Adversity creates the space for transformation
Posted by Kathleen Gage on August 22, 2009When you ask several people what adversity means you are likely to get many different responses. What about overcoming adversity? Again, it is likely you will get many different responses.
When one is in the midst of adversity we can easily think our challenges are more difficult than those experienced by others. Yet, when we step back and allow ourselves to view the situation of another from an empathetic perspective we often find our own pain can be minimized by the experiences of others.
Below is an excerpt from the book Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor E. Frankl
“The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity even under the most difficult circumstances to add a deeper meaning to his life. It may remain brave, dignified and unselfish. Or in the bitter fight for self-preservation he may forget his human dignity and become no more than an animal. Here lies the chance for a man either to make use of or to forgo the opportunities of attaining the moral values that a difficult situation may afford him. And this decides whether he is worthy of his sufferings or not.”
Victor Frankl survived the atrocities of concentration camps during WWII. His experiences are chronicled in Man’s Search for Meaning. Building upon the premise that one can find meaning through suffering; Frankl beautifully illustrates how tragic optimism is the concept that a person is genuinely optimistic even in the face of extremely negative circumstances.
As we have our day to day experiences and things don’t go the way we planned are we able to maintain a level of optimism or do we dig in our heals because things are not as we hoped?
It is not always experience that creates the space for change. Often the example of another can lend itself to amazing transformation.
An incredible example of what is possible when one searches for meaning beyond the experience can be found in Victor Frankl’s book.
For other examples that can create the space for change access the FREE eBook, Overcoming Adversity with Grace.
Thank you for sharing this important message, Kathleen. Frankl’s example is about as poignant as can be. You are so right that we must take that “step back and allow ourselves to view the situation of another from an empathetic perspective.” Yet when we are in the midst of — caught up in — our own struggles, we often need to be reminded of this point again and again…!
Enter — “Overcoming Adversity with Grace.” That book is such an inspiration!
Much obliged,
-Lauren
If in retrospect we can see that things always work out, we can also use this same clarity in the midst of struggles–and even before they appear in our lives. Regardless of external life circumstances, we are guided and empowered, full of courage and fully-equipped to reveal the grandeur that lies within.
I love your article Kathleen. Looking for the deeper meaning in adversity has always worked for me.
Colleen
When my life seems strewn with obstacles or challenges, it helps me to take some very deep rhythmic breaths. That allows me to slow down my mental chatter. Then I can focus on all the good that is happening to me and through me. I can truly say “All is well.”
Victor Frankl must have had his own version of this in order to see the atrocious things that were happening to him and around him from a much higher perspective. His overcoming adversity was monumenal both for himself and for the millions of people who continue to be inspired by his writings.
I believe we all have a message to share with others. Some people, Like Mr. Frankl, happened to be one who KNEW he did. And he willingly shared what he could to make others see life from a different perspective.
The challenges of adversity helps us become the “stuff” and substance of who we are and who we become in life. It often is often the challenges that allow to dig deeper, evolve and transform into new ways. It seems to me that as human beings we go through life comfortably unless challenged to harness inner resources into new ways to transform ourselves, become more integrated and whole. The numerous challenges and obstacles I have encountered in my life have helped me become who I am today, how I live my life in love and compassion to serve others, to help others find their own journey to the path of becoming. Maintaining this stance truly keeps life interesting and rich and also keeps my growing. There is a new experience and opportunity right around the corner.
Thank you for your comments Rosanna. You are so correct that the challenges help us to become who we are meant to be.
Kathleen
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