Motivation and Self-Actualization in Islam: Self-Actualization – The Muslim Norm (Part 2) We identified a missing piece in that structure and turned to a more comprehensive approach to understanding human needs and motivations. The remaining two levels of a higher nature presented by Maslow are classified as esteem needs and self-actualization needs. The former refers to assets such as status, respect, independence, and confidence while the latter refers to attaining one’s true potential, achieving deep fulfillment, growing and progressing, and ultimately giving back to others (i.e. serving more than the self). We may call this the peak of living as a human being. We are each unique in our potential and therefore by seeking to attain fulfillment, we take different routes from each other, specializing in our own talents and carving new niches. Interestingly, some of the common behaviors of self-actualizers are built into the Islamic code of conduct. 1. Living with mindfulness, concentration, and being fully-absorbed: When Muslims offer the daily prayers, we are required to strive towards a state of khushoo’, which can be loosely translated as focus and mindfulness in the prayer. On Productivity & Self Development - Be Productive - Be Muslim (Folder) - Prayers as a Productive Habit - Interview with a Productive Doctor - How to Live a Productive Life - Always Productive, Even in the Summer This regular practice of khushoo’ is training for focus in all our activities outside prayer. Likewise we train ourselves in mindfulness through dhikr (remembrance of God), and pondering upon our recitation of the Quran. In the distracted era that we are living in, the value of this conditioning is obvious
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 16:26:21 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015