The birds are chirping, the sun is scorching, and the weather is shifting over to autumn. During this season, the world seems to be changing, slowing down or picking up momentum, making it the perfect time to discuss self-transcendence.
Just as nature goes through its cycles and starts fresh each spring and summer, humans experience their own cycles of changes. These personal changes aren’t marked by calendars or seasons but by shifts in our mind and body states. Abraham Maslow beautifully captured this concept in his hierarchy of needs, which outlines the fundamental needs of every human being. As we move through these stages, we strive for self-transcendence, reaching beyond ourselves to find deeper meaning and fulfillment.
Yet it is not a strict hierarchy, and Maslow never intended it to be. His concept of human needs is more fluid, akin to the changing seasons. Just as summer can still carry the rain of spring, our needs and emotional states can fluctuate. This analogy aligns with Maslow’s understanding of human needs. Among these, one of the most essential is the need for self-fulfillment, which we achieve through self-actualization. As we operate in this mode, we can ultimately learn to self-transcend, arriving at the highest level of psychological development.
So, how do we embrace and explore self-transcendence? Â
The answer is practice. Building the skillset to self-transcend doesn’t require grand gestures; it starts with small steps, like facing a minor anxiety or taking ownership of a small mistake. Other times, it may be gradually addressing bigger challenges such as childhood traumas. The more practice is given to building self-awareness and self-acceptance, the closer we’ll be to becoming self-transcendent people who overcome life challenges and achieve life goals. The major takeaway from the concept of self-transcendence is fortifying our inner resources such as self-love to live prosperous and fulfilled lives.Â
Follow us for more wellness content!
More Blog Posts
Addressing Screen Time’s Impact on Children’s Sleep
In an era where screens are abundant, parents are increasingly concerned about how devices affect their children’s sleep. Poor sleep can impact mood, focus, and overall health, making it a critical issue for child development. Supported by scientific research, this blog explores the psychological effects of screen time on sleep and offers parents compassionate, practical strategies to promote healthier sleep habits.
Building Resilience in Children Facing Academic Pressure
Academic pressure is a growing concern for parents, as children face high expectations from schools, peers, and even themselves. Building resilience—the ability to adapt and thrive despite setbacks—is crucial for children to navigate these demands without sacrificing mental health. Grounded in psychological research, this blog offers parents practical, empathic ways to foster resilience in their children.
In crisis or need immediate help?
Call 988 or go to your nearest ER.
Services
Adolescent Psychotherapy
Adult Psychotherapy
Assessments & Evaluation
Child Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy & Parent Coaching
Genetic Testing
Group Therapy
Medication Management
Play Therapy
Single-Session Therapy
Teletherapy
Orchard Mental Health Group
Accepted Insurance*
Aetna
Carefirst / Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Humana / Tricare
Johns Hopkins Health Plans
Medicaid
Medicare
Optum / UnitedHealthcare
*Varies by service
Partner Resources
Contact Us
M-F, 9am-5pm Eastern Time
Phone: 240-750-6467
Fax: 240-912-7835
contact@orchardmentalhealth.com
9707 Key West Avenue, Suite #100 Rockville, MD 20850