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When people feel positive, connected, and have a sense of awe about everyday living, they are called self-transcendent. This is a place of optimism and is a quiet knowing of one’s purpose in the world. It is not a lofty goal achieved by gurus meditating on mountaintops; self-transcendence is within reach of all.
When Abraham Maslow created his hierarchy of needs, he placed transcendence at the peak, just above self-actualization, according to Big Think. While self-actualized people have a sense of purpose and live authentically, a transcendent individual helps others altruistically for the greater good.
Self-transcended people have shifted from an outer, materialistic world to an inner place and they quest for the spiritual. Leaving anger behind, they are calm and centered in times of stress and love to smile as they spread love and awe throughout their world.
As this state of being is available to all, there is no need to rush to a mountaintop to meditate. Here are five simple and meaningful ways to achieve this highest state of being without going on a spiritual retreat!
Meditate
Self-transcendence is about being mindful, according to Positive Psychology. Grab a cushion, a quiet place under a leafy tree, or a favorite armchair. Mindfulness can also be achieved by attentive walking, listening, eating, and other seemingly mundane activities. Such a practice may help develop peace, happiness, awareness, and an ability to be in the now.
Develop a growth mindset
Get excited about learning, especially if it involves personal development, suggests Psychology Today. This can be a formal course or reading alone at home. Learning helps to open up the mind from what is known as a ‘fixed mindset,’ opening the path for growth, excitement, and inner development.
Journal
This activity is especially for those who are not strong writers, recommends Positive Psychology. Writing down thoughts and feelings on paper often helps with separation of self and emotions, especially if they are negative feelings.
Try using positive affirmations to get started, or describe the person you envision being. This may lead to important personal insights as well as mindful, elated feelings.
Help others
Everyone is born into this world with talents and positive qualities. Harnessing those gifts in order to help others is a form of self-transcendence, explains Big think. This does not have to be a large project or undertaking.
Try to bring joy into the world with small acts and creations. When such ‘gifts,’ are given for the sake of helping others altruistically, they are even more meaningful and connecting.
Commune with nature
As nature is a place of inspiration and healing, spending alone time in the great outdoors can be transformative, according to Positive Psychology. Be it hiking, gardening, or sitting in a meadow, being in nature creates a sense of awe. Self-transcendent people often feel awesomeness in everyday life.
When outside, listen to bird song and observe the delicate beauty and intricacy of a single wildflower. This can bring such awe into the present moment. Try to hold onto this feeling as the day progresses.
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