Episode 71: THE COVID-19 CRISIS: INSPIRATION FROM VICTOR FRANKL FOR OUR "EXTRAORDINARY REALITY"

04/10/20 • 56 min

The "extraordinary reality" common to caregivers and first responders - the experience each day of issues of life and death, crisis and loss of control - continues for every one of us during this COVID-19 pandemic. Our personal strengths and weaknesses are being exposed to others and to ourselves. As Victor Frankl observed, we cannot always choose our situation, but we can choose our responses. We can focus on productive work, love for others, and displaying courage in the face of fear and panic. We can focus on the truth of the humanity we share with a frightened and suffering world. Additionally, there are practical actions - recommended during this podcast - that will help us survive and live out the values Frankl cherished.

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Episode 70: THE COVID-19 CRISIS: HARDSHIP AND HOPE IN OUR "EXTRAORDINARY REALITY"

With the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic, the world has entered into a time of "extraordinary reality". This is the everyday reality inhabited by caregivers, service members and first responders - the experience, on a daily basis, of situations of life and death, crisis, and a lack of control over the outcome. These times tend to strip and expose our character, showing us where our real strengths and weaknesses lie. We can refuse to be fear-driven. We can hold on to hope that we will survive this very hard time. At some point, we may start to recognize that good things can find their beginning in times of adversity.

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Episode 72: THE COVID-19 CRISIS: TIME TO LOOK AT THE TANGIBLES VERSUS THE INTANGIBLES"

We remain in the critical initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, living in survival mode. We need to stay aware, in our "extraordinary reality", of the possible buildup of negative emotions of fear and panic which can cloud our perspective and even threaten our physical health. Victor Frankl's values - productive work, love for others, and courage - can guide us to reach out and help others. These times can teach us, if we let them, to begin to lessen our focus on the "tangibles" - money, job security, material possessions - and embrace the "intangibles" - our relationships with those we love, compassion and empathy for others, and our individual spiritual practice.