Monday, February 18, 2013

The Characteristics Of Self Realization Actualization

By Sherri Cohen


Many people are curious about the meaning of self realization actualization. This is a term frequently used in the discipline of psychology. Its roots go back to the late 1930's with the work of Kurt Goldstein. He began writing about the human potential for self awareness. At this time the study of the human desire to improve was in its early stages.

The ideas developed by Goldstein were further advanced by the work of Abraham Maslow. Maslow is best known for his human hierarchy of needs. After years of study and observation he felt that human beings have their basic need for food and shelter, yet the capacity for so much more. As they gradually have their more complex needs met, they are in a position to really fulfill their true potential.

Maslow saw the move toward self actualization as a desire, not an inherent force. With all the comforts of the modern world, many people have the opportunity to develop, but most choose not to. In fact as few as one percent of the adult population have moved to the top of Maslow's hierarchy. They are the few who chose to look beyond themselves and their immediate surroundings and problems.

Many people get stuck on their journey to personal discovery because they feel that problems in their lives are stopping them from moving forward. In Maslow's interpretation this is not a valid factor. Self actualized individuals have just as many problems as anyone else, it is just that they focus on the bigger picture. In fact, that very act is often what allows them to work effectively through a problem and move into a more productive part of their lives.

Part of the study was focused on identifying people who had reached their advanced level. Maslow believed that Albert Einstein and Henry David Thoreau were two people who had reached the most advanced levels of self awareness. They focused their lives not on their own problems, but rather on finding solutions to cultural problems. This is a distinct feature that is very important. People who have reached, or are moving towards a higher level of self awareness and not devoid of personal problem. They just deal with them in a different way.

Typical characteristics of highly evolved people are their love of nature. They often live very simply, yet have a heightened awareness of the forces of nature and can really appreciate it beauty. They see themselves as an integral part of the universe and as having a place in the world. Although they may well utilize all the latest technology they do not allow it to rule their lives in an unproductive way.

As people move further along the road to awareness they often develop a strong appreciation for nature. They enjoy spending time outside and value simple pleasures. They are often spontaneous, engaged and very much alive. A feeling of being one with the universe is very common. This can help them through a lot of problems and helps to maintain calm and focus on what really matters.

A true indicator of self realization actualization is the ability to enjoy peak experiences. Maslow discussed these as a defining characteristic, one that showed the individual in harmony with nature and their surroundings. These moments are profound and have very deep meaning. They can actually be life changing as they illuminate a whole new level of being.




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