When we think of our soul we think of our unique emotional nature. When we think of our mind we think of our unique intellect. However, when we think of our identity, we typically think only conventionally. And therein lies the rub. At what loss to soul and mind do we focus the lion's share of our time and energy on our conventional identity?
In thought, word and deed, too much of our lives may feel small. Pedestrian. Rote. The identity with which we began and now continue to live may feel one-dimensional, incapable of expanding to include the whole sensation-filled and intellectual opportunity of life.
Subject to myriad competing biological and social forces including the push to conform, we are apt to identify with and find acceptable only a small range of human expression. We never really attempt to test our transformable natures or to understand what limits us. Yet, the pressure to spend all of our intellectual and emotional capital in this small range may seriously compromise the full possibility of who we are. And we feel its loss.
Pointedly, the study of Autonomy and Life gives us the insight we require. This insight enables us to continue to be responsible and at the same time to give unto our transformable natures a new dimension, a creative independence that enlivens the whole of our lives.
Here lives generosity, security and love. Here lives our nerve, our willingness to spend our intellectual and emotional energy in the greater range of human experience. Here lives our opportunity to cultivate the depth and range of mind and spirit that can creatively encompass the pressure of competition and, in so doing, choose a broader and more compassionate view of the infinite variables available to human expression.
We become more open-minded toward others whose own self-determining natures and beliefs, or lack of opportunity, have set them accordingly. And we become more open and less fearful of our own determination to create an insightful life whose design is of our own making.
Odds are we look the same. But we’ve found the space to wonder. To change our minds. To refuse to accept the subjective drag that shadows timidity as well as moral and intellectual pretentiousness. To hold the line when we should. To split the difference when we must. To walk away from—or embrace—temptation and anger. To read and learn from our experience. To privilege our sentience. To be more receptive to the subjectivity of those close-to-hand. To condescend less often. To judge less ruthlessly. To find compassion for those whose chances in life have been less opportune than ours.
All in all, we look to disclose a more authentic measure of who we are, the whole range of our creative resourcefulness, born though it is of the conflicting forces to which each and every one of us is subject.
Do you know people who would enjoy my blog? Please share this post and encourage them to subscribe. Thank you.
Arnold Siegel is the founder of Autonomy and Life and the leader of its Retreat Workshops and Advanced Classes.