Discovering Meaning in Life
Today, let’s aim to uncover a deeper sense of meaning in our lives, paving the way for greater joy and fulfillment.
Life challenges us to find significance even in the pain and suffering that surrounds us. Too often, we shield ourselves from this discomfort, avoiding personal growth in the process.
But today, inspired by Viktor Frankl—a Holocaust survivor and renowned psychiatrist—we’ll explore how to confront suffering and transform it into an opportunity for profound meaning and growth.
Turning Suffering into Strength
Amidst the challenges and hardships of life, finding meaning and purpose can feel like an uphill battle. It’s tempting to feel defeated or believe that happiness is out of reach in such a world.
However, Viktor Frankl’s experience in a concentration camp reminds us of the extraordinary human capacity to find meaning even in the bleakest of circumstances.
Frankl teaches us that by approaching our struggles with courage, we can transform pain into a source of resilience and growth, allowing us to live with greater intention and purpose.
The Freedom to Choose Meaning
Viktor Frankl famously said, “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.”
This wisdom lies at the heart of Spiritual Psychology.
Our reality isn’t shaped by the events of our lives but by how we choose to respond to them. While we can’t control every circumstance, we can learn to embrace suffering in ways that deepen our sense of purpose and inner peace.
Your Sacred Muscle Workout 💪
Finding Meaning and More in Suffering
We’re simply going to meditate: be mindful and contemplate, life’s big questions today.
That’s all 🤣
- Choose just one of these questions, and be silent, still and allow sacred space within you. You don’t need to figure anything out. Just ask the question, and then be curious. Ponder. Contemplate. Observe what takes place in your head and your heart.
- What gives YOU meaning?
- How is the unavoidable suffering in your life, trying to teach you?
- How can you relate to your unavoidable suffering, in a way that transforms it?
- How has an experience of suffering from your past, supported you in positive ways?
- What do you need to bring to your own suffering, to turn it into a positive source of meaning in your life?
Ellie’s Lessons in Meaning
Caring for a dog with such high needs was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Now, in her absence, I find myself longing for those moments, questioning everything all over again.
Time and time again, life shows me that the most difficult challenges often hold the most profound beauty. They’re designed to guide us toward what truly matters—if we can remain open, vulnerable, and curious. 🥹
Wherever you are on your journey, we hope you’re discovering meaning and strength in your struggles.
We’re here with you.
With love,
Dr. Zoë, Fenix, and 🌈 Ellie
References
[1] Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning
