Several years ago I took a series of classes from one of the best teachers I have ever had, Dr. Christian Conte. The class, entitled the Principles of Psychotherapy (more or less a 101 class for new graduate students), was my first introduction to the world of psychotherapy, counseling, and many of the Eastern World’s traditions as to achieving mental health and emotional stability.
Dr. Conte drew what he called the “ladder of consciousness” so that we could see how the ‘rung’ of enlightenment and transcendence (the goal, however unattainable it may be) rank against some of the lower rungs. Dr. Conte suggested that perhaps only the Buddha and Jesus, and perhaps Mohammad, lived there.
In effect, we must reflect and then admit, truthfully, where we “live” each day. Is it in Love, or Shame, or do we live in Pride? For me the worst would be to live constantly in Fear. I am not at all sure where I live from day to day, although I’d like to think it’s within Acceptance. Living in Shame would be, in Dr. Conte’s estimation, the very worst place to call home. Where are you on the ladder?
Ladder of Consciousness (and way up there in the clouds, is Enlightenment and Transcendence).
Shame
Guilt
Apathy
Grief
Fear
Desire
Anger
Pride
Courage
Neutral
Willingness
Acceptance
Reasoned/ing
Love and Loving
Joy and Joyfullness
Peace and Tranquility
Enlightenment and Transcendence!!