Lower vs Higher Self - Understanding Your Two-Faced Nature

Summary

In this enlightening episode, Leo from Actualised.org discusses the concept of the 'lower self' versus the 'higher self,' likening them to a light switch that can be toggled between two states. He explains that the lower self emerges in times of fear, selfishness, and pettiness, contrasting with the higher self's calm, kind, and selfless demeanor. Leo emphasizes the importance of recognizing the triggers that lead to this switch, often occurring unconsciously, and the detrimental effects it can have on personal and societal levels. He offers two key insights: the boundary between these states is threatened when one feels threatened, and mindfulness can help identify the emotional body's activation before it spirals into the lower self. Leo provides actionable steps to cultivate awareness and avoid negative outcomes stemming from the lower self.

Takeaways

• 🔄 The human self can switch between a 'lower self' characterized by fear, meanness, and selfishness, and a 'higher self' embodying calmness, kindness, and selflessness.
• 🐾 The 'lower self' is likened to an animalistic or beastly aspect of humans, which can be more damaging than actual animals due to the destructive actions it can lead to.
• 🔑 There is a boundary between the lower and higher self that is often unconscious, and it is threatened when one feels threatened, leading to a shift into the lower self.
• 💡 The first key insight is recognizing the existence of this boundary and understanding that threats can push us into our lower self, often unconsciously.
• 🌟 The second key insight is the realization from meditation that our emotional body can rev up in response to threats, and mindfulness can help us notice and manage this before it escalates.
• 📋 Keeping a journal can help identify personal triggers that send one into the lower self, aiding in self-awareness and growth.
• 🚫 Commit to never making decisions from the lower self and develop the awareness to recognize when you cross into this state.
• 🤝 Practice disengaging from people when in the lower self to prevent negative interactions and decisions.
• 🧘‍♂️ Regular meditation and mindfulness exercises can train you to notice the early signs of the emotional body revving up and help calm it before it leads to the lower self.
• 🔧 Consider making structural changes in your life to remove or reduce triggers that cause you to enter the lower self, such as changing jobs or neighborhoods.
• 📚 Seek coaching or therapy to help identify and address deep-seated triggers that cause you to revert to the lower self, as external guidance can be beneficial in these cases.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video by Leo from Actualised.org?

The main topic of the video is the concept of the 'lower self' versus the 'higher self', explaining the two modes of human behavior and how one can switch between them.

What characterizes the 'lower self' according to Leo?

The 'lower self' is characterized by fear, meanness, pettiness, untruthfulness, selfishness, and is likened to the animalistic or beastly aspect of a person.

How does Leo describe the 'higher self'?

The 'higher self' is described as a state of calmness, kindness, nobility, generosity, truthfulness, and selflessness, embodying the noble aspects of humanity.

What does Leo suggest is the key to distinguishing between the lower and higher self?

Leo suggests that the key to distinguishing between the lower and higher self is awareness and mindfulness, particularly recognizing when one is being threatened and thus more likely to operate from the lower self.

What insight does Leo credit to Eben Pagan regarding the lower and higher self?

Leo credits Eben Pagan with the insight that the boundary between the lower and higher self is threatened when one is threatened, which often leads to unconscious behavior that can create problems.

Why is it important to recognize when we are in our lower self, according to the video?

It is important to recognize when we are in our lower self because decisions, actions, and plans made from this state are likely to be disastrous and can lead to regret and negative outcomes in life.

What are some examples of triggers that can send a person into their lower self?

Examples of triggers include physical danger, financial threats, family issues, intimate relationship problems, career challenges, reputation concerns, and threats to one's belief systems.

What action does Leo recommend to help individuals stay aware of their emotional state?

Leo recommends practicing mindfulness and meditation to become more aware of the emotional body revving up, and to notice when one is transitioning into the lower self.

What is the 'emotional body' as described in the video?

The 'emotional body' refers to the internal emotional state that can be triggered and rev up in response to threats or stressors, potentially leading to reactions from the lower self.

What practical steps does Leo suggest to manage the activation of the lower self?

Leo suggests several steps: committing to never make decisions from the lower self, disengaging from people when in the lower self, practicing mindfulness of the emotional body, changing the structure of one's life to remove triggers, and seeking coaching or therapy to address deep-seated triggers.

How can journaling help in understanding and managing the lower self?

Journaling can help by allowing individuals to record instances when they were triggered into their lower self, analyze the situations and triggers, and reflect on their emotional responses to better understand and manage their reactions in the future.

What is the role of physical threats in triggering the lower self?

Physical threats, such as being in danger or perceiving physical harm, can immediately trigger the lower self by activating the fight-or-flight response, causing a person to react from a place of fear and self-preservation.

How does Leo suggest changing the structure of one's life to reduce triggers?

Leo suggests identifying the specific triggers in one's life, such as a hostile work environment or unsafe living conditions, and making structural changes to eliminate or reduce these triggers, which could involve moving, changing jobs, or seeking new relationships.

What is the significance of the wasp experiment mentioned in the video?

The wasp experiment is a mindfulness exercise where one meditates near a wasp nest to observe the emotional body's reaction to the perceived threat. This helps in developing the ability to notice the activation of the lower self in real-time.

Why is it beneficial to commit to not engaging with people when in the lower self?

It is beneficial because when in the lower self, a person is more likely to behave negatively, selfishly, or untruthfully, which can lead to regrettable actions and damaged relationships. Disengaging allows the emotional state to stabilize before interacting.

What is the purpose of the Actualised.org newsletter mentioned by Leo?

The Actualised.org newsletter aims to provide subscribers with regular updates on personal development content, including videos, articles, and courses, to support their growth and help them build a more fulfilling and successful life.