PITFALLS
On the Animá Path of Self Growth, Self Realization, Service & Purpose

by Jesse Wolf Hardin
www.animacenter.org
Part 4

Anyone on a path of self growth, self realization and purpose needs to be conscious of and honest about the distractions and comforting rationalizations, the over simplified ethnic romanticism, the imported and sanitized traditions, the non demanding relativism and easy ways out, and the get-enlightened-quick schemes that substitute for the real thing.  The following is the third in a series describing these dangerous or limiting Pitfalls on the path of personal growth and purpose, misconceptions and maladies that can hinder our understanding, development and manifestation.  Please feel to share these with friends, guaranteed to disrupt the pat thinking of New Age, spiritual and conservative audiences alike:

• The Myth Of The Hundredth Monkey
There is always a temptation for false hopes, as we embrace ideas that ease our concerns, ambivalence and worries.  And when investing ourselves in a path or course of action, we look for any comforting signs that our efforts will succeed in the end.  The “Hundredth Monkey” hypothesis asserts that major culture-wide shifts are certain to follow with the hundredth convert to a new idea or value, as momentum impacts the larger cultural and political stream.  Our efforts are far more sincere and committed, when they are based on the rightness of a cause or a need that we can help with, with no certainty of results or success.  We are indeed more apt to accomplish a purpose or goal when we act decidedly, regardless of the likelihood.

• The Myth That We Shouldn’t “Make Waves”
We like to protect and nourish, our role often being the maintenance of family and preservation of the nest.  It is more difficult, usually, for us to embrace change, and we have to be vigilant not to compromise our values, experience and purpose out of worry over upsetting people or upending situations.  The best path is not always the smoothest, and the path of our truth sometimes requires “making waves.”

• The Misinterpretation Of Peace
There is no peace per say in nature, only cycles of give and take, life and death, quiet and song, helping to strengthen as well define any seemingly contending parts, creating a perfect dynamic balance overall.  And true inner peace is neither acceptance of the seemingly inevitable, nor undemanding tranquility… it is the state of being sated and centered, even when faced with deprivation and turmoil.  Peace is a deep contentment that arises from self knowledge and self acceptance, an inner balance that – like a ship’s gyroscope – ensures personal peace no matter how much we are tossed about by the storms raging around us.  Peace is more a product of energetic focus and commitment, than it is of agreement.  We are most at peace with ourselves and our beliefs when they can stand the challenge of detractors, defy consensus, survive disagreement, and continue to grow without outside affirmation or support.  Such peace results not from accomplishment, so much as from the knowledge that we have done our best… and that we have done so for all the most generous and significant of reasons.  It comes from a feeling of connection to the rest of the dynamic, living world, and from the ongoing fulfillment of our most meaningful purpose.

…to be continued

(To further deepen your study and practice we recommend enrolling in the various Animá 8 Week Courses described on the website, especially the introductory “Orientation, Principles & Pitfalls”)

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Categories: Understanding & Practicing Animá

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