Self-Actualization, achieving your full potential, is Maslov’s last tier of his hierarchy of needs. Www.Dictionary.com states the definition of self-actualization as “the achievement of one’s full potential through creativity, independence, spontaneity, and a grasp of the real world”.
Taking this definition and applying it into real life, self-actualization means that you see your talents, have discovered what makes you tick, and are willing to go out and do it. It means that you are not significantly affected by the opinions of others that would stop you from freely expressing yourself. This does not mean that you aren’t virtuous and consider other people’s opinions. Stop for a moment and consider if there is anything that you have held back doing, wearing, or saying out of concern for what someone would think? Ask yourself, if I didn’t care what anyone else thought, I would do …………………………………. (remember that this is in terms of life goals and creative expression, not illegal or harmful acts).
When you allow your creativity to flow, the opinions of others are not your driving force to move forward. Your inner guide and desires become the driving force. There is a wonderful book I read many years ago called Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Here is a link to his book Click here. In his book, he discusses that when you set a goal the ultimate goal continues to build so that you are allowing your creative energy to grow and be expressed. So even if you reach the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro that is not the ending. You aren’t left with that question of what is next. Instead, you have a great sense of accomplishment that spurs on future endeavors. At this state, you have discovered who you are and what you are capable of accomplishing. You stop questioning yourself and rather trust that inner guide. You have found peace with who you are, where you are in your life, and acknowledge that these are all phases to get you to the next place. Hence, you have achieved flow in your life allowing things to come and go and carrying on as the river does toward the ocean.
Now you can understand the role of the first four levels in order to reach this last level in which your needs are met, you feel safe, you feel loved and a sense of belonging, and you are confident in yourself. Then you will find peace. That is my ultimate wish for myself and for you.
Now here’s a quote worth sharing and laughing about as you pounder letting go of the opinions of others:
“I don’t want everyone to like me; I should think less of myself if some people did.”
―
Voyage to HEAL Weekly focus:
Stretch: Child’s pose is a great way to pay homage to yourself and rest in the space that opens your mind to your endless possibilities.
Exercise: Activating that pelvic floor, let’s do supermans. Lay on your stomach with a pillow under your stomach. Turn the core on and lift either one or both arms up 8x. Then lift 1 or both legs up 8x. Depending on where you are at in your strength, lift both arms and both legs at the same time 8x.
Habitual change: Try eating with your opposite hand. Rewire the brain and become ambidextrous
Perspective Enlightenment: Look in the mirror and love your reflection. Say something good about yourself as you look back at your best friend.
This chapter coincides with the Voyage to HEAL Chapter 12: Self Mastery. You are the ultimate guru.
Godspeed on your Voyage to HEAL.
Love, Jocelyn
