Individually speaking 1

I look forward to the Study of the Individual course this semester. Personal growth and helping others find the courage to do so is a powerful drive for me. The exercises in class were fun, memorable and certainly activities to store in the tool box as “get to know you ideas” for groups. I tend to find comfort in being reserved and private. Rather than over think the class or any exercises, I know I will have to break down some resistances and defenses. I feel working through my own reactions and exploring those of our classmates will open a deeper sensitivity to the diverse processes of growth.

Humanistic psychology brings us the understanding that our desire to be understood as unique individuals also makes us similar to all those around us. We all seek freedom from suffering, love, and to live fully. Happiness is a universal goal and the ability to change and grow is within each of us.

Research on happiness, such as that of Weiten, Lloyd, Dunn and Hammer’s, intrigues me. Their study argues that happiness is merely a perception of events in our lives. Thus saying that happiness is not achieved through  formulas to try; but more optimistically, that anyone can learn to allow happiness to come into their lives. The “Pursuit of Happiness” is relatively a false concept. No one need seek it in others and other events, but simply to look inside oneself and understand our personal defenses, judgements and expectations.  Humanistic and Positive psychology agree that happiness is a byproduct of awareness.

During my break I began reading Deepak Chopra’s Ultimate Happiness Prescription and Tapping The Source by Gladstone, Greninger and Selby. Happiness, according to these texts, is achievable no matter your station in life. Knowledge of the self, mindful thoughts and attitudes aid in our search for fulfillment. Aligning ourselves with our true selves leads the way. Through these readings, I have been able to examine the role of my ego and what drives my choices. I welcome the additional guidance of this course to increase my awareness and application of this sensitivity..

Change is an essential component of growth. I think of the premise behind Maslow’s quote “ What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself “ often. I feel that knowing yourself takes courage. When we are young children, we know ourselves through the eyes of others. We look to others for acknowledgement, acceptance and approval. As we grow into adolescence, we want to break that mold and seek originality. The next phase seems to be a balancing act between the two. We stand at the center of this see-saw of society’s norms and the unknown. Following our inherent drive for growth causes us to step outside this comfort zone. Yet, all this must also be balanced with the insight of what drives our choices. We must constantly flex and exert energy to remain balanced and whole.

Resisting change stunts personal growth and increases prejudice. Genuine happiness and security are not synonymous. Happiness does not require the absence of failure or loss. It does require the courage to observe, examine and  try again.  Much of Humanistic Psychology is about shifting our weight from the center, finding new ways to remain balanced, but acknowledging our unique selves. This innate need to explore ourselves develops a greater insight to the world around us.