Shadow work

<n>Fern Ammonite</n> (1992), an ephemeral sculpture by artist <n>Liz McGowan</n>.

From the photobook <n>If I call stones blue it is because blue is the precise word</n> by <n>Joselito Verschaeve</n>.

<n>Olho por olho</n> (1964), a concrete poem by <n>Augusto de Campos</n>.

Model <n>Kate Moss</n> photographed by <n>Iain McKell</n> for the series <n>Kate & the Gypsies</n>.

Photograph used as cover art for the books <n>Den tionde sånggudinnan</n> and <n>Вторая жена</n>.

Maslow was unhappy with self-actualization being the final need in his pyramid – the pinnacle. During self-actualization, we are still focused on oneself. And generally speaking that selfish pursuit of self-fulfillment ends up feeling shallow. In a great paradox, by focusing on reaching self-actualization you can’t ever truly attain it. To truly be satisfied  and fulfilled as a person, we must focus on more than ourself – we must look externally. 

As such, towards the end of his life, Maslow added a new pinnacle to his hierarchy: the need for self-transcendence – following a very important conversation.

Maslow and Self-Transcendence. As we’ve just learned, self-actualization refers to fulfilling our own potential. Whereas, self-transcendence is about transcending the self to focus on something “bigger”. It is s a shift in value from the self to something greater – another person, society as a whole, the universe, etc.

Self-transcendence is the realization that you are a small part of a greater whole. and that you must take responsibility for the world and society. It is only in putting others ahead of yourself (through self-transcendence) that one is able to actually achieve self-actualization. 

Note: Maslow died before being able to develop the 6th pillar (self-transcendence) of his Hierarchy of Needs → Physiological needs > Safety needs > Love and belonging > Esteem > Self actualization.

<n>Triple Eye</n>, a 1972 photograph by <n>Herbert List</n> and <n>Jeanloup Sieff</n>.

An aerial view of a breaking ocean wave. Video by <n>∞ Niko ∞</n>.

Low tide over the coral gardens of <n>Ningaloo Reef</n> in Western Australia.

Photo by <n>strom.ae</n> for <n>Nowness Asia</n>.

Photo by <n>Eugene Golovesov</n>. The image is the album art for <n>CROHNS</n>' album <n>I WILL NOT DIE SOBER</n>.

Photo by drone photographer <n>Sebastien Bachellereau</n>.

<n>The Blue Egyptian Water Lily</n> (1804), an illustration from <n>Robert John Thornton</n>'s <n>The Temple of Flora</n>.

“Solid self-esteem in adulthood is hard earned. It comes from tapping into our own creativity and personal pleasures, from developing our competence and our connections, from participating in friendship, intimacy, and community. It develops from living in accord with our deeply held values and priorities, from learning to recognize and share both competence and vulnerability, and from navigating relationships with integrity, balance, and generosity of spirit. Living well is the work of a lifetime that demands our full attention.” — Harriet Lerner in Fear and Other Uninvited Guests: Tackling the Anxiety, Fear, and Shame That Keeps Us from Optimal Living and Loving, p. 70.

The photograph <n>Poppies</n> by <n>Joe Clarke</n>.