Important Phases in my Life

I encountered phases 1 and 2 in my life. These phases made me realize that there was more to life than the conventional route we are conditioned to follow. I began to discover myself in relation to the Universe and my place in it. I introspected a lot and reflected on life. I will briefly state what I learnt in phases 1 and 2 when I was not working but was trying to get in touch with myself, reflecting and introspecting…

Phase 1

My desire to search for ‘answers’ led me to various metaphysical areas. I quit my job and began the process of self-discovery where I strived to connect to something higher to me – the Universe. I had an intrinsic desire to explore myself in context to my environment and I set forth to understand whether life is deterministic or whether I have the power to recreate my Universe through enhanced awareness. I concluded that it is indeed possible to overcome one’s conditioning and change one’s cognitive map and ‘world view’ and create purpose for oneself in life which may be different, unique and more meaningful than what religions or cultures claim to prescribe. One outcome was that I was able to transcend organized religion. I was also able to transcend societal shared values and developed my own individuality leading to a much more integrated me.

Phase 2

While in phase 1, I had looked at Universal and societal laws to modify my world view and had come to the conclusion that Man had the power to recreate his universe; I realized to truly become free, I had to overcome the deterministic forces which guided my own psyche to some extent. This led me to the realm of self-analysis. I endeavored to understand my unconscious. Why do I perceive and respond the way I do? What is the content within me which is repressed and seeks expression? What are my defense mechanisms and how do they operate when confronted with threatening environmental stimuli? How strong is my sense of self? How powerful is my self-esteem? What motivates and stimulates me? How am I to realize my true potential? I realized that I had to get rid of my excess baggage and move towards differentiation, thus achieving a strong enough individuality to enable me to re-create my own reality and develop my unique purpose. Once sufficient differentiation was achieved, I strived to re-integrate so as to achieve a holistic perspective, yet maintaining my individuality.

I was thereby able to conclude that what I really want to do is continuously extend myself for the continued mental and spiritual growth (evolution) of myself as well as willing others, to help people move towards realizing their true potential, to live a life of introspection, reflection, action and continuous growth such that meaning is derived through loving interchange between self and environment where both nurture each other.