Human Spiritual Potential
Actualizing & Achieving (Activating) your Human Potential
For people who have chosen to go on a journey of personal growth.
The journey is a process of transitions and constant series of transformation - towards the
fulfillment of deep, inner needs of empowerment.
It will be the biggest challenge you will ever face: for you cannot make it happen, you can only let it
happen: a very hard lesson - and we can help.
You’ll confront your beliefs, biases, prejudices and fears. You will also encounter your unresolved
“issues” and baggage” (these are called barriers).
Actualizing & Achieving (Activating) your Human Potential
For people who have chosen to go on a journey of personal growth.
The journey is a process of transitions and constant series of transformation - towards the
fulfillment of deep, inner needs of empowerment.
It will be the biggest challenge you will ever face: for you cannot make it happen, you can only let it
happen: a very hard lesson - and we can help.
You’ll confront your beliefs, biases, prejudices and fears. You will also encounter your unresolved
“issues” and baggage” (these are called barriers).
| "Know Thyself" -Plato |
An holistic approach to developing your innate human spiritual potential
| A liberation journey of personal growth, empowerment and healing the wounded child within. |
Realizing and achieving your potential is the most difficult journey you will embark on because the
Culture of Dysfunction we were born into, raised in and live in has left us with issues, baggage and
barriers. Living in such a culture is like living amidst insanity - and unless we make intelligent
choices, that insanity will overtake us as well.
The "issues" are most generally connected to the wounded inner child, and will remain barriers
until dealt with.
Humans are not just physical/mental beings. They have many dimensions that are integral parts of
who they uniquely are: physical, mental-intellectual, emotional and spiritual (and physical).
“Integrating” all of them will be a challenge.
People’s emotional, mental, and spiritual states are tied in closely with their physical being: which
is why so many illnesses and ailments are classified as “psychosomatic” – meaning that the body
reflects the turmoil going on inside a person.
As humans, we can choose to either be driven mostly by our feelings and emotions, or we can
choose to take charge (control) and guide those emotions and feelings with reason. The choice is
ours: either way, there is no escaping the fact that it is CHOICE.
There is one journey – but each person will take a different path: not because they are male,
female, child or senior – but because we are all unique, individual beings ("Rules For Being
Human").
Culture of Dysfunction we were born into, raised in and live in has left us with issues, baggage and
barriers. Living in such a culture is like living amidst insanity - and unless we make intelligent
choices, that insanity will overtake us as well.
The "issues" are most generally connected to the wounded inner child, and will remain barriers
until dealt with.
Humans are not just physical/mental beings. They have many dimensions that are integral parts of
who they uniquely are: physical, mental-intellectual, emotional and spiritual (and physical).
“Integrating” all of them will be a challenge.
People’s emotional, mental, and spiritual states are tied in closely with their physical being: which
is why so many illnesses and ailments are classified as “psychosomatic” – meaning that the body
reflects the turmoil going on inside a person.
As humans, we can choose to either be driven mostly by our feelings and emotions, or we can
choose to take charge (control) and guide those emotions and feelings with reason. The choice is
ours: either way, there is no escaping the fact that it is CHOICE.
There is one journey – but each person will take a different path: not because they are male,
female, child or senior – but because we are all unique, individual beings ("Rules For Being
Human").
| Humanity's potential is infinite We have no idea of what human beings are capable of becoming. People living in a world free of fear and communicating freely will Create a world that will be Beautiful beyond imagining. |
My role is to help make that journey easier: I support people through Counselling - as well as workshops, clinics and seminars
(available anywhere).
There are no "perfect" people, or wholly actualized people - but there are people who are in the process of actualizing their
potential. Full potential is an unknown - it is an ideal to work towards: a lifetime task.
The universe (multi-verse) unfolds as it should. People unfold as they should - depending on the choices they make in life, and their
reactions to life: you can either be at the mercy of everything that comes along - or take charge - the choice is yours!
