Existential

This layer's quadrants are based on the work of Irvin Yalom, the pioneer of existential therapy. In his book, Existential Psychotherapy, he enumerates four existential truths, and posits that all neurotic suffering springs from resisting or denying one or more of these truths.

The paradox of a great truth is that it is true, and its opposite is true. When we truly embrace these existential truths, we go beyond them and integrate their equal and opposite truth.

I am alone.

I am born alone, I die alone, and in between I am alone. I can never truly know another.

Resistance of this truth shows up as clinging and fear of solitude -- in extreme cases, agoraphobia, narcissism  or schizoid tendencies.

When I embrace this truth, then I can authentically be in deep relationship with everyone in my life.

I have power.

I have the power to act in my life. The suffering in my life is my own creation, and I am free to choose differently. I create my reality with my choices.

Resistance of this truth shows up as victimhood and a martyr complex -- in extreme cases, clinical depression.

When I embrace this truth, then I can allow myself to receive nurturing and care from others and the universe.

I am mortal.

I will die. I might die today. I am powerless to extend my life, and all that I am will one day cease to be.

Resistance of this truth shows up in high-risk behavior, such as "extreme" sports, unsafe sex, thrill-seeking -- in extreme cases, addiction and manic behavior.

When I embrace this truth, then I truly begin to live my life, cherishing each moment.

There is no meaning beyond the meaning I create.

All meaning is arbitrary and relative. Meaning is just a fiction I create. Life is ultimately meaningless.

Resistance of this truth shows up in conformity, giving up on dreams to fit in -- in extreme cases, cults, paranoia and obsessions.

When I embrace this truth, I find the freedom to create meaning and live authentically within the world I create.