According to Victor Frankl, (Man's Search for Meaning) the
quest for meaning is central to the human condition. Stronger
than the drive for power, pleasure or survival, is the drive for
meaning. Deep down we need to envision something greater beyond
our daily existence: Something which may inspire us to endure
under all circumstances.
Frankl refers to the "Defiant Power
of the Human Spirit" when he talks about the ability of
humans to "See with the soul" an ability which allows
human beings to connect with their unique purpose and values.
As we enter the festive season, people are
busier than ever: Deadlines have to be met before the holidays
and somehow, somewhere, time has to be found for the many celebrations
which mark this time of the year. Shops adorned with shiny tinsel
invite consumers to spend. Advertising campaigns appeal to the
emotional needs of buyers and encourage them to invest in products
linked with happiness and fulfilment. It is a time of indulgence:
In general, people spend, eat and drink too much.
Instead of the longed for message of peace
and goodwill, news headlines report more crime, more violence,
abuse and neglect.
Working with a group of women recently, two of them had family
members who were victims of violence in one week and a third was
talking about suicide because her circumstances were so overwhelming.
So what can I offer my clients that will
bring consolation and hope to them?
As mortal beings the only certainty we have, is the fact that
we are mortal. Frankl taught that each of us was given a special
assignment to complete between the space of our birth and death.
By raising my clients' awareness of their special roles
I support them in seeing beyond adversity.
A person who understands that life is transitory,
becomes open to the richness of meaning in all experiences.
"It is not the end of the physical
body that should worry us. Rather, our concern must be to live
while we we're alive - to release our inner selves
from the spiritual death that comes with living behind a facade
designed to conform to external definitions of who we are and
what we are". - Elizabeth Kubler Ross.
As coaches we can help our clients to celebrate
their lifes in a meaningful way.
Each client who comes to us is gifted in
a unique and special way. Each client has a potential legacy to
leave to the world.
Nobody knows for sure what the New Year will bring for us and
our clients. On the 1st of January 2011 each of us will receive
the same amount of days to invest regardless of our circumstances.
Lets celebrate the possibilities of human
lives well lived!