All your current and previous beliefs, values, habits will be challenged. You can benefit from the synergy of togetherness of
community here. And you will be transformed & find empowerment! Liberation does not come without a price.
(available anywhere).
There are no "perfect" people, or wholly actualized people - but there are people who are in the process of actualizing their
potential. Full potential is an unknown - it is an ideal to work towards: a lifetime task.
The universe (multi-verse) unfolds as it should. People unfold as they should - depending on the choices they make in life, and their
reactions to life: you can either be at the mercy of everything that comes along - or take charge - the choice is yours!
All your current and previous beliefs, values, habits will be challenged. You can benefit from the synergy of togetherness of
community here. And you will be transformed & find empowerment! Liberation does not come without a price.
| Click on image to enlarge, click BACK to return here. |
Henry David Thoreau said, "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.
Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."
Going beyond “culturally prescribed rules” entails a lot. This journey may be the hardest task and challenge you will ever face. For
here is where you encounter - yourself!
Activating, Developing & Achieving our potential is a journey: not a destination.
What it is instead is a process journey of overcoming the barriers and obstacles to growth and development:
a journey with positive consequences and benefits.
"Human Potential" is an often-encountered concept, and mostly a misused and misleading concept: this concept is often promoted.
No one can "give" you increased human potential - not matter what their claims are. Only you can increase it, and it will be a long,
and often difficult journey. It is not some grandiose endeavour: it is where you encounter & confront yourself!
The journey of unfolding human potential towards self-empowerment is a transformative one: this means you will be transformed.
In the process, you will transcend who you are, what you believed, and how you lived your live previously.
Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."
Going beyond “culturally prescribed rules” entails a lot. This journey may be the hardest task and challenge you will ever face. For
here is where you encounter - yourself!
Activating, Developing & Achieving our potential is a journey: not a destination.
What it is instead is a process journey of overcoming the barriers and obstacles to growth and development:
a journey with positive consequences and benefits.
"Human Potential" is an often-encountered concept, and mostly a misused and misleading concept: this concept is often promoted.
No one can "give" you increased human potential - not matter what their claims are. Only you can increase it, and it will be a long,
and often difficult journey. It is not some grandiose endeavour: it is where you encounter & confront yourself!
The journey of unfolding human potential towards self-empowerment is a transformative one: this means you will be transformed.
In the process, you will transcend who you are, what you believed, and how you lived your live previously.
Your most difficult challenge will be yourself!
Facing your inner "self" is a daunting, and frightening task. It is not something that a few seminars, books, or a quick course can
accomplish.
It means "stepping outside the box" - a very difficult thing to do for most people.
What it will all end up looking like is impossible for anyone else to predict: we are each different, and we will each arrange and build
the contents of "our box" based on who we are, and who we are becoming.
There are barriers and obstacles (see below; also, explore the website for detailed information on some of the major barriers and
obstacles). The benefits, however, make it entirely worthwhile.
At Dawn Cove Abbey I take this journey seriously: building on such works as Maslow, and Carl Rogers (On Becoming A Person),
Albert Ellis (Rational-Emotive approach), Symbolic Interactionism, and oriental philosophies, and help is provided.
Your journey is not a selfish endeavour - the more you become a "full" human - the better you are with those around you.
The journey to actualizing and expanding your human potential is one that has no end because life is dynamic, and life around us is
dynamic; as is our ability to understand things. Nothing is static.
As you increase your knowledge and understanding, you begin to see new possibilities. As you explore and incorporate them into
"who we are at the moment", we will be transformed again - and see yet other possibilities - constantly transcending what we knew
and understood before.
And this process will be repeated time after time. No one knows what a human who has achieved their full potential "looks like": no
one has ever achieved it. That is why it is a journey and not a destination!
"Human Potential" is a concept the embraces two levels:
the potential an individual can strive to expand, and the potential the whole human race can strive for.
Facing your inner "self" is a daunting, and frightening task. It is not something that a few seminars, books, or a quick course can
accomplish.
