Psychic and self-development
Dr. Jimmy Henderson
Introduction
I know that there are many
people who are very cautious or are ‘sitting on the fence’ when it comes to
topics like psychic development and metaphysics, and I think this is due to the
fact that these fields have received bad press by using their own jargon such
as ‘connecting’, ‘channeling’ and ‘5th dimensional portals’ which sound
very mysterious and strange to those who are not part of such groups or circles.
So what I really want to do is de-mystify some ideas on psychic development and
metaphysics by linking them to the normal process of human self-development and
the scientific and psychological research which underlies this development.
A simple
definition of metaphysics would be the study and
practice of principles relating to the mind and reality which extend beyond our
everyday understanding. This means a more universal and expanded framework of
thinking than is currently taught in learning institutions.
I have made the statement
that psychic or ‘spiritual” growth could be seen as linked to a natural process
of self-development, having a gradual learning curve and being part of a
continuum of growth which involves mastering new skills relating to feelings, thinking
and perception. If we accept that we all have a higher, more spiritual and
moral side (sometimes called the higher or authentic self in psychology), this
could be seen as similar to a process of self-actualisation, and both personal
growth and metaphysics could be seen as having the aim of achieving this
self-actualisation.
Of course, metaphysics does
present teachings which contain a number of ‘different’ views or ideas on life,
death and what supposedly happens after death, some of which may seem radical,
and you may argue that these ideas are simply another set of dogmatic beliefs.
However, there is an important difference, in that metaphysics encourages free thought and provides
an open-ended exploration of self and reality directed at the development of
consciousness, in which each person is urged to find his or her own path. Truth
is discovered in the heart by those who are sincere in their search, and each is
allowed to decide this for him or herself.
To substantiate my earlier
statement that psychic development can be linked to self-development, it will
be seen that in most metaphysical teachings, similar to courses or coaching in
personal development, each person is encouraged to deal with important emotional
and psychological obstacles to growth, including repressed emotions, self-defeating
thoughts and beliefs and closed paradigms of thinking. I personally do not
believe that it is possible to achieve self-actualisation when one is caught in
a web of fear-based thoughts and habits based on unpleasant experiences and memories
from the past.
Self-exploration
(IQ) (Intelligence Quotient)
Metaphysical practices are
aimed at self-introspection, emotional and psychological change and the
learning of new skills designed to unleash the true creative power of the mind,
build new levels of confidence and self-understanding and develop the latent
abilities which we all have.
It is a well-known fact
that meditation improves mindfulness and increases creativity. At the beginning
of the development curve or continuum, metaphysics introduces practices such as
meditation and visualisation for the purpose of self-exploration and self-empowerment,
radically increasing mindfulness, producing a greater depth of understanding,
deeper self-knowledge and the improvement of one’s self-image and self-esteem
through self-acceptance. In this way these practices fulfill the same role as
coaching or counselling.
Emotional
development (EQ) (Emotional Quotient)
The next part of the curve
would involve achieving a degree of emotional
wellness, or emotional intelligence, which means developing empathy for
others, identifying and managing our own emotions, and attaining a degree of emotional
resilience to day-to-day challenges which may be stressful. A period of emotional
healing is also necessary, during which we let go of lingering emotions from
the past such as anger and resentment, and learn to forgive others as well as ourselves for past mistakes. This would
apply to normal human development as well as training in metaphysics.
When it comes to emotional
wellness, meditation is a recognised practice in some forms of therapy. It has
also been shown to be useful as a means of de-stressing, as well as increasing
the sense of control and self-mastery, which is certainly related to
self-development.
Heightened
levels of empathy that accompany an improved emotional intelligence (EQ) would
correspond to an increased moral sense, which could also be related to
metaphysical practices, which emphasise the brotherhood of man and the aspect
of service to mankind.
The
development of the mind
.
Metaphysical practices also
demand a clear and open mind. This means having to deal with outdated ideas,
self-limiting beliefs and unwanted emotional ‘debris’ from the past, and ‘shifting
gears’ to more universal or holistic patterns of thinking. Both self-development
and metaphysics encourage this clearing or healing process, as well as the
adopting of a more flexible framework of ideas which allows us to process and assimilate new insights and experiences.
The
development of spiritual development or spiritual intelligence (SQ)
(Spiritual
Quotient)
However, by its very
nature, metaphysics extends beyond normal day-to-day self-development to include
building a relationship with our subconscious minds, which will provide the
underlying power for advanced new skills such as heightened sense perception, intuition,
psychic sight and realisation of the higher self or soul. This meeting/ merging
with the true human identity could be viewed as self-actualisation, and be seen
as the apex of the developmental curve, or end of the self-development
continuum.
Conclusion
The process of psychic and spiritual
development as introduced in metaphysics follows a path similar to normal human
self-development, but extends this process to include the highest possible levels
of self-realisation. In this way it could be seen to have a foundation in human
psychology and developmental processes.
Dr Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive scientist,
philosopher and metaphysician. He has been involved in the study of the Mind
and Spirit for over thirty years as a member of the Rosicrucian Order (AMORC),
and has written a number of books and e-books on self-development and the power
of the mind. His website is www.discoveringyourself.co.za
