“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.†- Romans 12:2
As we conclude this series on stabilizing our minds, let us address the self-actualization component of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Self-actualization, as it contributes to the stabilization of our minds, is the realization or fulfilment of one’s talents and potentialities. Our objective is to be the best that we can be.
Recently, I have had independent discussions with family and friends on this topic and I was motivated to share these thoughts.
The Lord’s Prayer expresses quite clearly that “Thy will be done,â€Â which implies a governance system of omnipotence, comprehensiveness, and depth for all humanity consisting of a network of spiritual laws.
Deepak Chopra is one of my favorite authors. In his book “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Successâ€, he describes these laws as (1) Pure Potentiality, (2) Giving, (3) Cause and Effect, (4) Least Effort, (5) Intention and Desire, (6) Detachment, and (7) Purpose of Life. Relevant to today’s topic is the Law of Cause and Effect.
Whatever we think, say or do is a form of energy. Positive energy and positive belief systems include ambition, self-confidence, good relationships, and family security, which will lead us to self-actualization and attract success in all areas of life, including spirituality, health, mindset, finances, relationships, and business.
On the other hand, anger, fear, worry, guilt, hate, grief, and anxiety are natural for all humans to encounter but, if not professionally managed, they take over our psyches and lead to negative results thus frustrating attempts at self-actualization.
This is one law, not two laws. Why not accentuate the positives and eliminate the negatives?
We have been blessed with free will. This does not mean that we can follow our whims and fancies and do whatever we like, whenever we want. It comes with the responsibility of behaving in a manner consistent with the spiritual laws. We will either reap benefits for each of us and our fellow humans or be delinquent and face the consequences.
Focus on the positives and control your destiny. This takes willpower but with passion, persistence, and patience, we can control our destiny. Discipline and self-restraint are major elements in controlling willpower.
If every individual aims to satisfy our self-actualization needs, that is to be the best that we can be. Then the collective impact of all individuals will redound to the benefit of society.
Let us sneak out of those cocoons of comfort and show the world that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
I think that as we finish this series on Abraham Maslow’s self-actualization theory, which presents five hierarchical needs of the human being – physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem and self-actualization – we may conclude that there is a lot to learn and it is not too late to stabilize our minds and contribute to peace and understanding on planet Earth.
As 2021 comes to an end, let 2022 be the year of the family, the basic building unit of society. We shall hopefully be assembling those building blocks as we rehabilitate in the wake of the devastation of the raging COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.
Happy new year and remember, do not hesitate to vaccinate!