It means "stepping outside the box" - a very difficult thing to do for most people.
What it will all end up looking like is impossible for anyone else to predict: we are each different, and we will each arrange and build
the contents of "our box" based on who we are, and who we are becoming.
There are barriers and obstacles (see below; also, explore the website for detailed information on some of the major barriers and
obstacles). The benefits, however, make it entirely worthwhile.
At Dawn Cove Abbey I take this journey seriously: building on such works as Maslow, and Carl Rogers (On Becoming A Person),
Albert Ellis (Rational-Emotive approach), Symbolic Interactionism, and oriental philosophies, and help is provided.
Your journey is not a selfish endeavour - the more you become a "full" human - the better you are with those around you.
The journey to actualizing and expanding your human potential is one that has no end because life is dynamic, and life around us is
dynamic; as is our ability to understand things. Nothing is static.
As you increase your knowledge and understanding, you begin to see new possibilities. As you explore and incorporate them into
"who we are at the moment", we will be transformed again - and see yet other possibilities - constantly transcending what we knew
and understood before.
And this process will be repeated time after time. No one knows what a human who has achieved their full potential "looks like": no
one has ever achieved it. That is why it is a journey and not a destination!
"Human Potential" is a concept the embraces two levels:
the potential an individual can strive to expand, and the potential the whole human race can strive for.
These are two separate, but related things. I believe that in order to
accomplish #2, the first requirement is for people (#1) to make changes
toward realizing their full potential (self-actualization & empowerment).
It is a journey with no end - because we do not yet know what the full
potential consists of, what it "looks like", and whether or not perhaps it
expands as new milestones are reached, and new possibilities unfold.
This page concerns individual human potential: a journey of
transformation: inner transformation - which will lead to outward, visible
changes.
It is a journey, or process in which you restructure the "reality" that was
shaped by your culture.
The combination of inner/outer changes are examples of what we mean
by a sacrament (an outward sign of an inner change).
accomplish #2, the first requirement is for people (#1) to make changes
toward realizing their full potential (self-actualization & empowerment).
It is a journey with no end - because we do not yet know what the full
potential consists of, what it "looks like", and whether or not perhaps it
expands as new milestones are reached, and new possibilities unfold.
This page concerns individual human potential: a journey of
transformation: inner transformation - which will lead to outward, visible
changes.
It is a journey, or process in which you restructure the "reality" that was
shaped by your culture.
The combination of inner/outer changes are examples of what we mean
by a sacrament (an outward sign of an inner change).
There is no aspect of your "reality" that will not be potentially challenged: your beliefs, values, sense of right and wrong - customs,
ethics, etc.
Your sense of "reality" will be changed.
Unfolding your human potential can be done in many ways: it involves all the dimensions of what it is to be human: holistically (also
see Seminars/Workshops).
This journey involves, and incorporates, all your human dimensions: mental, intellectual, emotional and spiritual (I leave the physical
to others).
There are barriers and obstacles to developing your potential!
All of those shape your attitude and belief as to what is possible for you - what is appropriate for you, what is "right" for you - and
what is not possible. See below for more barriers.
This means that, admirable as the goal of actualizing human potential is, the possibility is, in a way, a fallacy. As Colin Wilson states,
it is a lie propagated by our intellect and the ideology around us. We are bound by our culture, and our belief and value-systems.
Achieving your fuller potential means coming to terms with those - and then transcending them. It begins with yourself: in Plato's
words, "Know Thyself" - for unless you fully know who, and what, you are, you have no basis for moving forward.
Discovering the answers to that - may well be the journey: Acknowledging Human Potential starts with valuing the inherent worth
and dignity of each person; the sacredness of human potential and the empowerment it brings into all the dimensions of life. There are
transition stages toward transformation.
ethics, etc.
Your sense of "reality" will be changed.
Unfolding your human potential can be done in many ways: it involves all the dimensions of what it is to be human: holistically (also
see Seminars/Workshops).
