The most important relationship for us to develop is the one with our authentic Self.
Such has been the message from numerous traditions for thousands of years. Likewise, over the last decade, it has also been one of the most important discoveries in my exploration of the nature of creativity. The authentic Self provides us with creative insight. The authentic Self transforms the mechanics of a to-do list into a lightning rod of mission-driven creativity. And the authentic Self is like the wind in the sail of our most celebrated moments, those moments when we find ourselves deep in the space of creative flow.
Why is it, then, that the current medical establishment has lost sight of this?
Enter Dr. Gabor Mate, a Hungarian born Canadian physician who is bringing incredible important insights to a technologically advanced but short-sighted and disconnected medical system. He has also been one of the most influential persons in my own understanding of creativity, as well as the delicate balance of physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
Do you want to turn your own body against you and succumb to chronic illness or early death? According to Mate, here’s what you do:
- Put the emotional needs of others over your own.
- Compulsively identify with duty, role, and responsibility while ignoring the needs of your authentic Self.
- Suppress or repress so-called negative emotions such as anger.
- Make yourself personally responsible for other people’s feelings, never disappoint anyone, and never say “no.”
Check out Mate’s presentation below from this year’s Science and Nonduality Conference and see what you can do to feel more connected, healthy, and both emotionally and creatively expressed in your life.
And do yourself a favor: make it a priority to know thy Self! Thank you Gabor Mate!