Unleashing My Potential: What’s Being Human?
Ah, the rational and achiever level. That's where my consciousness used to be stuck. Picture me, a scientific, independent, and competitive individual, making decisions based on evidence and data. But you know what? Being human is so much more than that.
So, let's pause for a moment and explore the intriguing question: What does it truly mean to be human?
A SERIAL EXPLORER OF LIFE WITH AN UNQUENCHABLE THIRST FOR GROWTH
There's an insatiable drive for growth that has always propelled me forward. Since childhood, I've been fueled by an unyielding thirst for knowledge and an eagerness to expand my horizons.
From engaging in sports like fencing, handball, dance, surfing, and tennis, to pursuing artistic endeavors such as playing the piano, drawing portraits, and singing in choirs, I've dipped my toes into a plethora of experiences. Geographically, I've sought exploration by living in five different cities and embracing every opportunity to travel to new territories. You could say I'm a serial explorer, always craving fresh experiences that teach me something new or offer an opportunity to learn. This zest for life has given me a profound sense of being truly alive. When not actively engaged in learning, I find myself trapped in the clutches of boredom, frustrated by the limitations that stifle my growth.
But here's the thing—I've started many things, only to give them up after a year or so, quickly grow dissatisfied, sensing that something crucial was missing. It seemed like I always wanted more, constantly seeking that elusive sense of fulfillment.
A LIFE-CHANGING ENCOUNTER WITH THE INTEGRAL THEORY
Then, one fateful day, I stumbled upon the integral theory by Ken Wilber. While I was listening to the theory, I could feel the surge of excitement enlightening my mind. I had never been so energized and stimulated before—I had finally found something I had been yearning for all along.
What is the integral theory? It is “a comprehensive map of human potentials”.
What struck me first is the realization that there are multiple lines of development: the cognitive line, the emotional line, the relational line, self-identity, spiritual line, moral line, to name a few. Second, what fascinated me even more was the revelation of stages of consciousness or levels of development/existence within each line of development.
As I reflected upon my personal transformation, which unfolded over the course of six months, I came to understand that I had actively worked on two particular lines: emotional and relational. Through dedicated effort, I unlocked higher levels of consciousness within each line, which opened new doors to my happiness and freedom.
What did exactly happen?
THE JOURNEY WITHIN TO OPEN THE HEART
I paused the chaotic rhythms of modern life and learned to control my mind, enabling me to listen more attentively to the messages sent by my emotions. This self-work not only deepened my self-awareness and understanding of my true self but also reignited the connection with my heart, my intuitive voice.
UNDERSTAND THE OTHER’S PERSPECTIVE TO OPEN THE MIND
Another significant milestone in my journey was the profound connection I established with others. I uncovered the transformative power of active listening, embracing vulnerability, and asking thought-provoking questions to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives. I gained a newfound appreciation for the diversity of human experience, recognizing that each person perceives life in their unique way, influenced by their own wounds, beliefs, culture and imagination.
Through this process, I transitioned from the achiever and rational mindset to a more sensitive and pluralistic consciousness, which expanded my understanding of existence.
THE ENDLESS POTENTIAL
Once I grasped the integral theory, an exhilarating ‘aha’ moment swept over me—I had barely scratched the surface of what I could comprehend as human being! There was an endless realm of understanding waiting to be experienced. Today, I experience the world with my rational and modern mindset. However, tomorrow, I have the opportunity to expand my consciousness and view the world through a post-modern lens. As I continue to grow, my perspective can evolve into an integral and even post-integral understanding.
The thought ignited an intense joy within me. I realized I hadn't fully tapped into my potential or accessed the innate human faculties residing within me. There were endless possibilities waiting to be explored, transcending the boundaries of what science has yet explained.
I've always sought challenges because they stimulate me in unique ways. However, the greatest challenge I discovered was within myself—decoding who I am and unlocking my full human potential.
Exploring human growth, I discovered the oasis that quenched my thirst and filled me with an unparalleled sense of fulfillment.
What about you? Where would you like to grow? What stage of development are you in? Beyond being a hunter-gatherer, tribe member, enlightenment thinker, or modern tech addict, have you ever pondered what lies ahead in the next stage of human evolution?
