How Does Guided Initiation Transform A Person?

Initiation occurs to everyone but at different times which is dependent on its nurturing. Self-identity which refers to the manner in which we describe and perceive ourselves as unique persons play a crucial role in regard to who one becomes and the course that the individual’s life chooses (Gaertner et al 433). Self-identity incorporates the entirety of comprehension and knowledge that individuals acquire as they develop which incorporates personality, ability, rational, relationships, interests and characteristics (Gaertner et al 433). Self-identity is developed mainly in two different ways which are self-awareness acquired from observation and relationships. To begin with, individuals acquire self-awareness by making an observation on their surrounding while analyzing their feelings and those of others towards them as well as behaviors that are grounded in previous and existing experiences. Based on relationships that individuals depend on the personality is acquired which either might be social, family or academic. The fundamental part of individual’s growth incorporates establishing one’s position in the social context in which they exist and the responses acquired from the social setting plays an essential role in the growth and progression of self-identity (Sponcil, and Gitimu 7). In other words, guided initiation transforms an individual by gaining a more positive self-identity which in turn helps in being objective and goals oriented since the acquired support in guidance is essential for spiritual growth and stability which enhances capability and focus.

Family as the first relationship that one is exposed to is useful in instilling guided initiation that leads to the development of a more focused and more desirable personality. It is the support that one acquires from family including psychological assistance that counts in identity development (Sponcil, and Gitimu 7). Family not only sets limitations to who one becomes but also sets certain limits to their thoughts and perception in general. The consistent changes in family structure and relationships shapes individual’s identities in differing approaches some of which none is fully aware in regard. It is family that first offers the description of what the world entails helping one in gaining insights and developing of anticipations in this regard. With the kind of support then one’s personality and self-identity growth are bound to be affected leading to the growth of negative perceptions and loss of focus. Based on the Path to Love by Deepak Chopra, the author asserts that everyone was created to receive love and to be totally enchanting for life in general. In this book, the author argues that the primary foundation of this abundance is grounded on the spiritual nature of every individual which enables people to celebrate in the abundant love the healing, inspiration, and renewal that is achieved from the support helps in creating psychological wellness (Chopra 17).

Chopra utilizes different illustrations derived from real experiences and literature to demonstrate the varying love stages ranging from desirability, fascination, relationship, affection, surrender, desire and happiness (Chopra 17). The author illustrates that it is the spiritual authority that helps in fighting obstacles. In other words, the author means that without psychological wellness then it becomes particularly hard for one to focus on personal growth (Chopra 21). Spiritual growth which is a primary part of self-expressionism enables one to achieve happiness at the end. According to Chopra the path to achieving love is based on establishing the actual meaning and stability of the spiritual state of relationships in general. Relationship and the love that is acquired is the actual essence that facilitates self-identity growth. For most individuals, love only entails romanticism and emotional transition. It is obvious that love can best be expressed through the use of fascination and emotions but love is essential as it is through the developed relationships that make it possible to gather the best from relationships or individual’s growth. This equals to Millman’s story in the Peaceful Warrior.  It becomes possible to be an achiever and focus on what is desired which generally includes loving relationships when spiritual growth has been achieved (Millman 14). Relationships that are mainly supported by love are a form of spiritual journey that moves from a more personal to a broad context.

Everyone needs to trust that they are adorable and loved. Initiation is commenced with confidence on all ends supported by parental love and enfolded in personal innocence. While growing love and relationships with family are never doubted but with time uncertainties begin to emerge (Sponcil, and Gitimu 8). For most individuals flaws defines them and that is how they see themselves as experiences have created the impression that perfect relationships are never to be found in this universe. However, according to Chopra all that is labeled as flaws is only the scars and the injuries that have been acquired with time. This perception does not, however, a reasonable reflection in regard to the actual truth (Chopra 17). This perception is created by the relationships that one goes through ranging from family, social to peer relationships. It is from this relationships that a form of guided nurturing is usually achieved. If the guidance does not help in creating a healthy spiritual nature then this generally implies that the perception in regard to the world and self-identity is rather undesirable. It is not possible to achieve a positive identification from relationships that are not supportive or those that do not seek to offer guidance.

How guided initiation helps in the development of positive self-identity and focus in life is well exemplified in Blander Marcielle’s book ‘’The Breathing House’’. The book is comprised of a number of attractive poems that not only expressing the author’s ideas and feeling but also ensures that the readers can easily relate based on their personal experiences. It is through the personal sharing of experiences and sentiments that the idea and the significance of guided initiation towards personal identity growth are achieved. The expression of feelings that highlights the essence of guided relationships in general. For instance, in the poem in the book that is titled ‘’Eden’’ the author through the story of a mother and daughter expresses the notion of expressionism and self-identity. Brandler asserts at the beginning that the story is factual and despite the fact that the girl’s mother was beautiful she was also punishing. The mother only expressed disregard for her (Brandler 1). This poem in this context suggests the absence of positive relationships amid a mother and her daughter. The readers can see that the girl is particularly resentful of the development given by her mother which is rather minimal or none. From the moment that she is born it becomes apparent that there is no association amid them given that she lacks the knowledge of her mother’s breasts which them strangers to one another.