This journey involves, and incorporates, all your human dimensions: mental, intellectual, emotional and spiritual (I leave the physical
to others).
There are barriers and obstacles to developing your potential!
- The main barrier is our own internalized thought and belief system.
- Our culture is another.
- Other people and circumstances in our lives present yet one more.
All of those shape your attitude and belief as to what is possible for you - what is appropriate for you, what is "right" for you - and
what is not possible. See below for more barriers.
This means that, admirable as the goal of actualizing human potential is, the possibility is, in a way, a fallacy. As Colin Wilson states,
it is a lie propagated by our intellect and the ideology around us. We are bound by our culture, and our belief and value-systems.
Achieving your fuller potential means coming to terms with those - and then transcending them. It begins with yourself: in Plato's
words, "Know Thyself" - for unless you fully know who, and what, you are, you have no basis for moving forward.
Discovering the answers to that - may well be the journey: Acknowledging Human Potential starts with valuing the inherent worth
and dignity of each person; the sacredness of human potential and the empowerment it brings into all the dimensions of life. There are
transition stages toward transformation.
Human Potential: & "Holistic" are concepts already familiar to millions - but perhaps not exactly in those words. At Dawn Cove Abbey it is not a
new-age practice: it is anything but new. "Holistic" is not a "new-age" invention - it is as old as humankind itself: it simply means "the whole" - or "the
whole (entire) human being.
There is nothing mysterious or new about that. Using the concepts behind the judeo-christian (and other) teachings of becoming actualized people, as a
base, the goal and journey will be learning to transcend them.
Your intellect (mind) is a major internal obstacle: it believes that we are separate: yet our deep inner self knows we are not - that we all are part of
everything, and everyone around us - past, present and future.
The journey is one of "learning" - and that learning is the process through which we activate and expand our "human spiritual potential" - always in
concert with the "divine" - however we understand it: it still remains humanistic. In the search for our full human potential, we will also go far beyond
the constrictions of our culture.
Emotions present a huge barrier as well: in fact, our lives consist in large part of a constant struggle and tension between our reason and our emotions:
and unless we have achieved a degree of empowerment, inner discipline and control, whenever there is a clash between our reason and our emotions,
emotions almost always "win".
Culture (and all its ramifications) will be one of the biggest obstacles we have to deal with - because it has "determined" so many of our internal beliefs
and values: including what we believe is possible for us - and what is impossible: barriers and blocks to transformation!
The graphic top right illustrates this somewhat.
Other Barriers are: Daily life with all it's challenges and unexpected situations; Stress; Family/Marital/Relationship problems;Illness; Financial
problems; Grief; Addictions, and many others. All of these are among the things we have to deal with, or set in order, to continue our journey.
new-age practice: it is anything but new. "Holistic" is not a "new-age" invention - it is as old as humankind itself: it simply means "the whole" - or "the
whole (entire) human being.
There is nothing mysterious or new about that. Using the concepts behind the judeo-christian (and other) teachings of becoming actualized people, as a
base, the goal and journey will be learning to transcend them.
Your intellect (mind) is a major internal obstacle: it believes that we are separate: yet our deep inner self knows we are not - that we all are part of
everything, and everyone around us - past, present and future.
The journey is one of "learning" - and that learning is the process through which we activate and expand our "human spiritual potential" - always in
concert with the "divine" - however we understand it: it still remains humanistic. In the search for our full human potential, we will also go far beyond
the constrictions of our culture.
Emotions present a huge barrier as well: in fact, our lives consist in large part of a constant struggle and tension between our reason and our emotions:
and unless we have achieved a degree of empowerment, inner discipline and control, whenever there is a clash between our reason and our emotions,
emotions almost always "win".
Culture (and all its ramifications) will be one of the biggest obstacles we have to deal with - because it has "determined" so many of our internal beliefs
and values: including what we believe is possible for us - and what is impossible: barriers and blocks to transformation!
