Exploring Human Potential

I have heard from different sources that man only uses about 5% of his full potential.  Hank Wesselman, Ph.D. says in his “The Journey to the Sacred Garden” that man is primed to experience the full expression of the human potential.  If we are destined to reach our 100% capabilities what is holding us back?

 Man has struggled throughout human history to overcome ignorance.  Knowledge comes in different forms: intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and mental.  Some scientists believe that man has advanced more in the last 100 years than in the past. We humans have always been creative, seen in the ancient cultures like the Egyptian and Greek architecture, and European art such as music, paintings and literature.  The Western World has been engaged in many discoveries, exploration, and inventions.

Let’s explore some of the aspects of raising the human potential:

*The Flynn Effect 

The Flynn effect is a theory based on observations that IQ (intelligence quotient) has changed over time.  This effect crosses cultures and has been scored by James R. Flynn over several generations.  It is remarkable how young people are more intelligent today and quickly understand new ideas and concepts.  This is most obvious in regards to electronics and other gadgets.  James Flynn is a political scientist from New Zealand.  He is not the only one but has the support of other psychologists and academicians.

“The greatest discovery of the 19th century was not in the realm of the physical sciences, but the power of the subconscious mind touched by faith. Any individual can tap into an eternal reservoir of power that will enable them to overcome any problem that may arise. All weaknesses can be overcome, bodily healing, financial independence, spiritual awakening, and prosperity beyond your wildest dreams. This is the superstructure of happiness.”
~ William James, Harvard Psychologist, the Father of American Psychology

 *Emotional Intelligence

Daniel Goleman tells us that emotional intelligence is a different kind of intelligence.  It is the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage our emotions in a positive and constructive way.  He calls this intelligence “heart smart,” not just “head smart.”  He encourages us to learn EQ (emotional intelligence) and develop it throughout our lives.  Learning EQ helps deal with stress, accept emotions, develop relationships, communicate better, have fun with humor, and overcome conflict with confidence.

Mr. Goleman describes five necessary emotional skills which everybody can learn:

* Emotional intelligence (EQ) skill 1: The ability to quickly reduce stress.
* Emotional intelligence (EQ) skill 2: The ability to recognize and manage your emotions.
* Emotional intelligence (EQ) skill 3: The ability to connect with others using nonverbal communication.
* Emotional intelligence (EQ) skill 4: The ability to use humor and play to deal with challenges.
* Emotional intelligence (EQ) skill 5: The ability to resolve conflicts positively and with confidence.


 *Common Sense

Common sense is often underestimated.  It is the combination of both intellectual and emotional intelligence.  Mostly it is based on our own experiences. 

As the saying goes: “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.”

Aristotle thought that the common sense is an actual power of inner sensation, as opposed to the five physical senses.  Considering that we not only have these 5 physical senses of hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and touching, but those same senses are present in the spiritual realm, he was way ahead of his time.  Only man owns this dual characteristic of internal and external.

 *Intuition 

 Intuition is the capacity to gain knowledge without reasoning.  Contrary to animals which are driven by instinct, man can learn to look inside (the word intuition come from the Latin word for intueri which mean look inside) and discover the super-national or subconscious which connects us to the higher source, God.  The HumanPotential Movement (HPM) has made use of this discovery.  HPM has developed in the 1960s, following the ideas that all people have extraordinary potential. 

 "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."
~ Albert Einstein, German-born scientist (1879-1955)

 Already in 1943, Abraham Maslow wrote about the Hierarchy of Human Needs. Once our basic needs are fulfilled, man is destined to advance into the higher realms, seeking his full potential.  In order to do this, man needs to be free, free to pursue happiness.

Therefore, Mr. Flynn’s study is valuable.  Man has grown in intelligence and wisdom because he is destined to achieve his highest potential.

We are living now in an extraordinary time of human history where we can take part of this personal transformation.  Intellectual intelligence and emotional intelligence, left-brain thinking and right-brain feeling, internal and external have to become one.  But humans can’t figure this out by themselves.  We need the guidance and inspiration of the higher source which is God, our heavenly parent.  He is the author of knowledge, wisdom, intelligence, emotions, and most of all love.  Only love can truly transform us.  This has been the missing link throughout human history.  We need the love of our heavenly parent to nurture us and raise our human consciousness.