In Light of the Upcoming Holidays, By Mou Wilson, Sex Therapy in Los Angeles

Remember to Give Thanks for Life, Love and Light....

Vicktor Frankl said, "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." Viktor Frankl was a Holocaust survivor (as well as Psychoanalyst/Author/Philosopher). He was able to find the meaning of life in those harsh moments in suffering. His recognition that suffering is part of life, and part of the human condition. His idea was similar to the Buddhist philosophy of "living in the moment," which in my own words is to embrace our emotions, whether they be sadness, fear, or anger.  Embrace the human condition. Rather than acting on these emotions to try to relieve them, and make them go away by taking action (emotional reactivity) try what we call "sitting with your emotions." Let me explain, suffering is half of life. Without sadness there is no happiness. Without pain, no joy. Without day there is no night. The Buddhist philosophy would encourage us to not feel any emotion too strongly. So, in other words, stop fighting your emotions. Sit down and breathe instead. This idea is important if you suffer from mood swings, mania, depression/sadness, stress, fear, anger, for any reason whether it be holidays, or otherwise.

 

The holiday season time of year can be a joyous time for many and for many the holidays bring about sadness and sorrow. Chances are if you are reading this you are at your computer, and thus you are also blessed with having shelter, food and clothing this holiday season. Feelings of sadness, stress, anger, sorrow? Or enjoying the moment? You decide.