Understanding, Creating, and Living Your Values
In our journey through life, the principle of mentalism from the first Hermetic principle teaches us that our thoughts shape our reality. This concept invites us to reflect on our values, both explicitly and implicitly. Understanding our values can be transformative, guiding us to live authentically and harmoniously.
Reflecting on Childhood for Value Insights – (Past Values)
Another method to uncover your values is to reflect on your childhood and identify what you felt was missing. Asking yourself, "What three things did I think were missing from my childhood?" can reveal significant insights. For instance, when I did this exercise, I realized I missed my dad, friendship, and mentorship. These missing elements highlighted a longing for love and connection in my life.
My absence of a father figure and a mentor pointed towards a missing hierarchy, which may reflect a value of power or guidance. Although none of these explicitly pointed to beauty, I noticed that I valued inner beauty in my friendships. Even if outward appearances varied, an intrinsic magnetism always drew me to people.
This exercise can help you identify recurring themes and better understand your values. It provides a framework for recognizing what you cherish and what you need to feel fulfilled.
Exploring Your Values – (Present Day Values)
One effective method to begin exploring your values is to examine your financial habits. Your bank account can reveal a lot about what you prioritize. Are you investing in experiences, material possessions, or savings? Each of these choices reflects what holds significance for you.
Another approach is to connect emotional reactions to underlying values. Anger, sadness, or fear often indicate a conflict of values. For instance, if you value love but find yourself acting unlovingly, this internal dissonance can manifest as emotional discomfort. This insight helps identify which values are at play and where adjustments may be needed.
The Case of Contrasting Values
Consider the example of feeling pressure from competing beliefs. If love is a core value, acting in ways that contradict this can create internal conflict. Reflecting on what love means to you can provide clarity. For some, love involves radical honesty and self-acceptance. Understanding and embracing this personal definition helps in aligning actions with values.
Similarly, power is another significant value. It's essential to distinguish between power and force. Power, in the sense of empowerment, can be about influencing and inspiring others, not exerting control over them. Richard Dawkins' concept of "power versus force" highlights this distinction. Power encourages voluntary cooperation, while force compels compliance. Embracing empowerment means fostering an environment where others feel inspired, valued, and respected.
Practical Application of Values
Once your values are identified, applying them becomes an enriching experience. For example, when faced with unpleasant emotions like anger, reflecting on your values can provide guidance. If love is a primary value, consider whether expressing anger aligns with this value. In some cases, anger may be an act of self-love, asserting boundaries, and protecting your space.
When someone cuts you off in traffic, your initial reaction might be anger. Rather than simply accepting this as a justified response, examine it through the lens of your values. You can reinterpret the situation if love, power, and beauty are your guiding principles.
Firstly, recognize that anger can be an expression of self-love, asserting your boundaries. Secondly, reclaim your power by affirming that external actions don't diminish your inner strength. Acknowledge your ability to navigate the situation safely and with composure. Lastly, consider the value of beauty. Maintaining your inner peace and responding gracefully contributes to the overall beauty of your experience.
Embracing the Unknown with Values
Living by your values means staying present and responsive to each moment. Often, we worry about how we might react to future challenges. However, grounding ourselves in our values provides a reliable foundation. I cultivate a life of authenticity and fulfillment by consistently aligning my actions with my values like love, power, and beauty.
In conclusion, understanding your values involves introspection and honest assessment of your actions and reactions. By connecting emotional experiences to underlying values, you gain clarity and direction. Applying these values in daily life transforms challenges into opportunities for growth. Reflecting on your childhood to uncover missing elements can further illuminate your core values. Embrace the journey of discovering and living your values, and watch as your reality aligns with your true self.
