My learnings from 2023

As the year-end approaches, I find myself in a more reflective state than usual. My core drive in life revolves around delving into what's real, discerning what truly matters, and understanding it through my inner experiences in this outward-looking world. My words and actions are a reflection of this ongoing quest for truth, a journey that’s only just begun. I'm not laying down a formula to reach some ultimate truth; instead, I'm sharing concepts I've been honing over the years, concepts that found fitting terminology this year.

Generative Drive

The first among these concepts is the "generative drive," a term coined by Dr. Paul Conti. Generative drive is the motivation to create, connect, and collaborate with others for mutual benefit, ultimately creating value that surpasses both parties and benefits humanity at large. It embodies the notion of "1+1=3". This drive is evident in both learning and teaching where the drive is about the best for students, transcending mere payment for classes. True generative drive is demonstrated when one is genuinely invested in the growth of others, not solely for personal gain but for the sake of their development, resulting in collaborative efforts that surpass individual capabilities.

Reflecting on recent interactions, I've observed a trend where a lack of generative drive has led to strained relationships. Two primary factors hindering individuals from adopting a "us-centric" view of the world are, firstly, a sense of powerlessness or lack of agency, where they perceive others as responsible for their suffering or view others defensively as potential threats that are out to get them. Secondly, a lack of gratitude, manifesting as a belief that they deserve more than their current status in terms of money, respect, or success. While ambition and the pursuit of more are not inherently wrong, without a generative drive, these pursuits may devolve into selfish quest of fulfilling one’s never ending lack of self-esteem. Escaping the "me-centric" trap necessitates cultivating a "us-centric" drive, extending generative drive not only to close relationships but to the broader world—clients, neighbors, and even strangers encountered fleetingly.

Life itself is an ongoing endeavor of growth and improvement, and this process is inherently relational. True progress occurs in connection with others and the world at large, including nature. You do not grow and improve by isolating yourself from others and from nature. I encourage a change in perspective, approach each interaction with a mindset focused on creating something better together.

Divinity

The second concept revolves around divinity or the sacred. Without the divine or the sacred, the world is an objective world of matter that you experience until death. Life becomes a linear journey from birth to death, void of meaning beyond the material. This is a dull, stagnant world that lacks consciousness, even though technology might improve the comforts to make it more pleasurable.

Divinity represents the consciousness required to truly experience the world. It elevates existence beyond a mechanistic, deterministic set of biological outcomes. Existence comes alive with consciousness and manifests itself as you experience it. Consciousness is not separate from the world we experience and in embracing the divine , we embrace the full potentiality of the universe.?

?In 2022, amidst feeling less resilient, I discovered a safe space in prayer and embraced my "ista devata" or favorite representation of the divine. I surrendered fully,? letting go of control, accepting my vulnerabilities. I found courage and inspiration within.? Courage stemmed from an inner knowing that life will be alright with the divine’s grace. Inspiration came with an eagerness to do my best and embrace the outcomes regardless of who they favour.

Surrendering to the divine transforms the universe into a living, conscious entity, fostering a dynamic relationship with it. As you change the way you look at the universe, the divine seems to manifest unimagined possibilities that are not just fulfilling, but also foretelling of what the universe wants to know and become. It sounds mystical. Look around nature, it is anything but mystical. Embracing the concept of divinity leads to a profound connection with the universe where everyday is a blessing to be alive. In discovering the divine, I find myself; in understanding the divine, I understand myself.

Personal Agency

While some may question the need for effort if everything is predetermined by a higher will, acknowledging individual responsibility and agency is crucial. The third concept, agency, emphasizes personal endeavor and effort. Yoga Vaasistha terms it as paurushtva, highlighting the potential for personal effort to yield spiritual growth. Our ability to cognize, imagine, dream, and make things better gives us a unique strength. Agency empowers us to infuse meaning and purpose into our existence, taking responsibility for our journey.

Acting with agency, we use generative drive to create meaning and purpose, taking responsibility for our existence and interactions. We come into existence through our actions and interactions, both with fellow humans and with non-humans, including animals and nature. Engaging in behaviors that are crude and vile fosters a “me-centric” world, resulting in a state of misery. Striving to improve oneself, demonstrating forbearance in the face of suffering, and cultivating connections with others—beyond just humans—through compassion allows us to transcend our individual worldview. This effort enables us to weave together a network of perspectives that collectively pulsate with the higher consciousness or divine will. Nature serves as a profound teacher, offering insights that extend beyond our imagination. A sense of agency is exercised through continuous self-reflection, positive actions toward personal growth and relationships.?

Gratitude

Returning to the reality of human limitations, despite our best intentions and efforts, life deals unpredictable cards. Embracing a sense of gratitude—the fourth concept—for what we already possess, for the experiences we've undergone, and for the knowledge we've acquired provides us with a solid foundation to anchor ourselves when faced with misfortune. Gratitude has the power to fill our hearts with joy and hope, to soothe wounds, and to foster a spirit of generosity where we give more than we take. It serves as a reminder of our humanity, acknowledging that we cannot master every aspect of existence, yet within this acknowledgment, we find beauty and love in the world.

Over the past year, my most significant realization has been the wholehearted acceptance of our existence as embodied consciousness. This conviction stems from internalizing the concepts discussed earlier and undergoing transformative shifts in my life that serve as evidence of our potential for personal growth. Through this article, my intention is to advocate for individual improvement, highlighting its ripple effect on the collective. The path to individual betterment is intricately connected to the well-being of the collective and is not a journey to be undertaken in isolation. Moreover, I posit that the divine serves as a guide to help us transcend to higher levels of consciousness within the vast expanse of this universe.