keepingbeing

Keepingbeing is a concept used in contemporary philosophy, existential psychology, and wellness discourse to describe the practice of sustaining one's existence and sense of self amid change, stress, or threat. It centers on the idea that being is not a fixed state but an ongoing achievement requiring attention, care, and intentional action.

Etymology and scope: The term is a portmanteau of keeping and being; it does not refer to a single canonical tradition. In use, it often functions as a heuristic for discussing persistence of identity, embodiment, and agency, especially under conditions that risk fragmentation of self or purpose.

Core ideas and practices: Keepingbeing emphasizes embodiment, present-moment awareness, continuity of self over time, and alignment of actions with values. Practitioners may engage in mindful body awareness, routines that sustain health, reflective journaling, social connection, and meaning-oriented activities that reaffirm purpose.

Context and critique: While influential in self-help and therapy discussions, the term lacks formal definition in philosophy or empirical psychology. Critics warn that it can be vague or applied in ways that neglect structural factors, such as socio-economic constraints, and may risk pressure toward stoic perfection.

Relation to related concepts: It overlaps with resilience, authenticity, existentialism, and mindfulness, serving as a bridge between personal coping strategies and broader questions about the nature of self and continuity. Further exploration is typically found in contemporary essays, seminars, and reflective practice resources rather than in mainstream academic literature.