Understanding Human Nature
Do you ever feel "split" inside? It's something we all experience, but seldom talk about.
In human nature, we have two sides or mindsets. One part of us willingly listens to others, considers new ideas and tries new things. In this mindset, we see others' interests as connected to our own. We express more openly, give more freely, and connect more authentically.
The other side of us acts in the opposite way. It actually resists these qualities. It guards and protects itself, and needs to be "right." It judges and attacks others, so as to keep us feeling safe. And when we want to grow or change, this part of us isn't open to accepting the new ideas or risks that are needed to do this.
These aspects of human nature have been called by many names: "the better angel of our nature" (Abraham Lincoln) and our dark or "shadow" side (Carl Jung). Our "false self" and "true self." The whole self and separate self. Love and fear. Ego and inner wisdom. Evil and Spirit.** The names aren't as important as recognizing that we have this split within us, and are continually shifting between them in our thoughts and actions.
**One source I've found very helpful in understanding this is called A Course in Miracles.
How Does this Affect Us?
When we want to create change, we most often use the 'negative or fearful' mindset within us. We look at what's "wrong," and try to fix it. We focus on what we don't have, and try to get more of it. We see others as "the problem," and try to change them. Or, turning inward, we judge and criticize how we look or what we've done so we will "behave better." And what impact does this have? It may bring results for a time; but it also creates more conflict. People don't want to be changed or told what to do. Conflict and resentment grow. We feel more pressure within. Our sense of freedom, joy and inspiration diminish. And we end up living the way we "should, or do "good' things because we have to... Isn't there a better way?
When we shift mindsets, and act out of connection, caring and compassion, it changes the dynamic. It opens up a well of possibilities, and brings more aliveness and hope. We start to see what's right about ourselves and the good in others; how much we have, and also how much we have to give. Change from this mindset is more effective because it touches our innate desire to grow. And it engages this same place in others as well.
When we act from this consciousness, our world changes. We feel richer, better, happier and more engaged. We draw on a deeper wisdom and more intuition. People around us feel safer. They’re more open, willing, and responsive. The way we relate shifts as well. We listen more closely to others - what they say, and what they don't. We think into their situations and needs. We operate from a larger self interest, and experience more flow. There's more collaboration and less conflict. And our results are often more than we could have expected - or imagined.
Without seeking it, we become even more powerful at engendering change the more we listen to others, understand them, and see how we are affecting them. People get that we care. In turn, they want to do more. And then the magic happens. We begin to express the greatness within ourselves, and help unlock that in others. We work together to create what none of could have done on our own.
The more deeply we look into each others' true nature, the more we remember our own. And then our work & life become an expression of that: a liberation of our hearts and souls, the healing of our separateness, and the realized possibilities of our common humanity.
Change from the inside out
The power of our consciousness
Articles on understanding and applying Conscious Change
Need a little help?
Site directory: Click on three white bars at top of page
Do you ever feel "split" inside? It's something we all experience, but seldom talk about.
In human nature, we have two sides or mindsets. One part of us willingly listens to others, considers new ideas and tries new things. In this mindset, we see others' interests as connected to our own. We express more openly, give more freely, and connect more authentically.
The other side of us acts in the opposite way. It actually resists these qualities. It guards and protects itself, and needs to be "right." It judges and attacks others, so as to keep us feeling safe. And when we want to grow or change, this part of us isn't open to accepting the new ideas or risks that are needed to do this.
These aspects of human nature have been called by many names: "the better angel of our nature" (Abraham Lincoln) and our dark or "shadow" side (Carl Jung). Our "false self" and "true self." The whole self and separate self. Love and fear. Ego and inner wisdom. Evil and Spirit.** The names aren't as important as recognizing that we have this split within us, and are continually shifting between them in our thoughts and actions.
**One source I've found very helpful in understanding this is called A Course in Miracles.
How Does this Affect Us?
When we want to create change, we most often use the 'negative or fearful' mindset within us. We look at what's "wrong," and try to fix it. We focus on what we don't have, and try to get more of it. We see others as "the problem," and try to change them. Or, turning inward, we judge and criticize how we look or what we've done so we will "behave better." And what impact does this have? It may bring results for a time; but it also creates more conflict. People don't want to be changed or told what to do. Conflict and resentment grow. We feel more pressure within. Our sense of freedom, joy and inspiration diminish. And we end up living the way we "should, or do "good' things because we have to... Isn't there a better way?
When we shift mindsets, and act out of connection, caring and compassion, it changes the dynamic. It opens up a well of possibilities, and brings more aliveness and hope. We start to see what's right about ourselves and the good in others; how much we have, and also how much we have to give. Change from this mindset is more effective because it touches our innate desire to grow. And it engages this same place in others as well.
When we act from this consciousness, our world changes. We feel richer, better, happier and more engaged. We draw on a deeper wisdom and more intuition. People around us feel safer. They’re more open, willing, and responsive. The way we relate shifts as well. We listen more closely to others - what they say, and what they don't. We think into their situations and needs. We operate from a larger self interest, and experience more flow. There's more collaboration and less conflict. And our results are often more than we could have expected - or imagined.
Without seeking it, we become even more powerful at engendering change the more we listen to others, understand them, and see how we are affecting them. People get that we care. In turn, they want to do more. And then the magic happens. We begin to express the greatness within ourselves, and help unlock that in others. We work together to create what none of could have done on our own.
The more deeply we look into each others' true nature, the more we remember our own. And then our work & life become an expression of that: a liberation of our hearts and souls, the healing of our separateness, and the realized possibilities of our common humanity.
Change from the inside out
The power of our consciousness
Articles on understanding and applying Conscious Change
Need a little help?
Site directory: Click on three white bars at top of page