Is this right way to measure growth?

[Rasheed]

Is this correct way to measure growth on self-actualization journey, by asking: Am I more joyful than I was yesterday? If yes, I have grown. If not, no growth.

 

[JosephKnecht]

It is little too simplistic.

Joy could be one aspect, but try to add more aspects: caring, loving, wise, free, etc. 

Try to measure on longer timeframes: weeks, months, years. Make a journal.  

[Forestluv]

@Rasheed I would be mindful of orientation. If I’m oriented toward seeking joy as self-actualization, it gets tricky - because self-seeking dynamics can enter. For example, if I feel lonely and desire to feel joy with a woman to escape my feelings of inadequacy, it’s not a very good orientation. For example, she may text me several positive texts in a day and I may feel joy and think “I’m more joyful now than last week, I’m making self-actualization progress.”. Yet this is a surface level. There are deeper levels of ‘transcendent’ joy as expressed through our true nature. For example, imagine feeling fine as you are right now. You have everything you need in this moment. You are staring into your backyard and notice two dogs playing with each other. A sense of joy arises. The joy is so strong you want to express it. So you write a poem about the joy of being a playful dog. From this creative expression of joy, even more joy arises. I would consider this a more transcendent form of joy. It involves the “me”, yet is transcendent to ‘me’. If the self enters and says “Those are just two dogs playing, who cares? What’s in it for me?”. Then the joy is lost.

As well, I would not limit myself to the one indicator of joy. It can be very easy to slip into an orientation of seeking self-centered good feelings. I would also explore other areas. For example, sometimes I sit in a forest and feel sad. I may appreciate the beauty of the forest and feel sad that everyone in the world cannot experience the beauty I am experiencing now. This sadness is not a self-centered sadness. It is a trans-self sadness that is an indicator of reaching transcendent spaces.

Other indicators would be deep senses of appreciation and gratitude. 

[Oliver Saavedra]

Yes that kinda works but be aware. 

Don't make it a rule to be "better", be careful with clinging to measuring growth.

Some days you need to rest and do nothing, and if you're measuring you will guilt yourself for resting. 

Growth is gradual and non-linear, and plateau is part of growth. 

20 minutes ago, JosephKnecht said:

 Try to measure on longer timeframes: weeks, months, years. Make a journal.  

This is right, only compare yourself to who you were many months ago. Because maybe everyday you grow 0.001% and from day to day you can't see that, but it builds up, and in a year you'll be able to see that 1% of growth.

[allislove]

Yes.

[Rasheed]

Thanks guys. I appreciate all answers. Very helpful.

[universe]

@Serotoninluv love your post!

 

Depends on what you mean with self-actualizing journey! Its highly individual. Joy to me is pretty meaningless*. Find out what your values are and what you goals are. Then you can see how well you perform.

Growth for me has 3 steps

1. Wanting something silly (sex, friends/fame, money)

2. Realizing that you dont need it. Doing inner work, changing your self, letting go of old beliefs.

3. Being. Working on your vision. Expressing  love.

 

Good video on growth

 

Some inspiration for defining your goals

 

*Feeling joyful during your day could be an indicator for emotional mastery. A step up after joy is the category of emotions called "peace". Examples are feeling aware, calm, tranquil, complete, centered, and free.

[Espaim]

The day after some psychedelic trips I feel very bad...

And that's when I have the greatest overall growth

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by Espaim