Understanding the extent and importance of survival is crucial for personal and spiritual development.
Survival strategies are often subconscious and involve manipulating ourselves and the environment to maintain a sense of self.
Becoming aware of these survival activities allows us to consciously examine our motivations and make more informed choices.
Deep dives
Survival as the Root of Behavior Change
Survival is the essence and root of all behavior change in humans. Understanding the extent and importance of survival is crucial for personal and spiritual development. Survival is not just about physical existence, but also about maintaining a conceptual self. All human behavior is rooted in survival, and by becoming aware of our survival activities, we can gain insights into our motivations and actions.
The Complexity and Relativity of Survival
Survival is multi-layered and relative to each individual. It goes beyond basic needs and encompasses various aspects of life, such as entertainment, self-image, and maintaining relationships. Survival strategies are often subconscious and involve manipulating ourselves and the environment to maintain a sense of self. Our survival activities are deeply intertwined with our identities and can vary greatly depending on how we define ourselves.
Survival and the Deceptiveness of the Ego
Survival is often accompanied by deception and the co-opting of rationality. Our ego's main objective is to survive, and it uses reason, logic, and manipulation to achieve this goal. This can lead to a conflict between our desire for personal growth and the need to preserve our sense of self. By understanding the deceptive nature of the ego and its role in survival, we can navigate the challenges of personal development more effectively.
Survival Activities in Daily Life
Survival permeates every aspect of daily life, from mundane activities like grocery shopping and personal grooming to complex behaviors like seeking recognition, pursuing hobbies, and maintaining relationships. All of our judgments, meanings, thinking patterns, emotions, and even discomfort are tied to survival strategies. Becoming aware of these survival activities allows us to consciously examine our motivations and make more informed choices.
Survival as a Complex and Intelligent Process
Survival is not a simplistic mechanical process, but rather a sophisticated and intricate strategy. It is non-linear, full of deception, and goes to great lengths to ensure its own success. Humans have developed elaborate survival strategies, not just in the physical realm but also in social environments. People often become closed-minded and resistant to change because they are deeply attached to their survival strategies, which are ingrained in their brains from a young age. Understanding the complexity and sophistication of survival is crucial for personal growth and freedom.
The Ghost Within: Survival Strategies and the Psyche
Survival occurs at a psychological level, where the mind or psyche seeks to maintain itself. The psyche has unique needs, attractions, and aversions, much like a ghost controlling the body. It seeks to create a positive self-narrative, justifying its actions and maintaining a certain image. The psyche relies on beliefs, models, and worldviews to eliminate uncertainty and confusion, while also justifying its behaviors. However, many of these beliefs and models are flawed, but people cling to them due to their deep attachment to their survival strategies. Becoming aware of these survival demands and understanding their influence is essential for personal development.
