Moving Beyond Self

I don’t know where this thought came from. All I know is it popped to mind at 2:15 AM last Friday morning. Out of the blue!  Moving Beyond Self.

I have pondered this 3-word phrase. What does it mean? How does it apply to life? Is it a lesson?

I think yes on all points. Let me try to explain. I’m not sure I fully understand the phrase but I’ll give it a try.

Centering on self – myself – creates ego centric thinking and behavior. Life becomes all about me: what I need, want, hanker after; what matters to my life, its past, present and future. In my past that has always led to trouble. Egotism. Rigid thinking; what I think is more right than what you think. You know the story! You have probably experienced it yourself. The self-centered life also desensitizes me to my surroundings, other people and their needs and concerns.

Thinking about others, working with them for a larger good, or serving their needs provides two benefits. First, it gets me away from thinking of myself; and second, it leads me deeper into another person’s life. The worries, joys, interests and journey the other person experiences pulls me away from my issues. His or her life is a case study for building perspective which will teach me life skills I can use always.

Getting beyond my own concerns frees me from those concerns so I can concentrate on other matters that are important as well. The more this is done the more I should be able to acquire balance in my behavior, thought processes, and viewpoints. From that vantage point I should also be able to appreciate all the other things in life, both large and small. What keeps us from smelling the roses, or the fresh plant life on a walk through the woods? Or the smell of fresh air? Those things are always there; we just don’t always notice them.

Seeing the world about us is simple if we take off the blinders! It takes work to do that but with practices it becomes automatic and so much easier.

Music springs to life. Exercise adds spring to the step and ‘can do’ feelings grow confidence. Art takes on more significance. Appreciation for the work done by others is readily felt.

Moving Beyond Self is a prescription for mental and emotional health. It is also a lesson in everyday civics. We can be more polite because we are not focused on self. We are concerned about others – their needs and feelings, their problems and hopes. If we know those elements about their lives we may be able to help them, or at least keep out of their way! In return they may partner with me and help me with my journey.

Moving Beyond Self becomes an objective, and ideal, and something in constant motion. It is an uncovering or blooming reality. We are part of it and it is part of us. How refreshing and energizing.

Do you have a sense of the ‘moving beyond self’ in your life? Have you had it and lost it? Or do you think this is just baloney?

Think about it and let me know what you think.

January 24, 2013