I went home to Ohio recently and my friend Karen helped me to learn some yoga. I loved it and want to do more of it now. For some reason, after doing yoga I started thinking about being a self actualizer. I have heard the term self actualization, but didn't quite know what it meant. I looked it up and now I want to be a self actualizer more than ever!!
The short explanation is that self actualization is the desire to realize your FULL potential. It is also the final level of psychological development according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. If you believe in all that rubbish. Actually, I do believe it! I feel I do try to get the most out of my gifts in life, but to realize my FULL potential?!! Now, that would be something! To be honest I am not sure it is even possible to realize your FULL potential, but most of us never truly try. Including me. So, from now on I am going to try and do more to realize my full potential! Whatever that may be. I think yoga and meditation will help me on this path, so I am looking forward to learning more about it and doing it more as a habit and exercise.
The characteristics listed by Maslow to become a self actualizer are interesting. Maybe not 100% accurate in my opinion, but something to strive for. His list includes things like
Efficient perception of reality
Comfortable acceptance of self, others, and nature
Spontaneous and Natural
Autonomy
Non-hostile sense of humor
Socially compassionate
Few friends
And a few others.... I feel I have more than one of those qualities and the others listed on Wikipedia :0). Of course, few friends does not apply to me and never will... so if I am going to be a true self actualizer, I will have to do it with many friends! Is it possible? I sure hope so. So, let the journey begin.
"Within you, you will find everything you need to be complete".
No Go Out and Hug Someone Today!!!
The short explanation is that self actualization is the desire to realize your FULL potential. It is also the final level of psychological development according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. If you believe in all that rubbish. Actually, I do believe it! I feel I do try to get the most out of my gifts in life, but to realize my FULL potential?!! Now, that would be something! To be honest I am not sure it is even possible to realize your FULL potential, but most of us never truly try. Including me. So, from now on I am going to try and do more to realize my full potential! Whatever that may be. I think yoga and meditation will help me on this path, so I am looking forward to learning more about it and doing it more as a habit and exercise.
The characteristics listed by Maslow to become a self actualizer are interesting. Maybe not 100% accurate in my opinion, but something to strive for. His list includes things like
Efficient perception of reality
Comfortable acceptance of self, others, and nature
Spontaneous and Natural
Autonomy
Non-hostile sense of humor
Socially compassionate
Few friends
And a few others.... I feel I have more than one of those qualities and the others listed on Wikipedia :0). Of course, few friends does not apply to me and never will... so if I am going to be a true self actualizer, I will have to do it with many friends! Is it possible? I sure hope so. So, let the journey begin.
"Within you, you will find everything you need to be complete".
No Go Out and Hug Someone Today!!!
Well I don't know about the "few friends" characteristic... not sure I ever read about that one before...but I do believe you are well on your path to self-actualization! Enjoy the ride!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen. If nothing else it is a FUN ride!!
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