Hello and Welcome to another Beautiful Day,
In 1943, a young psychologist attempted to explain what motivates humans to act. He believed that human motivations could be categorized into two basic groups; first a motivation to act in order to replenish a deficiency and second, a motivation to act in order to grow. His name was Abraham Maslow and his theory came to be known as Maslow’s’ Hierarchy of Needs.
According to Maslow, humans will focus their attention and intention upon the growth needs if and only if the deficiency needs have been satisfied. First things first, so to speak.
After basic physiological needs such as the need for air, food, water are secure, when one’s survival is no longer an issue, and that person feels loved and valued for who they are, then s/he may begin to focus on developing her/his cognitive abilities and satisfy the ‘need’ to know, to understand, and explore; satisfy the ‘need’ to experience aesthetics – symmetry, order, and beauty; pursue self-fulfillment and realize one’s potential by becoming self-actualized. In later years, Maslow added another level to his hierarchy, the ‘need’ to connect with something that is beyond one’s personal ego as well as to help others find their way to self-fulfillment, which is the highest desire and highest good known as self-transcendence.
Transcendence is a state of being or existence above and beyond the limits of material experience, beyond the limits of emotions and usual understanding; to exceed beyond the ordinary.
For those of us on a spiritual path to enlightenment and transcendence, it can be a kind of ‘living Hell’ to get stuck at a ‘lower level’ and feel stifled in our life progression. When this happens, how do we get ourselves unstuck?
The only answer is by faith, hope, and persistence. You just have to believe that there is cohesiveness and a purpose to your life and that if you persist in your desires, then you will transcend your current situation, state of being, and level of ‘need.’
I believe that as one progresses up the pyramid, the motivation to achieve becomes greater. As each level of ‘need’ is satisfied, people’s sense of mastery becomes stronger spurring them on to higher goals. As people get nearer to the top, the motivation becomes so strong and their sense of mastery so certain, that it can be temporarily devastating to get stuck and become frustrated by not being able to achieve that next highest level.
Having been there myself, I firmly believe that in the end, it is only our own selves that hold us back. In part, it may be remnants of ego that get in the way; but more likely, it is negative self-talk and all of the “I cant’s” and “I don’t want to’s” that become our greatest obstacles.
That which we resist, persists. That which we give energy to, will grow. So, the way to overcome these self-induced obstacles is to let go, go with the flow, be accepting, and focus your energy, attention, and intent on what you want rather than what you do not.
Believe me, this is easier said than done, yet it is how you and I will find our way to salvation and transcendence.
I hope we all find our way to the top of the pyramid.
I’m gonna make it by any means, I got a pocketful of dreams
Baby, I’m from New York
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of - There’s nothing you can’t do
Now you’re in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York!
~ Empire State of Mind, Alicia Keys
Love it. Are you familiar with nonviolent communication and the list of “needs”?