 “We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.”
― Viktor E. Frankl When I was young boy, bugged by numerous questions, my father suggested that I look around. His admonition to me was “You can always find a book that has the answers you are looking for”. I am yet to prove my father wrong. Dr Viktor Frankl’s “Man Search for Meaning was one such book. A survivor of the Holocaust, Dr Viktor Frankl, a Viennese psychiatrist from the tradition of Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler, focused on suicides and I have read that book several times and I always get different and deeper answers. Dr Viktor Frankl suggests that we can discover the meaning of life in three different ways:
“It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life—daily and hourly. Our answer must consist, not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual.” Inventor of Logotherapy (logos = “meaning” in Greek) – Dr Frankl asked the most depressed patients he encountered a seemingly simple six word question… ”Why do you not commit suicide?” From here, Dr Frankl explored how his patient actually found joy in, what made their life worth living … in other words, what the meaning was in their life. Once that discovery was made, he could start helping them to improve their mental health and to move away from thoughts of suicide. Three key questions for you to explore
What is your purpose in life? Check out the Venn Diagram on top (Graphic from https://blogs.nasa.gov/womenatnasa/). Write or discuss with a loved one - friend, family or even a stranger!
Additional resources Adam Leipzig has figured out that it takes five questions in under five minutes to discover what you are meant to do with your life. Check out this TEDx talk https://www.goodnet.org/articles/ted-talk-week-your-life-purpose-in-5-minutes Oprah Website . If you're struggling with the question "Who am I meant to be?", this quiz can help you figure out what really defines you. Based on personality science, I have identified seven "striving styles," modes of thought and behavior that direct us to seek satisfaction in different ways. https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/who-are-you-meant-to-be-self-assessment-quiz_1 Stephen Pressfield's interview by Oprah - a 4 minute video on "4 Questions to Find Your Calling" www.huffpost.com/entry/steven-pressfield-oprah_n_4004741 Greater Good Website: How strong is your sense of purpose? To find out—and discover steps for strengthening it—take this quiz, which is primarily based on the Claremont Purpose Scale developed by psychologists Kendall Bronk, Brian Riches, and Susan Mangan. When you're done, you'll get your score, learn more about the benefits of purpose, and find resources for identifying and cultivating your own life goals. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/purpose_in_life Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl One of the ten most influential books in America. —Library of Congress/Book-of-the-Month Club "Survey of Lifetime Readers" It is just 200 pages long and you can read it multiple times. Who Was Viktor Frankl? Jewish Biography as History Dr. Henry Abramson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axXsz2TVoAw Nice biography/Summary https://biographics.org/viktor-frankl-biography-life-search-meaning/ Other Dr K’s favorite Viktor Frankl quotes “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” “Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible.” “It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life—daily and hourly. Our answer must consist, not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual.” “In some ways suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.” “I do not forget any good deed done to me & I do not carry a grudge for a bad one.” “For the first time in my life I saw the truth as it is set into song by so many poets, proclaimed as the final wisdom by so many thinkers. The truth - that Love is the ultimate and highest goal to which man can aspire. Then I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love.”
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 I am sharing some of my favorite quotes and short exercises with the idea of creating the perfect week — seven days of reflection and action to help you live better, more resiliently, and more peacefully. You know my mantra – sometimes, action is more important than over-thinking😊. The first tiny step you take to your important goals, people and dreams is the key to your success, love and joy in your life.
“essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” ― Hector Garcia Puigcerver, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life Write on a few post-it notes and leave it scattered around your house – your bathroom mirror, by your bedside, in the kitchen, at your work desk “I change best by feeling good, not by feeling bad” *** Day 1: Start with Love and Connection Everyone knows that I love hugs – I have been getting a lot of them “virtually”. Take time to connect with your family and friends. Make a list of 5 family/friends with whom you have not connected in a long time. You can check your phone, social media or email for these connections. Send them a note on your status and ask them theirs! Easy Peasy! Tiny action: Today, when I talk to any family member, beloved friend or respected colleague, I will acknowledge in my mind and through words or actions as to why they are important to me. Mini-reward – Sing and/or dance along to your favorite song. My favorite song is Happy by Pharrell Williams Day 2: O stands for Optimism and Opportunities I have suddenly found time for many of my pet projects (Unfortunately, my room is cluttered as ever). I am making time to explore some ideas, read books that I have kept for a rainy day (who knew?) and helping friends with their business ideas. Make a list of your pet projects or ask your loved ones how you can help. Be prepared for surprises. Tiny action: Each time, I finish a phone call, I will write out an idea or pet project that I want to work on Mini-reward – if you capture at least 3 pet project ideas, eat a small piece of dark chocolate or a favorite treat. Okaaaay – one glass of wine after 5 PM is acceptable. LoL Day 3: R for Resilience “The Devil whispered in my ear, “You’re not strong enough to withstand the storm.” Today I whispered in the Devil’s ear, “I am the storm.”” - Unknown Journaling is a great way to capture these tough times. I promise you; these days will be over in a flash. Take time to record your fears, anxieties and anger. You will look back at these days with fondness because these days will make us stronger. Set a timer for 5-10-or-15 minutes and write . . . it is as easy as that! Mini-task – After I finish an important task, I will set a timer for 5 minutes and reflect on my challenges and “difficult” emotions. No judgement or self-criticism Mini-reward – Watch my favorite TV episode or read a short story on the internet One of my favorite sci-fiction stories – Isaac Asimov – Nightfall -http://www.astro.sunysb.edu/fwalter/AST389/TEXTS/Nightfall.htm Day 4: E is for energy – start your day with music, dance and exercise Yes! I know the gym is closed, we are supposed to be inside the house. Just check out the number of free online Zumba, yoga and meditation classes that are available. Make time to do one new class. If you are on Facebook, join your friends and do the class with them virtually Mini-task – After eating any snack or meal, I will dance, walk around or do stretches for at least 5 minutes Mini-reward – Buy something online for under $10.00 as a gift for yourself or for a loved one. Write a nice thank you note to yourself for keeping on this journey! Day 5: Make time for “Negative Feelings’ Anger, Anxiety, Sadness … “Never apologize for being sensitive or emotional. Let this be a sign that you’ve got a big heart and aren’t afraid to let others see it. Showing your emotions is a sign of strength.” –Brigitte Nicole If you know me well, you know that I will never ask you to put on a “happy” face. The world is going through challenging times. Today, reach out to a friend who needs emotional support. Reach out by phone or the internet. Mini-task – As soon as you wake up, set an alarm on your phone to call or reach out to a family or friend who you know is in pain or going through a difficult time. Email, call or skype them. Mini-reward – Give yourself a massage – check out youtube for some great 5 minute self-massages - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUNi-lqZz84 Day 6: Reflect on your life goals and objectives “Remember how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be.” –Rick Warren Many of our plans and actions have come to a standstill. This is a great time to evaluate Mini-task: Set a 30 minute appointment with yourself. Use color pens and your journal. Write your bucket list, text your family and friends for ideas and suggestions. At the end of the day, plan to start your work on 1-2 of your favorite bucket list item. Mini-reward: Take a 15 minute nap – My favorite sleep nap app - https://pzizz.com/ Day 7: Gratitude – the Key to Joy! “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” —Zig Ziglar This is the easiest and most powerful of all exercises. If you struggle with this exercise, reach out to me and I will give you a personal 15 minute guided session. Why? Because you have read the article till this point. You are clearly interested in this program! Good for you! Task: Each time you sit down, write down what you are grateful for and what you do to make it happen. Check out this blog article for more ideas https://www.meditation-magic.com/blog/three-grateful-ways-to-access-joy-and-happiness Reward: Celebrate your end-of-the week with some “sinful” eating (ice-cream and chocolate?) or binge-watching. My favorite binge watching channel is hoopla – there are many great Canadian, Australian and British TV series in that free channel from my local public library. Schaumburg District Township Library is one of the top 10 best libraries in USA! Please send me your comments and suggestions after you try out these ideas. If you liked this article, check out this blog article - Start Your Day Right - Simple Routines For A Successful And Happy Life https://www.meditation-magic.com/blog/start-your-day-right-simple-routines-for-a-successful-and-happy-life Here are 40 simple ways for accessing joy on a daily basis https://www.huffpost.com/entry/happiness-tips_b_2405608 Want reward ideas – check out this blog article 155 Ways to Reward Yourself for Reaching Your Goals https://www.developgoodhabits.com/reward-yourself/ BJ Fogg Ph.D, Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything (2019, BJ Fogg Ph.D (Author) https://www.tinyhabits.com/start-tiny |
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