“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” Viktor E. Frankl
Viktor Frankl understood life deeply. Chronicling his experiences as an Auschwitz concentration camp inmate during World War II, he describes his psychotherapeutic method, which involved identifying a purpose in life to feel positively about, and then immersively imagining that outcome. According to Frankl, the way a prisoner imagined the future affected his longevity.
To create a different reality in my life, opposite to the one I find myself in, I have learned to take three steps. 1. Identify a purpose/goal to feel positive about. 2. Feel this positive energy within me and visualise it everyday. 3. Take the right action towards my goal and commit to this action regularly.
What actions I take, reflect my priority. What are my priorities? What is my purpose?
“It does not really matter what we expect from life, but rather what life expects 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.” Viktor E. Frankl – Man’s search for meaning (original 1946)
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Those, are the right questions Karen. (btw, Frankl’s book and this man’s spirit, are amazing…)
Absolutely amazing. I love his work.
Great post. Victor Frankl was amazing. I love your three steps. They really do work – almost like magic!
Blessings,
Mary
Yes it is a formula for magic! I have seen this many times. Thankyou Mary.
Another favorite VF quote that I love: “Human kindness can be found in all groups, even those which as a whole it would be easy to condemn.”
― Viktor E. Frankl, from Man’s Search for Meaning
Beautiful Eliza. This is so true.
“What are my priorities?” “What is my purpose?” These are two simple questions that too few ask themselves. How does one experience joy and happiness if a personal understanding of these terms is nebulous? Finding purpose in life helps direct future actions. Prioritizing these actions creates a clearer path to achieving goals.
Those achieving personal goals (under these conditions) seem to live more fulfilling lives.
….and all it may take is answering those two original questions….
These questions can be confronting and I understand why people avoid them. I just know the gifts I receive when I face them, and it’s worth every effort. Thankyou Jonathan your comment is spot on.
Reblogged this on dreamweaver333.
Thankyou again. I appreciate it.
Reblogged this on paddypicasso and commented:
wisdom
Thankyou so much for sharing. 🙂
Although I have not heard of Frankl I found this very encouraging. His thinking is wonderful. I especially appreciate the thoughts about the holocaust victims having positive outlooks, determining their outcome. Thank you for sharing it.
It’s hard to imagine one could have a positive outlook in the concentration camps, and that is why Frankl is such an inspiring man. Thankyou Nico.
Generally speaking we humans tend to think only of the first part of the first step, identifying a purpose or goal. Without visualizing and feeling it, then taking action, the goal or desire tends to fizzle out. Excellent post!
Thankyou Elizabeth, this is so true. I can see where I have done this and it does fizzle out.
This quote reminds me of Pema Chodron’s When Things Fall Apart and Don’t Bite the Hook. One of the hardest things in life is to master the split second between an incident and your reaction–ignoring the impulse to tell yourself a story about it and just let it be.
It is very difficult to master that Kay. Practice and discipline! Chopping wood, carrying water….
nice.
Thanks Vicki. Nice to see you. 🙂