I acknowledge that Our Health is very much tied to Our Sense of Meaning.
Below are citations that Ed Leme, founder of the Tinnitus Habituation Protocol has shared that lend themselves to finding meaning.
I trust you may find them helpful as I have been moved to share them with you.
Victor Frankl, a prominent Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor, is best known for his development of logotherapy. Logotherapy is a form of existential analysis that is centered on the belief that the human primary drive is the search for meaning in life, rather than the pursuit of pleasure or power.
Frankl’s experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps led him to observe and conclude that those who could find meaning in their experiences were more likely to survive. This observation became a cornerstone of his psychological theories. Within his framework, Frankl identifies three primary ways through which individuals can discover meaning in life: creative values, experiential values, and attitudinal values.
1. Creative Values
Creative values are found in what we give to the world in terms of our creations. This category encompasses the output of our work, art, science, or any other contribution that adds value to the lives of others or to society as a whole. For Frankl, the essence of existence is not merely in being but in doing; our actions and our creations are fundamental to finding purpose and meaning in our lives. The act of creating is seen as an expression of the self and an embodiment of the individual’s unique talents, aspirations, and efforts. It’s about leaving a legacy, impacting the world, and making it a better place through one’s contributions.
2. Experiential Values
Experiential values are derived from what we take from the world in terms of our encounters and experiences. This category includes the beauty we observe in nature, art, or literature; the love we share and receive; and the connections we make with others. Frankl posits that even in the absence of the ability to create, individuals can find profound meaning through the experience of something or someone. Experiences of love, beauty, and nature offer existential validation and purpose, enriching one’s life and broadening one’s perspective beyond the self.
3. Attitudinal Values
Attitudinal values represent the stance or attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering. When faced with situations that cannot be changed or avoided, such as terminal illness, loss, or suffering, individuals can still choose their response. Frankl argues that this freedom to choose one’s attitude in the face of adversity is the ultimate source of meaning. It’s about finding a way to bear suffering with dignity, courage, and purpose. By embracing suffering and extracting value from it, individuals transcend their circumstances and find meaning in their struggles. This approach does not diminish the pain or difficulty of the experiences but provides a way to navigate them with grace and personal integrity.
In essence, Frankl’s categories of meaning emphasize the multidimensional nature of the human search for purpose. They illustrate that meaning can be found not only in what we do or experience but also in how we choose to face the challenges life presents us with.
For our Greater Health,
Dr. Steve
