“Our problems and pain are universal, and the solutions to the problems are and always will be based upon universal, timeless, self-evident principles common to every enduring, prospering society throughout history.” Stephen Covey.
What is maturity continuum? Stephen Covey, one of twentieth Century great thinkers developed the terms. Maturity is derived from the word ‘mature’ and, in this context, it means the ability to grow and develop emotionally, mentally, socially and spiritually. It is conscious effort that life is about continuous progress and improvement. It is being a responsible human being for yourself and for others. In same vein, continuum is derived from the word ‘continue’ and it means uninterrupted, diligent improvement and growth.
Maturity is the capacity to respond to one’s immediate environment with awareness, wisdom, and equanimity - calmness and composure. As human beings, it is our responsibility to make decisions based on long-term outcomes rather than immediate impulses inspired and fuelled by instant gratification. A mature individual takes responsibility for his/her actions, understand the implication of their choices, and prioritise their well-being and that of others. In the same way, continuum is the determination to keep developing and improving, slowly over time with the destination in mind. It is deliberate ability and effort to keep on improving intellectually, physically and resourcefully, and so on.
Living Life Inside-Out
Living life inside-out is being critical of and reflective on one’s thoughts, behaviour and attitude. It is listening to your internal dialogue, the inner voice and convey those feelings and reflections on your external environment. Living inside-out is trusting and believing oneself that your source of power, strength and transformation lies inside your mind, heart and soul. Quite often, we naturally, automatically default to thinking and doing in ways and manner that we soon regret. We are all vulnerable, susceptible to natural and cultural forces that are hypnotizing and addictive. We are designed to cultivate goodness and change from within in relation to the environment we live in. Living life in this context means that the law of hypnotic rhythm will habituate one’s character. All human beings on earth live under the spell of rhythm dictated by nature.
Finger-pointing does not work, short-term or long-run. Other people, loved ones, friends are not the reason our life is difficulty or the way it is. Whining and finger-pointing are greatest forms of sin humans unconsciously commit against themselves. this tendency, attitude robs us of personal power, growth and development. “Until we humans, regardless of race and creed, begin to live life from inside-out; nothing authentic and substantial will ever be achieved and done.” Stephen Covey. Expecting, hoping that others will liberate us from own bondage, predicament is delusional and self-defeating. Public image construction is a disease that leads to hell and defeat of a grand scale. South Sudan is a perfect example of a place its supposed leaders and public servants have turned into a hunting ground for self-enrichment at the expense of the voiceless and vulnerable.
Our redemption, salvation come to us by cultivating our worth and importance from inside through discipline and sacrifice. We thrive by striving to be the best version of ourself. We focus on our circle of influence because comparison is a thief of happiness and peace of mind. Through doing our best, our character and personality transform and radiate kindness, empathy and compassion. Honesty and integrity fused with conscious, intentional effort and diligence produce empowerment and transformation.
Life is a gift and all humans should revere its sanctity. It is an endowment to be nurtured and developed for the welfare of the individual, family and society. All cultures, traditions and customs must exist for this reason. Formal education was invented for mental and intellectual stimulation and development for the individual and society. True education must enable and facilitate personal and collective transcendence. Humans ought to perish the thought that they are special over all the creatures on earth. We seem to possess dominion over the creation because of our unique endowments: Self-awareness, consciousness, imagination and independent will. However, we seemingly appear to have lost the way, our true essence.
Dependence
Babies and children depend on parents and loved ones for nurture, sustenance, guidance and protection. As they grow and develop, their dependence deceases while their independence increases. They learn and experiment. Their knowledge and basic skills expand relative to their immediate environment. Their personality and character traits begin to manifest. Year after year, their ability to differentiate right from wrong, moral and immoral develop. Reasoning and emotional expression become distinct and intelligible. Science and psychology have agreed that human eighteenth birthday stage is a watershed moment. Teenagers are initiated into adulthood.
Independence
In modern societies, personal independence begins around the age of eighteen. Students – sixteen years of age – are lawfully permitted to leave school at year ten, whether to train in technical faculties, work in factories or start a business. In many traditional societies such as that of Dinka, Nuer and Shilluk, personal responsibility begins at around the age of fifteen. Some girls can be married off a few years after reaching their puberty. For boys, maturity is signified by rite of passage marked with a ceremonial initiation. In certain ethnic sects, an initiate kills a bull or receives forehead marks with a sharp instrument. This is a crucial transition from childhood to adulthood. Elders and had-been initiates now instill wisdom and instruments of responsibility into the new initiates. Personal responsibility defined by work underscores the meaning of life and societal fabric and cohesion. For young women, personal independence evolves around her training and ability to take care of household duties and responsibilities. They could get married at sixteen. In such a situation, child rearing plus household duties and responsibilities demand confidence and independence without guidance and supervision.
In this modern time, completion of year twelve education symbolises the beginning of personal independence and responsibility. Generational torch of responsibility is passed down. Parents and community celebrate. Youth, supposed pillars of assurance and continuation have graduated from childhood to adulthood. Years characterised by hormonal turmoil and curiosity come to fruition, generally. Personal expectations are raised while dependence on parents diminishes. Initiates take the world and its challenges head on. Individual challenges must be handled. All human beings must think, reason and act, unless physically and intellectually incapacitated. Through creativity and imagination, one must envision and shape his/her future. Mistakes and failures are part of personal growth and maturity. No one should be ashamed of mistake and failure. A tendency and behavior to depend on a loved one for sustenance and survival is a recipe for disaster in the long run.
Interdependence
Interdependence is the highest level of maturity. it is the spirit, behavior and practice of mutual benefit and cooperation. In a community, society and nation, there are doctors, engineers, economists, bankers, accountants, and etcetera, and they depend on another’s expertise and production. For success and prosperity this interwoven relationship must exist and practise based on natural principles including reliability, integrity and honesty. Only independent people can be interdependent. this is highest form of existence encourages people to aspire and dream big. As far nature is concerned, this is what human beings are designed for. All members of society must exert personal effort, do their best for the benefit, substance and prosperity of the community and society. National and international links and trades today exist because of the principle of interdependence. There are exceptions to this cooperative relationship, but within a context which is often short-term to a medium basis.
In conclusion, dependence, independence and interdependence are natural principles that must be understood on a consequential basis, development and eventuality. From birth, Human beings depend on parents and loved ones for sustenance, protection and survival. Gradually for many years, a child’s dependence will decrease while their independence increases. After attaining a certain age, lawfully approved by society, they become independent and only seek guidance and advice as they navigate their place in society. At the independent level, they spend years marred by trials and tribulations; mistakes and failures. A better future in mind becomes the compass. They discover their purpose and devote their mind, body and soul for personal contribution. Interdependence is the highest level of maturity that signifies the meaning of life and existence. Parents are interdependent if their relationship would endure. Siblings, families, communities and nations are independent for mutual prosperity, peace and harmony. As an adult life is yours. You become what you think about all day long. You are an adult, no salvation for you from without.
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