https://youtu.be/c96xl7r9ym4

Story (Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning): There were those who walked upright into the gas chambers, with a prayer on their lips.

Viktor Frankl talks about how spiritual life can deepen, even in a concentration camp. He noticed that those who had a rich inner life seemed to manage better, even though they were not as physically strong as others. When battered by inescapable suffering, these people were able to retreat inside themselves and enrich their spiritual selves. The meaning of life is not a question that can be put in general terms. Frankl says this would be like asking a chess champion: "Tell me, Master, what is the best move in the world?" There is no such thing as a best or even a good move, other than the particular situation in a given game and the personality of one's opponent. Similarly, the meaning of a person's life is in the moment. Each person has their own unique mission to carry out, something that demands fulfilment. In this sense, no person can be replaced. As each life situation challenges us or presents us with a problem to solve, the question of the meaning of life can be reversed. We can rather ask: "what does life expect of us?" We each need to recognise that we are being questioned by life and we can only answer for our own lives, by taking responsible action, which satisfies our conscience as the right thing to do.

Story Essence: Viktor Frankl says life questions us about our meaning, which we can only know moment by moment as we are challenged by life. We are expected to respond responsibly to this challenge from life. We are required to answer the call. We need to be responsible for our choices, by making choices that are right for the challenge in that moment.

Specific Action: Write down the things in your life that you find meaningful and that make you believe that life is worth living. List the most important first. Give some thought to these things. Are there any that you could give more focus to?

By asking the question: "what does life expect of us?" we are able to change our focus from our difficulties and worries about the problems of our lives by rather focusing on our own unique meanings that we can fulfil. Tomorrow we will look more closely at the importance of love in creating a meaningful life.

Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning.

Viktor Frankl.

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