Dalai Lama Inner Peace and a question.

standing on my head asked this question in response to my Tree of Life post.

standing on my head said...
hara, dan tian, many similar "centers" in many philosophies. this is the space from which we all create. so if we're off-center, what do we create?

The simple answer is to look to your own life. Is there harmony or discord present?. As the primary co-creator in your reality these indications represent the state of your center.

Easy to understand I think. Our outer life is a reflection of our inner life. Yet my outer life is in turmoil constantly and I dont' feel turmoily inside, just oily.

Yes you do. You admitted as much in a comment to Kass in Going Down Hill today. You have been holding on to frustration and anger while making believe that spring time is a time for cheerfulness and good-natured civility to all. You're not succeeding at lying to yourself. 

What's this then?

 Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs.  A psychological model that defines the necessary ingredients to attain self actualization. Here at the base we see the physical foundation, the bodily needs and the need for security. These satisfied, in balance, then the higher level of of love and esteem needs become important. Lack of balance in the emotional life or dissatisfaction in this realm can become a sticking point for many people. keeping them from realizing self -actualization.

What does self-actualization mean? 

Aren't  I supposed to be asking you the questions. 

You're the psychologist in training and a dudeist priest. Just answer the questions. They're not for me. My needs are met on all a levels all the time. Besides you brought it up.

 Simply put the ability to act compassionately is self actualization. Though compassion can manifest at any level. But as the Dalai Lama said to act with compassion brings benefit to the compassionate. So I gain the benefit by helping others to make sure the basic needs and the intermediate needs are filled. This is the highest good you can do another being. Karma accumulates and raises all to higher levels.

So where are you seeing turmoil on this pyramid in your life that is reflected both in your inner and outer worlds? 

I would say the self esteem. here are a few of the key elements.

• Recognition (external motivator) 
• Attention (external motivator) 
• Social Status (external motivator) 
• Accomplishment (internal motivator) 
• Self-respect (internal motivator)

Of these which would you say are lacking?

All of them to an extent. Losing my job along with the physical problems I've been experiencing has been a a blow to my self respect. I get some satisfaction of accomplishment, attention and recognition through these blogs. But I'm not getting anything from my family which is what I crave. 


Why aren't you getting these needs fulfilled through your family?


My behavior. I take out the frustration on them because they are close, and to be honest, they let me get away with behaving badly. 


So fix yourself. Act with compassion toward your family, show love, meet their needs and in turn and you may see your needs met.