Gemeinschaftsgefuh
That's German. Like me, you may have a hard time saying or pronouncing it. The word means "community feeling."
According to noted psychoanalyst Dr. Alfred Adler, that feeling is one of the marks of a well-lived life. It signifies the value of social interest in giving meaning and purpose to one's life.
Such may be in the form of varied kinds. Such as: grandparenting, volunteering, philanthropy, ministering, health coaching, devoting one's resources to some social or political cause.
Psychological studies showed that people who are engaged in some form of helping others are far more healthy and satisfied with their lives.
Yesterday, in the mall, a man greeted and tapped me on the back. He was a former patient, who's with his smiling wife. For a year, they underwent personal and marital therapy with me.
It's 5 years ago. Today, they're living a healed, more balanced and happy life as a couple. Gone were their dark days of experiencing infidelity, bankruptcy, and abuses in their marriage.
The man said, "Doc, let's have a selfie photo together!" I obliged, of course.
"We owe a lot to you. Count me and my wife in as one of those who went through a successful therapy and life change with you!", he joyfully remarked.
"Gemeinschaftsgefuh."
That's the feeling I felt about what happened to this couple. And each and every time I'm able to have an opportunity to make a difference in other people's lives. Simply priceless!
Most days, I begin with writing tasks, followed by seeing patients in my sessions.
I would then hold court in one of the many coffee shops or hotels around - sharing stories, jokes, Scriptures, deep talks about topics such as life's meaning.
In all of those, my social interest is ever-present. A desire to contribute in whatever way I can to help others - psychologically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually and even physically as well.
Life is beyond self. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and have lived well."