Finding Power in the Space Between: Frankl's Key to Freedom


In his influential work Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, shared a profound observation: “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom” (Frankl, 2006). Though simple in form, Frankl's words carry a weighty truth about human freedom, resilience, and the choices we make in the face of life’s challenges. But what exactly does Frankl mean? How can we harness this space to shape our growth and freedom?

Understanding Frankl’s Message

Frankl’s insight emphasizes a crucial concept: though we can’t always control the events or stimuli that occur in our lives, we have the power to control how we respond to them. Whether the stimulus is as small as an unexpected email or as devastating as the loss of a loved one, the response lies within our control. Between the stimulus and response, according to Frankl, there is a pause—a space. It is within this space that our true freedom lies. Think of it like a crossroads: one road leads to a knee-jerk reaction fueled by emotion and instinct, while the other road allows for a conscious, deliberate choice aligned with our values.

The Space as Our Freedom

Imagine this space as a buffer zone, much like the gap between two gears in a machine. If the gears mesh too tightly, the machine grinds and fails. But with just the right amount of space, the gears rotate smoothly, and the machine runs efficiently. In life, this space represents the room we have to make decisions. When we pause before reacting, we give ourselves the chance to respond with clarity rather than being driven solely by emotion.

Frankl’s idea of freedom stems from this space, a freedom that transcends circumstances. He recognized that even in the horrific conditions of a concentration camp, those who could access this internal space—those who could choose how they responded to the unimaginable suffering—were able to maintain a sense of dignity and self-control (Frankl, 2006).

This concept mirrors the space between stimulus and response. If we allow our emotional reactions to "mesh too tightly" with the stimulus, we lose our sense of control, much like a malfunctioning machine. But by embracing the space, we open the door to thoughtful decision-making and true freedom.

Growth Within the Space

Frankl also pointed out that within this space lies not just freedom but growth. The metaphorical space is a fertile ground, like a garden where seeds of choice can sprout into the flowers of personal development. Every time we consciously choose our response, we water those seeds of growth. Conversely, when we react impulsively, we may stifle that growth, allowing weeds of regret and frustration to take root.

For instance, consider a heated argument with a friend. The stimulus might be a hurtful remark that triggers an emotional reaction. The immediate, instinctual response might be to snap back with a harsh retort, escalating the argument. But by accessing the space between stimulus and response, you pause. This pause allows for reflection—perhaps recognizing that the hurtful remark was unintentional or fueled by their own stress. Instead of reacting, you respond thoughtfully, maybe choosing to defuse the situation or to communicate your feelings calmly. In that moment, you grow, not just in terms of emotional intelligence but also in strengthening the relationship.

The Power of Choice

This space is where choice resides—much like the control panel of a ship. The captain (you) can steer the vessel in any direction, regardless of the stormy weather (stimulus) outside. While the storm may be beyond your control, how you navigate through it is entirely in your hands. This act of choosing your response allows you to maintain control over your emotions and decisions.

Frankl’s own experience in the concentration camps of Nazi Germany serves as a powerful example. He witnessed unimaginable cruelty and suffering. Yet, he observed that those who retained a sense of inner freedom were those who could find meaning in their suffering and choose their response to it (Frankl, 2006). This choice, Frankl believed, was the true source of freedom—a freedom that could not be taken away by external circumstances.

Practical Steps to Cultivate the Space

How do we tap into this powerful space? Developing this ability requires practice, but it’s possible through intentional actions. Here are some steps to begin cultivating your access to the space between stimulus and response:

  1. Mindfulness: Much like a camera lens focusing on a scene, mindfulness allows us to zoom in on the present moment, bringing clarity to our thoughts and emotions. This practice helps us become more aware of the space, making it easier to access it before we react (Kabat-Zinn, 2013).

  2. Pause and Breathe: Something as simple as taking a deep breath can act as a buffer between stimulus and response. Breathing can calm the nervous system, providing the space to think before reacting (Nestor, 2020).

  3. Self-Reflection: Journaling or reflecting on past responses can help you become more aware of your habitual reactions. Like a scientist analyzing data, reflection allows you to assess your patterns and recognize moments when you could have made better choices. Over time, this practice can help you choose differently (Baer, 2003).

  4. Seek Support: Working with a therapist can be like having a guide through a dense forest. A skilled therapist helps you navigate your internal landscape, teaching you to recognize and access that vital space between stimulus and response (Linehan, 2015).

Freedom and Growth in Every Challenge

Frankl’s powerful insight teaches us that while we can’t control the stimuli in our lives, we can control how we respond to them. This space between stimulus and response is where our greatest freedom and capacity for growth reside. By cultivating this space, we unlock the potential to live more intentionally, growing in wisdom and strength with each choice we make.

Life will always throw unexpected challenges our way, but the real question is: how will we respond? Will we react impulsively, or will we take a moment to pause and access our inner freedom? Frankl’s wisdom reminds us that within that pause lies the key to not only surviving adversity but thriving in it.

Let that space be your gateway to freedom, growth, and empowerment. As Frankl so beautifully taught, it is within that space that we find the ability to define our own path.

References

Baer, R. A. (2003). Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 125–143.

Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man’s search for meaning. Beacon Press.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Bantam Books.

Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training manual. Guilford Press.

Nestor, J. (2020). Breath: The new science of a lost art. Riverhead Books.

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