What is self transcendence?
When you hear the word self transcendence, what do you think of? Some might have very little understanding of this concept while others might have strong mental associations regarding what this process entails.
With roots in Eastern Philosophy, we are able to understand that self transcendence is the dissolving of boundaries between the self and the external world in order to experience the true nature of ourselves as beings – often referred to as a process towards enlightenment, a term derived from Buddhist ideology. This definition is not a monolith, as psychological research that has permeated the Western world reveals to us that this process of seeing beyond the self is an impactful element of the human experience and can enable us to better understand and cope with external and internal triggers to stress, and even allow us to create a more meaningful life.
Self transcendence is the dissolving of boundaries between the self and the external world in order to experience the true nature of ourselves as beings.
Austrian psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl, asserted in his theory of existentialism, that self transcendence can occur through the process of meaning making within our lives. Frankl asserted that our existence is not authentic unless it involves a self transcendent quality to see outside of ourselves and connect with a larger sense of meaning. A notable element of Frankl’s work is the recognition that we all have a spiritual dimension of our lives, whether theistic or non theistic, and the development of this connection to something larger than ourselves was a reflection of our wholeness as individuals.
Within therapeutic contexts, self transcendence can be an important process in cultivating objective reflection upon which we disconnect from our held beliefs, assumptions, attachments, and we observe what is left in the absence of these things – a different perspective on our lived reality. Pamala Reed’s theory of self transcendence supports this assertion, in its increased focus not only on the well being of adults, but also the expansion of self conceptual boundaries that assist individuals in developing a sense of wholeness with the world around them – a world that also impacts us at a personal level simply by our existence within varying contexts.
Now the question might arise about how to get to this point of self transcendence? It is important to note that from different perspectives, you might receive different encouragements – but a valuable consideration central to varying theories is the idea of allowing the self as we know it to be momentarily forgotten and in this space the development of a true self can occur or deeply clarifying insights about current lived experience are recognized. This can hold true especially for individuals who have experienced trauma, as the old self that has been traumatized will attempt to navigate the present waking life with old beliefs and assumptions that will not create for adaptive or positive consequences in the here and now – a new self needs to be discovered in order to create possibility, a self unmarried from the trauma informed beliefs of the past.
The old self that has been traumatized will attempt to navigate the present waking life with old beliefs and assumptions that will not create for adaptive or positive consequences in the here and now.
Building upon Frankl’s work in meaning making and transcendence of the self, Dr. Paul Wong provides us with encouragements in order to cultivate self transcendence:
01. Seek out situational meaning
This involves looking beyond our personal or situational constraints to values, which may in fact be spiritual. To do this, we rely on mindfulness of the present moment in our inner and outer experiences and the need to maintain an attitude of openness, curiosity, and compassion.
02. Seek out our calling
Seeking out and pursuing a higher purpose, mission, or vision connected to our lives and serving a greater good. This can be a spiritual idea defined by us as individuals, and does not need to be reliant upon dogmatic religious principles in order to be facilitated
03. Seek out ultimate meaning
Looking beyond the current context and physical limitations that we experience and contemplating a transcendental realm. Not everyone will focus on a religiously oriented spirituality and non-theistic seekers can contemplate ideas beyond our lived experience such as ideas of what is good, true, or beautiful. This level of transcendence reflects our individualized assumptions about the world, philosophy, our views, and beliefs.
Looking to learn more about the process of self transcendence, meaning making, and psychological theories described above? Feel free to reach out to ask any questions and begin your individualized healing journey. As a trauma informed practitioner, I enjoy the opportunity of discovering how my clients cultivate meaning within their lives, and transcend old beliefs that are no longer serving them.
Feel free to read more of the blog posts below to read more interesting articles regarding mental health and wellness or even ask your own question to receive insights from a licensed professional counselor!
Helpful Links:
See the links below to resources that can assist you in learning more about self transcendence and meaning making within individual lived experiences
Man’s Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl
Four Characteristics of Self Transcendence - Dr. Paul Wong
On Having No Head - Douglass Harding
The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are - Alan Watts
