Episode Summary:
In this episode, we delve into the lifelong journey towards goodness and maturity. We explore the themes of selfishness and the power of transformative actions focusing on the highest good. We also tackle the process of self-growth that begins with becoming aware of the darker, twisted parts of our soul and learning to surrender these to better serve others. We discuss how growing an awareness of yourself and others' pain can forge a deeper understanding, empathy, and a desire to help, leading to more meaningful actions.
Key Points:
- Interpretation of "evil" as choosing what's best for oneself at the expense of others.
- Interpretation of "good" as choosing what benefits others and enjoying that choice.
- Growing in maturity involves transforming your heart to regularly choose good, with joy.
- Essential to grow in awareness of evils within us like choosing selfishness, feeding resentment, believing & telling lies, chaotic feelings, and choosing self-preservation out of fear.
- We should aspire to grow awareness, empathy, forgiveness, compassion, etc., to function in a society effectively and meaningfully.
- The more our actions are rooted in kindness and selflessness, the more meaningful they become.
- Growing in self-awareness helps us turn away from what's evil and choose the highest good.
- The path of purity can be achieved through prayer, surrender, and confession, thus experiencing a deep transformation.
Links Mentioned:
- WoW 072: On the 5 Strongholds
- WoW 043: On darkness and desire
- WoW 057: On forgiveness
- WoW 061: On virtues
- WoW 083: On the narrow way
- WoW 065: On devotion to a practice
- C.G. Jung Letters, Volume 1
- Discipline is Destiny
About Josh Kalsbeek, LMFT
• Marriage & Family Therapist, licensed in Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado. Currently I'm seeing all clients via video Telehealth sessions.
•Founder and CEO of Great Oaks Collective, and it's flagship program Overcome, a 10-Week virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Christian couples experiencing sexual betrayal and addiction. Learn more at www.greatoakscollective.com. Because sometimes traditional counseling is not enough.
• Founder of Wisecraft, giving tools and ideas to help you grow in wisdom. Learn more at www.wisecraft.org. Or go here to sign up to receive my weekly newsletter, Words of Wisdom.
• To learn about what I'm currently focused on in my life, go to my Now page.
