Viktor Frankl is extraordinary. He survived the horrors of concentration camps and created "Logotherapy"--his philosophy of life that he articulates in his classic book, "Man's Search for Meaning." In this PN TV episode, we'll take a quick look at a few of my favorite Big Ideas. Hope you enjoy!!
--> I mention this in the video: Overview of My Evolving Philosophy
This was wonderful. I don't think I'll ever cease to be impressed by the breadth of books and voices you're able to distill, and I love how each episode remains so inimitably you while still capturing the essence of the author. Bravo.
Also, where is the promised link to your evolving philosophy? Don't tease! I adore the greats but I think philosophy *must* be alive / living to be worthy of the name, and I remain (gleefully) confident that what you create or express as a total philosophy (one both authentically and newly you) will be even more wonderful than the gift of these summaries. I am excited to see.
(No pressure.
well aren't you awesome, ms. siona?!?
thank you.
and thank you again.
and here's the link: http://www.philosophersnotes.com/blog/23/overview...
(No pressure.
Thank you thank you thank you!
Link?
d'oh! here it is paulette: http://www.philosophersnotes.com/blog/23/overview...
thx for the reminder and hope you enjoy!
Thanks Brian ! <3
my pleasure, of course!
Brian I wish your Episodes where a little longer......Hint...Hint...
i do, too, sometimes! I taught 90, 90-minute classes last year in bali!! Those were amazing and they went so fast, too!
have you gotten all 100 Notes yet? those are a little longer--like 20- to 25-minute mp3s!
Awesome Brian! I was taking notes while you were presenting and what I took away from this is that anything can happen...what matters is how you respond. I will remember to control my emotions and react in a positive way the next time I am in the heat! Also, in struggle and in tension is where we grow and learn. I guess this is one of the reasons people generally reach out for mediocrity and sail around the safe harbors. To ensue something bigger than self is where I am today. It was great hearing you talk about that. I love the part about not aiming at success. One should surrender and let it just happen. Is it when you are too focused and holding on too tight that success slips through your hands? I would love for you to give an example of this. Finally, is it a strong “why” which really catapults us to where we want to go? I have always know that if your “why” is not strong, the “how” will never be pursued.
Randy
Love it, Randy! thx for your awesome comment.
So much goodness in here.
surrender is a tricky thing. I think that an "active" surrender is awesome--where we trust there's something bigger than us at work and let go of our petty fears and petty desires (aka some silly notion of success as measured by things like cash in bank and magazine covers we adorn) and truly GO FOR IT! a "passive" surrender, is, in my mind, dangerous. We stop pushing ourselves and fall into what tal ben-shahar (see episode #6 on happier) would call a hedonistic trap of trying to only be in the now. frankl talks about this, too--where we try to find a "tensionless" state when what we *really* need is the trust in ourselves and the universe to hold the dynamic tension between our ideal and our current reality as we take baby steps in the direction of our dreams.
the why is definitely a catalyst and the essence that'll keep us in the game, eh?!
-bri
Dear Brian,
I have heard and read about Viktor Frankl through a beautiful book called "Illuminated Life" by another traveler of light called Abe Arkoff and I was as inspired by his story and wisdom ; as I was with the insights and words of truth shared by your commentary yesterday...Thanks for igniting another flame of light ïn the "Search for Meaning"...Love, light and blessings to you and all who seek meaning and enlightenment
thx, joanna! to love and light and enduring the burning!!
"what is to give light must endure the burning"
how rad is that quote??? love it, brian, thanks for another great one!
yayuh! LOVE that one, too!
Hi Brian...Here's an old quote that I've used for more than 15 yrs..."IN THE BURNING IS THE LEARNING"...Nice to know that you're also "well done"!...Namaste,Rog .
I LOVE that!!!!
hehe
reminds me of campbell's wisdom: “Sri Ramakrishna said, ‘Do not seek illumination unless you seek it as a man whose hair is on fire seeks a pond.’”
fun!
Beautiful Brian...thank you -
Love the burn comment too -
Thanks for sharing!
Brenda
thx, brenda!
to burning!
thank you Brian
Hugs
thx, neerali!
hugs back.
“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Victor E. Frankel
Three things came to mind when reading this Note.
Happiness comes from doing something for somebody or something outside ourselves. It’s the value received for the good we do.
Perseverance is a series of small frequent pressures in the same direction. Frankel wanted to survive but did it a day at a time or sometimes one hour at a time.
What is it about the human spirit that always forces us to concentrate on what we failed to do rather than to take satisfaction and comfort in what we actually accomplished?
To me, the distinction between happiness being pursued versus ensuing helps clarify how to be non attachmed. By not being attached to success per se but to contribute to something bigger than yourself or to nurture another gets one out of the attached state and into flow. The heart opens. Self love the foundation of happiness ensues. The more you focus on giving the more you receive. Life gets constantly greater from this perspective.
love it, theo!!