Once you have become aware of a change within you or your environment, and you have acknowledged its presence as an aspect of yourself and an integral part of the healing process, you can begin to let go of the anger, sadness, or fear you may be experiencing and accept the situation for what it is. If you can do this with the attitude of “what is…is,” much of the anxiety and apprehension you feel will begin to dissipate and be replaced with calm and security.
One of the greatest stories of the power of acceptance is the story of Victor Frankl, author of Man’s Search for Meaning and survivor of the Holocaust. Victor Frankl was a prisoner in the Auschwitz death camps during the Nazi occupation of World War II. Surrounded by the smell of burning bodies and the sounds of children’s screams, Victor found himself in an experience where death was certain. One day, Victor was taken to a dark room in the basement of a burnt out building, so that the “doctors” could give him a “routine checkup”. Before he knew it, he was strapped to a table and the men began sterilization surgery on him…without anesthesia. As he was laying on the table in excruciating agony, he had a realization. Whereas these men had the liberty to go where they please and do what they wish, they did not have the freedom to think for themselves. They were puppets of a dark master, of which they must perform such horrible acts upon another human being. Although they had freedom, he had the liberty to create in his mind whatever picture he desired and think his own thoughts. With this sudden insight, he accepted his situation and began spending all his time with his eyes closed imagining himself running through green fields with his children and grandchildren. He saw himself being free of the horrible place he currently resided and traveling to America to share his story and newfound wisdom.
Victor Frankl did survive the death camps. He traveled to America and wrote his book, which has been a source of inspiration for millions of readers. If Victor had not accepted his situation, he would have suffered through his experience and probably never survived. By accepting his appalling circumstance and creating a new vision within his mind, Victor Frankl not only lived through it, but healed himself in the process and helped millions of people around the world to accept their situation and heal as well.
In the next entry, we will explore the fourth “Healing Process of the Heart” – Appreciation.
Adapted from an excerpt from the book, A Clear Path to Healing, by Dr. Barry S. Weinberg
With Love and Appreciation,
Dr Barry