If you’ve been following my writings or listening to The Meaning Project podcast lately, you probably know I’m a big fan of Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy.  It’s not only an excellent adjunct to most theories of psychotherapy, but it’s also a philosophy of life derived from the Existential writings of philosophers and theologians from earlier times.

Logotherapy is “less retrospective, less introspective – more future focused” than other theories of psychotherapy.  It focuses on meanings to be fulfilled in the future.  Fits my personality well – but it’s also the way I’ve been doing psychotherapy for years.  My studies in this field validated the work I had been doing, but also added much more to it.

In last week’s podcast, I dive deeper into Frankl’s Logotherapy.  We discuss all things “noetic” – that is, having to do with the human spirit.  A concept that most theories of psychotherapy don’t touch upon.

One of the concepts I wanted to share today – one of my favorites – is that of “Noö-dynamics”; the healthy tension between who we are now, and who we were meant to be.  Too often, people strive to find peace, comfort, or equilibrium.  But what we need, as Frankl describes it, is a “healthy tension” to encourage us to strive and grow.

“To be sure, man’s search for meaning may arouse inner tension rather than inner equilibrium.  However, precisely such tension is an indispensable prerequisite for mental health.”

Today, I encourage you to dive deeper into that tension you might be feeling.  What is it you feel called to become, to grow, to evolve into?  Do you feel the tension of what you “ought” to do calling you?

What are you going to do about it?

If you’d like to explore deeper – head on over to The Meaning Project podcast.  Or, if you really feel like taking the plunge into Frankl’s work, check out my Teachable.com course, Logotherapy and the Psychology of Meaning.

Of course, if you want to discuss or have questions I can answer, I’m always available by email at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com or you can follow me on Facebook at Dr. Daniel A. Franz.

Have a great week!

Take care,

Dan