Problems

March 2, 2024

Every level of Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (1954) has inherent problems. At the base of the pyramid, there are our body's physiological needs and those of others. Without solving the problems associated with physical well-being, we cannot progress to the other levels of the pyramid. On the next level are the problems of having adequate food, clothing, and shelter. Next, we must solve safety and security problems before we can progress up the hierarchy of needs.

The next level of problems involves loving, being loved, and belonging. Once these problems are solved, we move up to the challenges of building our self-esteem, sense of purpose, and identity. After that stage, we work on the problems that Maslow called "Self-actualization." If we reach that stage, we work on the problems of becoming conscious of ourselves, the world, the creatures of the world, and how we relate to it all. This stage includes the challenges of understanding the meaning of our lives and realizing our fullest potential.

At each level, we are apt to solve our problems using our Enneagrammatic passions. This means that in the ego state, we usually deal with our problems by choosing the path of least resistance. The ego’s favorite ‘go-to’ is one of the passions mapped out by the Enneagram. These are 1. Anger, 2. Pride, 3. Deceit, 4. Envy, 5, Stinginess, 6. Fear and Cowardness, 7. Over-indulgence, 8. Lust, and 9. Laziness. But if we are aware that our passion is counter-productive and not the answer, we are conscious enough to say to it, “I know who you are, I know your methods, and you will not trap me again.”

Then we switch to the soul consciousness, and at every level, we ascend the pyramid.

The cap of the pyramid is the level of transcendence. Here, we have gone beyond the problems of the other stages. In this stage, we are God-conscious and are more at home in our spirit than in any other aspect of our being. Only a very few attain this stage, but it is the ultimate real goal of all souls.

Inquiry: What are some reasons why you would stay at the same level on the hierarchy?

Dear God,

Problems are all around me and within me. I see my way forward only by your voice within. I pray to hear that voice.

Amen

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