Self Actualisation

 

It seems that in order to be truly happy, simply having enough stuff, isn’t enough. We need meaning and purpose in and to our lives.

This is because being human, is an inherently strange experience, compared to the non-existence that came before it. We are on some level aware that before we were conceived we don’t have any memory of existing at all and now being alive, we’re supposed to feel completely comfortable being the only species on Earth conscious of its own mortality.

This need for meaning and purpose, a need to make sense of our lives is at the core of what it means to be human. For whatever reason, simply being alive, simple subsistence living, doesn’t seem to make us happy, for some reason, human beings need a purpose, a reason, we need to be able to make sense of being alive.

We aren’t merely content with accepting the status quo, we long for self awareness, for connection, for inner peace and feel as though our life has made a difference.

Therefore the desire for a life mission, ideally one that will benefit the world, feeling that what we do is sacred and important, is at the heart of what it means to be self-actualized. It means you have figured out what you are doing here, and what is you lifes’ mission.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs puts “SELF ACTUALIZATION” at the TOP of the pyramid! Which means that eventually if we genuinely want to be happy, in addition to our basic needs of food, shelter, safety and community, we will also need to learn how to practice self mastery, fulfill our true potential, how to find creative and ultimately spiritual fulfillment.

In some sense we could see it the other way around, we are all much more that just human beings, we are also spiritual beings searching for meaning and for deep happiness being human.

So this is your task, to discover your purpose, to find out what you are truly here for, what is the meaning of your life and to live your purpose with passion.

Everyone is unique and has something extra-ordinary to contribute to Life, everyone, no matter their situation can find meaning and happiness.

When we live with meaning and purpose, believing that our every thought, word, and deed does in fact make a difference, then our lives can become touched by the extraordinary.  We have more health, joy and laughter. We feel brighter, more connected, and others feel more enriched in our company.