Social Awakening - Centering Self for Authentic Selflessness
- Mimi Watson
- Jul 14, 2022
- 4 min read
Have you noticed the cultural conflicts:
between corporations and employees with the great resignation,
between politicians and their constituents over unmet expectations,
or between religious institutions and communities in relation to social traditions, relevance and spiritual ideology?
We are witnessing an awakening; a conscious reviewing of the roles the majority play in the order set by the builders of our nations.
Magnifiers have been focused in. . . looking at the distribution of benefits and the definition of liberty and freedom.
One side responds with a loss of passion saying, “take them down”.
But what would we have without an ordered society? An under-developed country with stagnated growth and decreased opportunities?
The other side responds in preservation mode saying, "they don’t want to work. . . they expect way too much for what they do; we shouldn’t have to share more of the profits in a capitalist democracy”.
Not recognizing that people are being pushed to the social and economic brink of civil unrest.
The truth often lies somewhere in the middle.
The art of compromise seems to be lost, that willingness to give and receive with both sides bending without breaking.
How can we commit to both self-preservation and community preservation?
How do we find our way back to the middle?
1.
First, we can begin with the end goal in mind.
The goal of self-transcendence in the form of selflessness. This is the act of going above and beyond self to the highest and most inclusive levels of human consciousness. . . in unity.
According to Abraham Maslow’s research on the hierarchy of human needs, self-transcendence offers peak experiences from a higher perspective; a view of the bigger picture.
However, to achieve that goal our basic needs on the lower levels must be met first.
When not met, our personal deficiencies can become the intention with a masqueraded appearance of selflessness. It’s a subconscious illusion.
Authentic selflessness expects whatever gain to be in the favor of others, rising above self.
This is one of those meaningful life paths that is often less travelled.
Begin with the end goal in mind, the goal of selfless transcendence and aim to build beyond the limits of “Me" to the unity in “We”.
2.
Next, focus on centering yourself.
In the event of an emergency, you must secure your own oxygen mask before helping others with theirs. These words are etched in the mind of passengers before a flight takes off.
Putting your mask on first not only saves your life, it also opens an opportunity for you to assist others.
This is true in everyday life. Our life pendulum swings with changing life circumstances. When we spend adequate time taking care of our own needs we have more to offer our circles of family, friends and community.
Being self-centered is not the same as being selfish.
It’s not narcissistic. . . hedonistic. . . or self-obsessed.
By separate word definitions, it’s a human being situated or placed in the center of their own life.
A Centered Self. . .
centered in emotions,
centered in intellectual capabilities,
centered in self-sufficiency
and centered in the ability to handle adversity.
Being self-centered offers internal equilibrium: spirit - soul - body, arranged In harmony.
An authentic sense of self-confidence is rooted in self-centeredness.
It comes from knowing and trusting:
in your intuition and self-awareness,
in your developed abilities,
in your matured qualities and sound judgement.
So. . . should the term self-centered be used interchangeably with narcissism?
Narcissistic personality disorder has become a common topic, with documented stories like The Tinder Swindler and Inventing Anna going viral. We are aware of some of the methods used to gain our trust.
However, according to The Cleveland Clinic, experts estimate this mental disorder only affects up to 5% of the population.
So. . . could we be experiencing an increased level of selfishness? Maybe a shift in social norms towards excessive concentration on one’s own advantages?
Excessive is the key word that separates self-centeredness from selfishness. Practicing moderation can help ward off excessive indulgence.
A centered person takes care of their own affairs as a normal part of life. Progress in centering yourself in preparation for the end goal of “authentic selflessness”.
3.
Finally, master the art of recalibrating your internal pendulum.
The rebuilding process after a life storm is different for everyone. Re-organizing your life often requires a temporary withdrawal from the norm to replenish essential cups:
physically,
emotionally,
spiritually,
mentally,
and financially.
We are constantly moving in and out of balance, adjusting to the uncontrollable circumstances of life. . . highs and lows.
A fresh point of reference is often needed to carefully reset our navigation from the command center of self. When we know where we are going it’s much easier to get there.
Find the path back to your center to rebalance your steady level of self-sufficiency.
Recalibrate your perspective to operate your life from the centered self.
Once our needs are met we can experience transcendence - the highest and most inclusive levels of human consciousness and unity.
One step at a time. . .
A balanced “Me” becomes a stronger community of “We”.
Subscribe to explore the commonalities of our humanity with us.
One topic at a time. . . from the inside out.
Welcome to Circles of You.
Comments