The emotion you are referring to is often described as "fulfillment" or "meaning." It's a deep sense of satisfaction, contentment, and purpose that goes beyond mere survival and addresses our higher-level needs as human beings.
Several emotions and psychological experiences contribute to this feeling of truly living rather than just surviving:
Happiness: Feeling happy and joyful contributes to a sense of fulfillment in life. It's about experiencing positive emotions and finding joy in everyday moments.
Passion: When you are passionate about something, whether it's a hobby, a cause, or a profession, it brings a sense of purpose and meaning to your life.
Connection and Love: Meaningful relationships and love provide a sense of belonging and fulfillment, as human beings are social creatures.
Gratitude: Appreciating the positive aspects of life, recognizing the good things you have, and expressing gratitude can bring a sense of fulfillment.
Accomplishment: Achieving goals and milestones gives a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that you are making progress and contributing to something meaningful.
Self-Actualization: This is the process of realizing your full potential and becoming the best version of yourself, which can lead to a deep sense of fulfillment.
Flow State: When you are deeply engaged in an activity that challenges your skills but matches your interests, you can experience a flow state, which brings a heightened sense of living in the present moment.
Altruism and Compassion: Helping others and contributing to the well-being of the community or the world can lead to a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Spirituality and Transcendence: For some, a connection to something greater than themselves, whether through religion, nature, or a sense of interconnectedness, can bring a profound sense of living a meaningful life.
It's important to note that fulfillment and a sense of truly living vary from person to person. What brings one individual a deep sense of purpose and meaning may not resonate with another. The key is to explore your interests, values, and strengths and align your life with those aspects that bring you a sense of fulfillment.
Finding meaning and feeling truly alive is an ongoing journey, and it may involve introspection, self-discovery, and making conscious choices about how you live your life.