Security
Our need for security is very real. It drives us.
Lately I’ve come to understand there are two forms of drivers in our seeking of security. They are external and internal.
External driving factors are things such as possessions, familiarity, friendships, achievements and territory.
Internal driving factors are such things as high self-esteem, high self-worth, living by values and acceptance.
In our day to day lives, there is a constant pull between the two with sometimes one form counting for more than the other.
Additionally a part of us continuously wants more security through external factors. Once this is achieved we want yet more re-drawing the line. There is nothing wrong with this re-drawing, it’s natural. But don’t first miss out on celebrating what you’ve got, what you’ve achieved, nor considering the consequences of re-drawing the line for more! Otherwise we can risk pursuing external drives for security at the cost of those internal ones.
Which form for security is driving you and why?
Before re-drawing the line for more external factors, ask yourself, “What do I want to acknowledge myself for, be thankful for and celebrate?”
What are the possible consequences on you, your life and others in seeking more possessions, familiarity, friendships, achievements or territory?
Maybe what we already have is enough?
Awareness of this can help keep the balance in our need for security — between the things we want (external) and how we want to be (internal).
Ref: A Path Through the Jungle — Prof. Steve Peters
