ABSTRACT
A deeper exploration of the human condition helps us understand what all people have in common at a fundamental level. The paradoxes of life and key themes in existentialism are illustrated along four dimensions: the physical (German: Umwelt, or environment – main themes: temporality and death), the social (Mitwelt, or “with-world” – isolation and “the other”), the personal (Eigenwelt, or “own-world” – authenticity and identity) and the spiritual (Überwelt, or super/over-world – absurdity, meaning and purpose). Examples of how a coach might work with these themes are presented including a discussion of common concerns such as uncertainty, decision-making and religion. Being human inevitably involves experiencing anxiety, yet we often seek comfort and positive emotions (happiness?) beyond what we could realistically expect. Concepts such as bad faith and idle talk conceptualise the human tendency towards positive delusion and unconscious efforts to avoid or distract us from the uncomfortable human condition. Existential coaching invites clients to not wait until a boundary situation forces them to pay attention, but to face their human condition and existential challenges willingly. This requires ongoing courageous engagement but will ultimately lead to a clearer picture of the self in relation to one’s environment and likely shield them from times of (severe) crisis and adversity in the future to build existential resilience. What we might call “”existential solutions” are discussed.
