Okay, so today I wanna chat about something I’ve been digging into lately: self-transcendence. You know, that whole “getting beyond yourself” thing. I stumbled upon the definition in AP Psychology – seemed kinda deep, so I decided to see if I could actually put it into practice.
First, I did a bit of reading. I mean, I had to understand what it even meant before I started trying to, like, transcend myself. The AP Psych definition talks about finding meaning and purpose beyond the self, focusing on things bigger than your own ego. Sounds cool, right? But how the heck do you actually DO that?
So, the first thing I figured I could try was volunteering. Classic, I know. But I looked around and found a local animal shelter that was always looking for help. I’m not a huge animal person, to be honest, but I figured, “Hey, it’s for a good cause, and definitely not about me!”
I started going once a week, cleaning cages, feeding the cats, and even trying to walk some of the dogs (that was… interesting). It wasn’t glamorous, that’s for sure. Stinky, sometimes a little stressful, but after a few weeks, something shifted. I started focusing less on the yuck factor and more on the animals themselves. Seeing them happy, even just for a few minutes, felt… good.
Next, I wanted to try something a bit different. I’ve always been a bit of a lone wolf, so I figured maybe connecting with others on a deeper level could help. I decided to join a book club. Now, I’m not a huge reader, but there was a club focusing on philosophical books. Seemed like it could be a good way to stretch my brain and maybe get some new perspectives.
The first few meetings were… awkward. I felt like I was faking it half the time, pretending to understand Kant and Nietzsche. But, slowly, I started actually engaging with the ideas. More importantly, I started listening to the other members of the club. Hearing their interpretations and perspectives, especially when they differed from mine, opened my eyes a bit. It made me realize that there are so many different ways to see the world, and my own view isn’t the only one that matters.
Finally, I tried something a little more personal: meditation. Now, I’m not talking about becoming a zen master or anything. Just simple, guided meditations focusing on compassion and gratitude. At first, I just felt silly. Sitting there, trying to clear my mind… felt like a waste of time. But, I stuck with it, even just for 10 minutes a day.
And, you know what? It actually helped. It wasn’t some magical transformation, but it did make me more aware of my own thoughts and feelings. And, more importantly, it helped me to be more present in the moment, to appreciate the little things that I often overlooked.
So, did I achieve self-transcendence? Probably not completely. But, I think I made a start. Volunteering, connecting with others, and practicing meditation – these things helped me to shift my focus away from myself and towards something bigger. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m definitely feeling more connected to the world around me.
Here’s the takeaway:
- Just start: Don’t overthink it. Find something that resonates with you, even if it’s just a small thing.
- Be patient: It takes time to shift your perspective. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
- Stay open: Be willing to try new things and to see the world from different perspectives.
That’s my experience. What about you? Have you ever tried to practice self-transcendence? What worked for you?
