Apparently many of us have a pretty rough week ahead of us.  “Historic lows” they say.  I read something about -39 to -49 degree windchill at some point during the week.  That’s inhuman, and inhumane, for anyone who has to be out in it.

After denigrating The State of Affairs last week, I was really excited to share some interesting ideas from Hiking with Nietzsche this week, but that can wait.

For now, just be safe.  By the time you read this, many school children will be counting down the degrees to a few days off, as will their hard-working teachers.  If you have one of these school children in your family, maybe this is a good excuse to stay home and spend some time together – enjoy some spontaneous free tiem.  This could be a good time to play a new game, bake something together, or curl up on the couch and stay warm while watching a few classics on Netflix.  Frankl would say you’re discovering new meaning, or renewing meaning, through being with the ones you love.

On the other hand, there are a lot of people who are less fortunate out there – possibly even some animals too.  This could be an opportunity for you to find a way to help.  No human or animal should be out in this kind of weather.  Maybe you can do something about it.  If you can’t help directly, maybe you can donate to a local shelter.  This would be an opportunity to discover meaning through self-transcendence.

Of course, while the kids (and teachers, if they happen to be in your family) sleep in and stay warm, maybe you could get off to work and engage yourself in productivity.  That’s another way to discover meaning – consciously creating our world through the work we do.  I know if you have school children, or even teachers, at home, they may stare at you in amazement thinking the rest of the world stops when school is cancelled, but go forth you modern-day hero, brave the elements, and do your work, and discover meaning in doing it.

Look, its going to be rotten out there this week.  Be safe.  Take care of your family, and if you have it in you, take care of those around you.  Maybe even reach out to see how you can help your community.  There is a lot of meaning to be discovered in times of struggle, and this appears to be a week of weather-induced struggle. 

Take care.  Next week we discuss Hiking with Nietzsche.  (Which may be like a hike in -39 degrees….)  – Dan