 Reframe in Therapy 33:18 Awe Matters 34:20 Psychedelic Note 35:14 Brain Flexibility 36:05 Find Community 36:50 Cobble Belonging 37:51 Community Shows Up 38:43 Keep Learning 39:42 Info vs Growth 40:32 Change Behavior 41:29 Religion as Tech 42:19 Meaning Crisis 43:10 Personal Arc 43:57 Freedom Frame 44:47 Engagement First 45:36 Current Outlook 46:28 You’re Already Here 47:30 Determinism Thought 48:23 Enjoy Existence 49:19 Next Parts Teaser 50:10 Autism Note 50:59 Close Call 51:57 Qualia Point 52:50 Final Message 53:24 Sign-Off #meaning #nihilism #purpose #therapy About Me: Britt Hartley is a certified atheist spiritual director with a Master’s in Theology focusing on the future of American religion. She wrote the bestselling book *No Nonsense Spirituality: All the Tools, No Faith Required*. If you’re struggling with existential crises, nihilism, or feeling lost in meaninglessness. On this channel you'll find weekly videos where Britt provides practical, science-based tools to help you navigate the void. Instead of relying on old gods or New Age trends, she offers clear, actionable advice for finding your way through the deep, challenging questions of life.