The Collapse of Self-Transcendence – Evening Session with David Perrin

May 4, 2021 (7:30 - 8:30 pm)

COVID-19 and the Reshaping of Meaning-Making in Everyday Life
As human beings we strive naturally to be the best person we can be. We hunger for deep meaning and happiness in our lives and search for ways to
attain both; this is called “self-transcendence.” Given the centrality of self-transcendence in human life, whether one is a believer or not, opens the question of how the COVID-19 pandemic has potentially diminished or even cut off access to self-transcending experiences that are knit into our everyday lives. For example, our participation in social activities, visits to galleries to enjoy art, participation in rowdy sports activities, and community volunteering opportunities are all potentially self-transcending experiences. But we have been cut off from them to a large degree which, for many people, has led to a loss of hope and a rise in despair. There is an unrelenting feeling of uncertainty: we don’t know quite what to do with it or where to go to resolve it. This conference seeks to understand the role of “self-transcendence” in our lives, how COVID-19 has impacted it and ways to cope such that we become more aware of what we can do to feel centered and hopeful during these challenging times.

You are registering for virtual attendance ONLY

Virtual Attendance: $10

Technical Requirements for virtual participation:

Computer or device with internet access, microphone and speakers or headphones with microphone; and an email address to receive an invitation to the session.