Tragic Optimism for Covid Times
Wanted to share a beautiful podcast episode on how to deal with difficult circumstances.
A countercultural way of being to help us manage the times we are in.
He references Viktor Frankl’s work from Man’s Search for Meaning. Below I included a few notes:
"I speak of a tragic optimism. That is, an optimism in the face of tragedy and view of the human potential that at its best always allows for firstly, turning suffering into a human achievement and accomplishment.
Secondly, deriving from guilt the opportunity to change oneself for the better.
Thirdly, deriving from life's transitoriness the incentive to take responsible action."
- Viktor Frankl
I’ve listened to this episode numerous times. When I feel a little checked out and numbed, this is my go to episode to get me back into my body, my emotions, simply accepting my present experience of life.
My own summary of what goes on in my mind and my internal takeaways whenever I listen to this episode:
"Feel whatever you need to feel right now, particularly any of the negative emotions. Let them wash over you. They are here to teach you, so let them move through you."
Listen to the episode in the link below (only available on Spotify):