top of page
Search

Acknowledging What Is: The Philosophy of Bert Hellinger for a Fulfilling Life

Updated: Apr 9

baby on green carpet

Introduction


Today's blog is dedicated to marking five years since the passing of Bert Hellinger, the father of family constellations. Family constellations, a therapeutic approach developed by Hellinger, explores the hidden dynamics within a family system and their impact on an individual's life.I find it fitting to honor this occasion by sharing my translation of his phenomenal essay on acknowledging what life is and what it brings us. This essay perfectly illustrates how the task of acknowledging what is can be both challenging and rewarding. Join me in exploring life according to Hellinger and understanding how he views reality and how it can lead us to change and inner growth.



 


Bert Hellinger - Life


Life disappoints us to help us stop living in illusions and see reality as it is.

Life destroys everything unnecessary until only what is significant remains.

Life doesn't give us rest so that we stop fighting and start accepting reality as it is, in all its beautiful and challenging aspects.

Life takes from us until we stop complaining and start appreciating what we have.

Life brings us people who are prone to conflicts, so we can heal and stop projecting what is inside us onto the outside.

Life allows us to fall repeatedly until we decide to learn the lesson and rise stronger.

Life misleads and places crossroads until we stop wanting to control and agree to flow like a river, with freedom and release.

Life places enemies in our path until we stop being reactive and learn to act from inner calm.

Life frightens us whenever necessary so that we can overcome fear and restore our faith in ourselves and the world.

Life takes away our true love, neither granting nor allowing it, until we stop wanting to buy it with decorations and understand that it comes from within.

Life distances us from our loved ones until we understand that we are not this body but the soul within it.

Life often laughs at us until we stop taking ourselves so seriously and learn to laugh at ourselves.

Life shatters us into as many pieces as necessary so that we can illuminate the light within us from them.

Life repeats the same message with blows and alarms until we start to truly listen.

Life sends storms and lightning towards us so that we can awaken and discover the power within us.

Life humiliates and defeats us until we decide to let the ego die and discover the humility and wisdom within us.

Life deprives us of property and greatness until we stop wanting property and greatness and begin to serve others with an open heart.

Life cuts our wings and prunes our roots until we no longer need wings and roots and can soar from our very being.

Life denies us miracles until we understand that everything is a miracle, and every moment is an opportunity for wonder.

Life shortens our time, so we must learn to live fully in the moment, enjoy the present, and make the most of every second.

Life humiliates us until we become nothing, so we become everything and discover our unity within us.

Life doesn't give us what we want but what we need to grow and empower ourselves.

Life hurts, pains, and torments us until we release whims and learn to enjoy breathing and simple existence.

Life hides treasures from us until we begin the journey and go out to seek them with passion and curiosity.

Life denies us God until we see Him in everything, every moment, and in every experience.

Life asks, takes, cuts, breaks, disappoints, and shatters us...

Until only love remains within us.

bert hellinger photo

Bert Hellinger

December 16, 1925 - September 19, 2019


A free translation of the text "LA VITA" found on the website of ROSSELLA TIRIMACCO: https://rossellatirimacco.com/2019/09/23/bert-hellinger-e-tornato-tra-le-stelle/




 


Philosophical Discussion


As described by Hellinger, our life journey is a great teacher guiding us on the right paths to live and grow. It disappoints us to help us stop living in illusions and see reality as it is. For instance, a person might be disappointed when a relationship ends, but this disappointment can lead to a clearer understanding of the relationship's dynamics. Life destroys what is unnecessary so that we discover what is truly important. This could be illustrated by a person losing a job, which might lead them to realize the importance of their skills and abilities. Through this description, Hellinger invites us to ask deep questions about the meaning of life and the journey we are on.


Life's challenges, as described by Hellinger, are not obstacles to be overcome, but opportunities for acceptance and growth. Pain, loss, and difficulties are not signs of defeat, but stepping stones towards personal and spiritual development. Life's relentless pace is not a burden, but a catalyst for our growth and understanding.


Life, in Hellinger's profound view, is not a series of random events, but a continuous classroom where every experience is a lesson and every challenge is an opportunity. Life's guidance is not a mere direction, but a path towards wisdom, humility, and understanding. Life's challenges are not hurdles, but mirrors that reflect our inner light and guide us to deeper places within us.



Epilogue


Summing up Hellinger's words, we see that life is a tough, tricky teacher. It doesn't give us what we want but what we need to grow and empower ourselves. Pain, loss, and challenges are integral to our journey, leading us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the reality around us.


Hellinger's essay invites us to look at life from a new perspective - not as enemies to fight but as friends guiding us and teaching us the most important lessons. It invites us to open our hearts, accept reality as it is, and learn to enjoy breathing and simple existence.


I will quote Hellinger: "Life denies us miracles until we understand that everything is a miracle, and every moment is an opportunity for wonder." Let us remember this and live our lives with gratitude, love, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.


 

Sivan Avni - Couples Therapy Based on Family Constellation and Differentiation in Kiryat Tivon and Online.






Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet
Add a rating*
Anchor 1
bottom of page