Being fully human – Accepting 9 Aspects of Life
(Click on the mind map image above for a bigger view.)
Becoming fully human, in my interpretation of Leo Buscaglia’s book Personhood, challenge us to look at life as great gift and good – because of what it enables us to give others – rather than what we are getting out of it.
It encourages us to re-assess our perspective on the nine (9) aspects of life that includes:
- Death
“When we can embrace death as simply another aspect of the life cycle, we will give appreciation and value to each life encounter knowing that it will never occur again.” - Self-determination
“We must embrace ourselves as we are and as we have the potential to become before we can embrace life or others.” - Connectiveness
“Even the most insignificant act we perform will have some effect upon the world.” - Purpose
“Each act makes us manifest. It is what we do, rather than what we feel, or say we do, that reflects who and what we truly are. Each of our acts makes a statement as to our purpose.” - Communication
“No one can know us unless we are willing and able to tell them through our actions, as well as our words, who we are. We must be constantly engaged in verbalizing through language, gesture, or action our ever changing selves.” - Doubt and uncertainty
“Be as welcoming of the new as we are comfortable with the old, as fearless of the unexpected as we are falsely secured in the planned.” - Spirituality
“Reach out with total trust and touch the God in all things.” - Frustration and pain
“Fully functioning persons have the courage and strength of their despair. It alerts them to action and change.” - Intimacy and love
“Recognizing the need for others. A means for reflecting your vast potential and sharing them with others. All of this while maintaining autonomy and be challenge by differences – which will continue to stimulate them to growth.”
Last 2012, I have a friend (and 2 industry peers) who passed away last year due to heart attack. Around 4 months before that, we met for his daughter’s birthday and later found out of his health, financial condition.
Was offering help in my own small way but he refused. He was planning for his daughter’s education (expecting to live a few years more) but at the same time citing he is ready to “go” anytime soon. Found out of his death 2 months after it happened. Was hurt that time. In one provincial road trip, I used the opportunity to connect with him in my memory and said goodbye.
When Steve Jobs passed away, his talks on accepting death as a fact of life reminded of what I first learned from Leo Buscaglia with this book. That is making a sincere attempt to make a connection when you meet people. Primarily because it is likely you’ll never get to see them again. This is true in my case as opportunity to meet people usually stems from public face-to-face and online talks.
Also the reason why I don’t engage on the same level when attacked online as damage that can be brought (based on past experience) will be irreparable to the other party. Although my instinct differs when people I care for gets treated unfairly.
Leo Buscaglia was recommended by a friend who kept insisting that I should read him. Buscaglia is the only love change master that I have to date. No other author has ever touched my mind on the subject as much as he did.