Having strong social relationships and a cohesive understanding of who you are and what you do is the mega unlock combo for a fulfilled and meaningful life, but our society isn't structured in a way to easily build this sort of deep understanding.
As a result, the ability to create your own space (digital or physical) to pursue meaning-making is critical. These spaces typically include other people and a social agreement to explore deeper concepts like creativity, ikigai (your reason for being), or career decisions.
Coining Patricia Mou's terminology, this space is called a fourth space.
The first space is the home, the second is work, and the third is typically a public space, like a lively bar, library, or church where people regularly congregate.
A fourth space exists for private communities centered around meaning-making.
Rather than being a one-off yoga class, it's a regularly scheduled event that facilitates discussion. Rather than being a quick light comment about the challenges of everyday life, it's an invitation to go a little deeper and connect with others on those shared experience.
One thing for you to think about:
The average person is a lonely human DOING rather than a human BEING.
How do you become a human being? You create space to regularly explore your why before your how. Learn how to become uniquely you.
Two things for you to ask yourself:
Where is your fourth space/do you have one?
What are some small steps you could take to create a fourth space?
One thing to try this week:
Look for examples of fourth spaces that you would love to be a part of. Is it a book club with your close friends? A Netflix watch party?
Focus on the first step to become a human being.
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