“Happiness,” wrote Yeats, “is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that, but simply growth.
We are happy when we are growing.”
We are happy when we are growing.”
I had a conversation with a friend the other day about the four stages of conscious growth. I'm not sure where these stages come from (psychology? mysticism? religion?), but we enjoyed talking about them. The four stage are:
1. Revolution
Of course, I love this word. I find myself rebelling against something constantly, but revolution is a different thing all together. Revolution is a serious rebellion against the "tribe". It's the decision for a planned overthrow, not just wishful thinking.
2. Involution
This is the stage where one journeys inward in order to gain strength and momentum. It's the planning, the building up - it's where you screw your courage to the sticking post.
3. Narcissism
Probably not what you think. This is the hard work of self improvement where you actually make the changes you want to see. This is working out 5 days a week, eating the egg flower soup instead of the egg roll, making your own coffee instead of stopping at Starbucks. We focus on ourselves -- because we have to if we want to make change.
4. Evolution
The change manifest. You've made it. You no longer walk on 4 legs or have a uni-brow. You have evolved.
1. Revolution
Of course, I love this word. I find myself rebelling against something constantly, but revolution is a different thing all together. Revolution is a serious rebellion against the "tribe". It's the decision for a planned overthrow, not just wishful thinking.
2. Involution
This is the stage where one journeys inward in order to gain strength and momentum. It's the planning, the building up - it's where you screw your courage to the sticking post.
3. Narcissism
Probably not what you think. This is the hard work of self improvement where you actually make the changes you want to see. This is working out 5 days a week, eating the egg flower soup instead of the egg roll, making your own coffee instead of stopping at Starbucks. We focus on ourselves -- because we have to if we want to make change.
4. Evolution
The change manifest. You've made it. You no longer walk on 4 legs or have a uni-brow. You have evolved.
| As I think of the changes I'd like to make in the coming year (there are reasons for rebellion!), I must stop at nothing short of revolution. I must be ready to thrust myself inward, listen to the things I knew as a child, and be empowered by them. I think I'm ready to trust that little red-head girl again. She was a smart cookie. |
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