Although the pursuit of security is one of our most fundamental needs, can it also be an obstacle to realizing our full potential and living our lives? The familiar and accustomed things give us a sense of security, or at least we think they do. Familiar and known things are comfortable for us, and we often fear stepping into the unknown and unfamiliar. Stepping into the unknown involves taking risks and is the opposite of what is familiar and predictable. This is why we often choose to stay where we are, buying security and comfort. Erich Fromm considers this situation as one of the primary reasons why people fear and avoid freedom. However, despite all this security, a part of us admires those who boldly step into life and the different. The hero myth in mythology is a good example of this. "A hero is someone who, by leaving behind what they have, their home, family, and possessions, shows the courage to head into the unknown, to go to foreign places. The ability to confront fear with courage makes that person a hero." This admiration may stem from the sense that our own path could be like this, and our desire and ability are reflected in the hero; thus, the hero is exalted.
So how can we approach ourselves and life with more courage? We don't need to be heroes; we need to discover ourselves and our true nature.
We are social beings and have been in reciprocal relationships with the world from the moment we were born, but do I really investigate what all this means for me? Am I suppressing my inner truth for the sake of conformity and acceptance? Do I behave in certain ways simply because it is taught or accustomed? Am I carrying values that are not actually mine just to be liked or loved? Do I ignore my instincts for the sake of "necessities"? Do I subject myself to relationships or environments that are not good for me just because they are familiar and accustomed? What am I compromising for?
Am I waiting for someone to tell me what to do, or can I take responsibility for myself? Am I behaving in alignment with my own existence? Am I allowing myself to discover what I truly am? Isn't not listening to and expressing our authentic self a form of self-betrayal? No one can walk our path for us; being able to ask ourselves genuine questions, and even if what we find is unpleasant, not well-received, or upends our current order, facing these with complete honesty is a form of courage. And this is intrinsically rewarding because it aligns us with our being, and when we act from this place, we can lead a life that is truly meaningful, satisfying, and authentic, participating in life with awareness.
"Our soul is at peace and happy when it acts in harmony with its nature. But it suffers when it engages in behaviors that are contrary to its nature."
Inspiration: Erich Fromm
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