Directions to finding meaning in life

 Continuing my take aways from the gem of the book "Yes to Life in spite of Everything:

Directions to finding meaning in life:

• By acting (doing something), by creating
• By experiencing something-nature, art
• By Loving people and being loved

Even if the above are not possible, human beings are able to find meaning "when they take a stance toward the unalterable, fated, inevitable and unavoidable limitation of their possibilities" ie. "how they adapt to this limitation, react towards it, how they accept this fate".

The first point or direction as Frankl terms it reminds me of the Japanese term "Ikigai" literally translated as 'the reason you wake up in the morning'. No matter the type of work, the passion and mission lies in doing it well. It is even better if one is able to create a piece of work, it usually brings joy. 

The second point is quite easy to relate to. Most people would have experienced being immersed in nature, music or art which momentarily transcends oneself, catching glimpses of some bigger scheme behind one's existence.

About the third direction, Frankl explained that the purpose of existence even for an invalid is valuable. It lies in the love he has for others as well as giving an opportunity for people around him to love and care for him. I think it is like drawing out the best in other human beings.

Finally if fate has it that all the above directions are limited, Fankl believed that the stance one takes to accepting the inevitable is a purpose in itself. This is his famous quote "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way".