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by Denia Beaver - Wednesday, 9 October 2024, 7:24 PM
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Hi Oscar,

I really enjoyed reading your reflection on Carl Rogers' fully functioning person. Your insights are that much more subtle with an understanding of how Rogers' principles can be relevant to your personal experience.

I totally agree and love how you ring openness to experience. Indeed, new experiences do allow growth and a deeper understanding-take it from the person or from the world. Such openness can change people and give them wider perspectives, which are important in continuous development.

Another of your points that really resonated with me was the organismic trusting of our inner sense of what feels right or wrong. Trusting this inner sense can be such a powerful guide in decision-making. It fosters authenticity and helps us align our actions with what we truly value, making decisions in life more satisfying.

As you have so importantly pointed out, existential living forms the basis of any genuine living. Being in the present and fully engaging in life would not allow us to get mired down by past regrets or anxieties about the future. It is a reminder for appreciation of the here and now, generally where our most meaning is derived from.

I understand the wrestling of the concept of experiential freedom. Teeming personal desires with possible external constraints is really a task. Societal, economic, and relational constraints often play a great role in our decisions. Resilience and change in striking this balance is required, and acknowledging these limits of our freedom by no means weakens self-agency but rather integrates a realistic view of our circumstances.

I liked how you compared Rogers and Maslow. Maslow's hierarchical model does seem to present self-actualization as more of a peak experience, something one reaches or at least strives toward in an upward progression. In contrast, being fully functioning, the way Rogers presents it, feels more dynamic and accessible on a day-to-day level. This perspective allows for continuous growth and evolution, rather than striving for a singular pinnacle of achievement.

You also pointed out the unique dimension that Rogers brings to humanistic psychology with his emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and unconditional positive regard. Such an emphasis on empathy and connection underlines the importance of nurturing relationships in personal growth. Indeed, this does suggest that our interactions with other people are important in the journey toward becoming fully functioning.

Overall, I think your reflection is a pretty good overview of Rogers' principles and how those apply to life in general. Amazing how his ideas build up such a mindset, which keeps one continuously growing, accepting, and exploring.

Answer 1

Hi Denia,

Thank you for your thoughtful response! I'm glad to hear that my reflection on Carl Rogers resonated with you. Exploring the concept of the fully functioning person is such a rich topic, and it's great to share those insights with someone who appreciates them as deeply as you do.

I completely agree with your point about the importance of openness to experience. It’s fascinating how stepping outside our comfort zones can lead to profound personal growth and a more nuanced understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Your emphasis on organismic trusting really hit home for me. It’s remarkable how that inner compass can guide us toward authenticity and how much clearer our decisions become when we align them with our true values. I believe that embracing this inner sense is key to living a fulfilling life.

I also appreciate your thoughts on existential living. Being present allows us to appreciate each moment and reduces the weight of past regrets and future anxieties. It’s a powerful reminder to focus on what truly matters in the here and now.

Your insights on experiential freedom and the balance of personal desires with external constraints are spot on. It’s a challenging dynamic, but recognizing these limits can empower us to make more informed choices while still honoring our sense of agency.

The comparison between Rogers and Maslow is also intriguing. I find Rogers’ approach to be more fluid and relatable, which makes the concept of self-actualization feel more accessible in our daily lives. It’s a refreshing perspective that encourages continuous growth rather than just a destination.

Lastly, the emphasis on empathy and the therapeutic relationship is indeed crucial in humanistic psychology. Our interactions and connections with others play such a significant role in our journey toward becoming fully functioning individuals.

Thank you again for your thoughtful reflections. It’s always inspiring to engage in such meaningful discussions!

Best,
Oscar