Guidance determines the effectiveness of initiation because it is only through creating connections between parents and their children that better growth can be asserted. Parents have the obligation to protecting as well as nurturing their children to offer them a more guided life path. With the absence, this generally implies that the child is bound to grow up knowing that they are not loved or not adorable which affects their ability to attract focus and achieve even higher (Brandler 6). It is highly important for parents to demonstrate their affection and support to children as a way of guiding their growth. This also helps in the development of a positive self-identity in general. Failure to offering care to children leads to the rising of a sensation of being rejected and abandoned which not only affects their emotions but also their perception in regard to relationships. In the ‘’Breathing House’’ in the poem ‘’Eden’’ the daughter fails to understand why it was so hard for her mother to be a nurturing woman and to offer full guidance which she really needed in life. Even though she no longer needs the nurturing she needs to feel whole by understanding why she proved to be a burden to her own mother (Brandler 7). It becomes apparent from this context that it is all about guidance that helps in being a more reliable and focused person in life.

Guided initiation is essential in transforming an individual’s perception in general. It is through family relationships and connections that one begins to understand the world (Gaertner et al 434). The lack of nurturing leads to the development of a rather negative perception and the loss of confidence since self-believe was never instilled. When an individual has doubts in regard to self this means that their ability to move forward and overcome life hurdles is rather challenging and complex. From the book, it is evident that the girl who is now grown is unable to forget the fact that her mother failed to nurture her which thus creates a negative self-identity and the absence of courage to attract all that she desires. Guidance helps in establishing the hidden abilities as well as learning the manner in which life works and gaining more effective responses regarding life in general (Gaertner et al 436).

The more genuine makings of individuals are exposed not based on the life experiences but based on the capability to relate well with those that are close (Sedikides and Marilynn 12). It is not only based on ensuring that flaws are highlighted while being nurtured but it is the guidance that sets one on the rightful path thus allowing them to pursue greatness. Brandler suggests that not all relationships lead to growth since if a family relationships lack connection then this generally implies that it is not possible for the achievement of self-growth and the ability to establish the underlying potential. The author asserts that family relationships play a significant role in guiding as well as ensuring that individuals follow the required path mainly by focusing on nurturing and care. In that by nurturing individuals tend to feel more appreciated and content in regard to all that they do. In other words, this leads to psychological or spiritual wellness which works to ensure that potential and wellness, in general, is pushed to a different level (Sedikides and Marilynn 14).

According to Brandler’s poetic story, it is just that individuals never realize it but nurturing helps in creating satisfaction and happiness in general. It is without happiness that most goals in life cannot be achieved. However, with guidance initiation transforms an individual to a more focused path that leads to wellness. Since that happiness is generated from within and therefore it cannot exist if an individual does not feel as if they are appreciated or even loved in general. Every individual needs to be fully supported in being oriented and focused in regard to achievement so that success can be achieved in general (Gaertner et al 433). It is the guidance that comes with nurturing that sets the pace for achieving these goals. Based on the focus of the book The Breathing House it is evident that an individual initial identity sense is acquired from one’s primary relationships with family. For Brandler, Millman and Chopra families mainly serve as a driving factor to individuals life either positively or negatively. The Brandler’s personal story demonstrates that she feels as though the lack of connection with her family is a form of betrayal that hindered her potential to achieving greater as well as identifying herself in a more positive way. Most individuals on the other hand according to Chopra tend to find happiness and self-identity while being nurtured by their partners an aspect that is triggered by love.

In conclusion, guided initiation helps in the development of a positive identity that has more focus. It is through such relationships that perceptions and tracking are formed. If one is not nurtured then their perception in regard to life, in general, is destroyed leading to the loss of confidence and self-identity. Families and relationships mainly those in the social context, plays part in molding an individual’s perception and growth which is acquired from spiritual wellness. Showing appreciation and love help in spiritual growth and in turn enhance an individual’s capability to focus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Cited

Brandler, Marcielle. The Breathing House: Imagist Poems. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, Inc, 2006. Print.

Chopra, Deepak. The Path to Love: Spiritual Strategies for Healing. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2007. Internet resource.

Gaertner, Samuel L., et al. "A common ingroup identity: Categorization, identity, and intergroup relations." Handbook of prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination, (2016): 433-454.

Millman, Dan. Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives. Dan Millman, 2015 Press.

Sedikides, Constantine, and Marilynn B. Brewer, eds. Individual self, relational self, collective self. Psychology Press, 2015.

Sponcil, Megan, and Priscilla Gitimu. "Use of social media by college students: Relationship to communication and self-concept." Journal of Technology Research 4 (2013): 1.