Self actualization and peak experiences
Woods Elliott, 22nd February 2010
maslow’s self actualization ideas and studies of peak experiences
Abe Maslow, one of my psychologist heroes from my earlier years as a psychotherapist, suggested each person has a hierarchy of needs from the biological to the spiritual, and each has some kind of evolutionary potential to work on, once the personal stuff is worked out. In his own words: “Self-actualization is a development of personality which frees the person from the deficiency problems of growth, from the neurotic problems of life, so he is able to face, endure and grapple with the ‘real’ existential problems of the human condition.”
He offers the following characteristics of self-actualized people:
greater self acceptance and respect for others
autonomy
spontaneity
aesthetic sensitivity
frequent mystical or transcendent experiences
democratic vs authoritative outlook
involvements outside self, i.e. worthy causes
good-natured vs cruel sense of humor
earnest desire to improve humanity
private – no trivial socializing
highly creative
high, lofty sense of values
They also have
peak experiences
temporary disorientation with respect to time and space
feelings of wonder and awe
great happiness
loss of fear and defensiveness before the grandeur of the universe
polarities are transcended, i.e good vs evil
unity in diversity
beauty, truth, and meaningfulness are demonstrated.
Painting by Susan Murray.
