The Existential Vacuum Part I: Is Something Missing?
by John R. Sedivy
This article begins a three part series based upon the concept of the “existential vacuum” as defined in Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search For Meaning”. The existential vacuum appears to be a condition where a person feels that meaning is missing from their existence. Consider the following concerning the existential vacuum as stated by Viktor Frankl:
“The existential vacuum is a widespread phenomenon of the twentieth century. This is understandable; it may be due to a twofold loss which man has had to undergo since he became a truly human being. At the beginning of human history, man lost some of the basic animal instincts in which an animal’s behavior is imbedded and by which it is secured. Such security, like Paradise, is closed to man forever; man has to make choices. In addition to this, however, man has suffered another loss in his more recent development inasmuch as the traditions which buttressed his behavior are now rapidly diminishing. No instinct tells him what he has to do, and no tradition tells him what he ought to do; sometimes he does not even know what he wishes to do. Instead, he either wishes to do what other people do (conformism) or he does what other people wish him to do (totalitarianism).”
When trapped between the choices of “conformism” and “totalitarianism” I can understand a person’s despair! Neither appears to be a great option – my thought is that when confronted with an existential vacuum, a person should strive towards greater individualism and find their own purpose. Refer to my article “How To Find Your True Purpose” for more on individuality and finding your life’s purpose.
What I found most interesting is where the existential vacuum occurs. One might think that this phenomenon occurs equally among humans across the world – but this is not the case. Consider the following from Viktor Frankl’s experience:
“A statistical survey recently revealed that among my European students, 25 percent showed a more-or-less marked degree of existential vacuum. Among my American students it was not 25 but 60 percent.”
Keep in mind that recently is relative as the author originally wrote this back in 1959. Furthermore, the author was European, so there could be a bias here, however I would guess not. It is definitely fascinating that the author found an increase of over double the amount for existential vacuum in American versus European students. This means that more Americans than Europeans feel that something is missing from their lives. Why is this?
To Be Continued…
Tomorrow I will discuss one possible reason for the differences in individual meaning by location.
The existential vacuum does not occur equally across individuals – location is a factor!
-John R. Sedivy of Cape Cod Branding
Synchronicity Blog
by John R. Sedivy
Some time ago when I had released “Synchronicity 101” I was contacted by Trish MacGregor. Trish and her husband Rob author a blog called “Synchronicity” and are using their blog as a means of researching the topic of synchronicity for an upcoming book. Trish and Rob are in the process of collecting stories related to synchronicity for their upcoming book and would welcome any stories from those who have experienced this phenomenon for possible inclusion in their book.
For those interested in synchronicity, or would just like a fun diversion, check out the “Synchronicity” blog at http://www.ofscarabs.blogspot.com. I have also added their website to our blogroll. For those unfamiliar with the topic of synchronicity check out my introduction to the subject referenced above. Those who are familiar with Jung’s work concerning synchronicity will pick up on the cleverness of their web address! 
-John R. Sedivy of Cape Cod Branding
Vegetable Garden-Week 3
by Amy Stevens Adams
Three weeks ago John and I planted a vegetable garden in the planter on our back deck. Each week since then, I have photographed the progress to post on our blog. To read about our previous weeks with the garden, and to pick up a couple recipes, refer to my articles; Vegetable Garden-Week 1 & Vegetable Garden-Week 2.
This week was a tough one. It has rained almost every day here on Cape Cod and yesterday the wind was extremely rough. As a result, my garden is a bit damaged. The orange ‘dreamsicle’ flowers are crushed against the side of the wooden planter and all of my herbs and veggies are covered in mud and debris (dead leaves, blossoms from our Wisteria in the trees overhead, sticks, etc). The soil has been wet for a week straight and my plants are looking very fragile and sickly. I think they need sun, lots of it.
On the bright side, my garlic is growing like a weed! Some of them are almost a foot tall now (compared to 4-6 inches last week). Also, the lettuce, radishes and carrots I planted from seed are growing quickly and filling in the bare spots in the soil. It is starting to look like a real garden.
A few of my herbs are getting bushy; parsley, thyme, lemon thyme and rosemary. Over the next couple weeks I’ll be posting recipes for each with my garden update. Today’s recipe is for rosemary. Do you think I’m about to give you a recipe for the standard Rosemary Chicken? Think again. I’m a pastry chef remember…
Rosemary Lemon Shortbread Cookies
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cups granulated sugar
2 TBSP fresh rosemary, chopped
2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
1 TBSP lemon zest
1/4 tsp sea salt
1. In your KitchenAid mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I usually start it mixing and let it go for about 10 minutes while I get all my other ingredients measured out. The fluffier the butter, the nicer the cookie texture.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, rosemary, lemon zest and salt. Add to butter mixture and mix just until incorporated. Don’t over-mix it.
3. Cover dough and chill one hour (or overnight).
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
5. Roll out dough 1/4 inch thick and cut with cookie cutters. Line on cookie sheets about an inch apart.
6. Bake for 8 minutes. Cookies will still be pale in the center, and slightly golden on the edges. Don’t over-bake.
This is a recipe that gets better with age. Try the cookies after two days (if you can stay away that long). For an added twist, try substituting fresh lavender for the rosemary. Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies are a real treat!
Check back next week for more updates. Happy Baking!
-Amy Stevens Adams of Cape Cod Branding
