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Alex Pattakos: The Meaning and Power of Forgiveness



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- Ed Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger I'm a Fan of Ed Shapiro permalink

This is a very important subject and Alex deals with it so well. Until we understand the power of forgiveness we can never be free.

    Reply    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:45 AM on 10/09/2008
- New Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger I'm a Fan of Alex Pattakos permalink

Thanks, Ed, for underscoring the vital importance of "forgiveness" to our personal and collective freedom!

    Reply    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:39 AM on 10/09/2008
- Diogenis See Profile I'm a Fan of Diogenis permalink

Indeed...Orthodox !

    Reply    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 12:35 PM on 10/08/2008
- Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger I'm a Fan of Alex Pattakos permalink

Efhareesto (Thank you). Both you and kapo pegged me correctly. This said, the intent of my post is to share a universal, humanistic principle of living with meaning, not to "preach" any particular brand of spirituality or religious denomination.

However, since you now have "got me going," let me refer to a common Greek word, "logos," which just so happens to be a root of both Viktor Frankl's System of LOGOtherapy AND the process of authentic dialogue (dia-LOGOS). Upon closer examination, the various translations of the word logos (most frequently but only roughly translated as "the meaning"), reveal that it has deep spiritual roots. In this regard, one of the first references to logos as "spirit" came from the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, around 500 BC. Interpreting logos as a manifestation of spirit or soul has significant implications, both conceptual and practical. For instance, true dialogue enables individuals to acknowledge that they each are part of a greater whole, that they naturally resonate with others within this whole, and that the whole is, indeed, greater than the sum of its various parts. If you have ever experienced the process of authentic dialogue, you will know exactly what I mean. In a therapeutic sense, moreover, this is what Dr. Frankl was seeking to do through Logotherapy--that is, to advance "health through meaning" by not only humanizing but also spiritualizing medicine and healthcare practices. In this context, forgiveness IS a major driver of integrative health.

    Reply    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 02:11 PM on 10/08/2008
- Diogenis See Profile I'm a Fan of Diogenis permalink

Well Aleko, after having sent you an email and receiving yours, you now know who Diogenis is. And yes, I spelled Diogenis the Greek way with English phonetics. I relate to Diogenis very much, and I feel you do also. Logos indeed has deep spiritual roots ! I would like "true dialogue", and I do know what you mean.

    Reply    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 07:27 PM on 10/08/2008
- kapo See Profile I'm a Fan of kapo permalink

WORD my brother.

    Reply    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 09:54 AM on 10/08/2008

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