The graphic top right illustrates this somewhat.
Other Barriers are: Daily life with all it's challenges and unexpected situations; Stress; Family/Marital/Relationship problems;Illness; Financial
problems; Grief; Addictions, and many others. All of these are among the things we have to deal with, or set in order, to continue our journey.
The drive toward developing and realizing our full human potential is a life-
long process, as we've seen: reaching for the divine with our human
limitations.
It is a journey that very much involves what Abraham Maslow
characterized as the "hierarchy of needs" the five broader layers are:
The graphic at the right illustrates his concept. (See below, and Maslow for
expanded detail and information).
long process, as we've seen: reaching for the divine with our human
limitations.
It is a journey that very much involves what Abraham Maslow
characterized as the "hierarchy of needs" the five broader layers are:
- the physiological needs,
- the needs for safety and security,
- the needs for love and belonging,
- the needs for esteem, and
- the need to actualize the self, in that order
The graphic at the right illustrates his concept. (See below, and Maslow for
expanded detail and information).
Brief introduction to Maslow's concepts - from most important (primary) to the "less important" ones (for survival):
Spirituality and Spiritual Humanism recognize the inter-connectedness of all things: an holistic blend of humanism-theism.
Realizing (achieving) our full human potential requires development, growth and integration of all the dimensions of life that make us human: physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual: that is the holistic way. It may not be possible to do so fully - we don't know the limits" see below
When we are fully integrated, we are fully whole. When there is no complete integration, there is no complete wholeness. Wholeness is known as
"holistic", which in essence means, to incorporate all aspect - or the "whole".
There is a major "caution" here, however: generally, the "potential" we can reach is prescribed by our culture. Transcending those cultural prescriptions
are a major challenge. More on this coming. To understand "integration" more fully, see Glossary".
- Physiological Needs (primary - lowest on pyramid). Specific hungers, food, water; shelter; sex; air; general survival.
- Safety Needs (2nd from bottom). Security; stability; dependency; protection; freedom from fear; anxiety; chaos; need for structure, order,
limits, etc.
- Belongingness and Love Needs (3rd from bottom). Love; affection; belonging; need for family, friends, groups, territorial, community.
- Esteem Needs (2nd from top). Self-esteem (self-worth); esteem of others; achievement recognition; dignity; appreciation; self-confidence;
mastery of one's self and one's environment.
- Need For Self-Actualization (Highest) Desire to help others; ability to direct one's own life; rich emotional experiences; sense of meaning to
one's life.
Spirituality and Spiritual Humanism recognize the inter-connectedness of all things: an holistic blend of humanism-theism.
Realizing (achieving) our full human potential requires development, growth and integration of all the dimensions of life that make us human: physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual: that is the holistic way. It may not be possible to do so fully - we don't know the limits" see below
When we are fully integrated, we are fully whole. When there is no complete integration, there is no complete wholeness. Wholeness is known as
"holistic", which in essence means, to incorporate all aspect - or the "whole".
There is a major "caution" here, however: generally, the "potential" we can reach is prescribed by our culture. Transcending those cultural prescriptions
are a major challenge. More on this coming. To understand "integration" more fully, see Glossary".
And since no-one is separate, or an island, (see graphic above with YOU in centre); and we all live among others, as we achieve various stages of
actualizing our potential - others should be able to notice, or see the changes. There are always outward signs of change - in behaviour, actions attitude
etc. In catholic spiritual terminology that is a sacrament (outward sign of an inner change).
Without the integration of all our dimensions, success toward wholeness will always elude us: we will not realize (achieve) our full human potential.
Yet, we are well on the way, for even in the christian scriptures it is written: "Then the LORD God said, "See, the man has become like one of us".
Genesis 4; and "I said, You are gods (God)". Psalm 82:6.
The Dawn Cove Abbey approach is Humanistic because we believe in people & human potential: spiritual because we believe everything (and
everyone) is inter-connected - the web of life. Please explore the site & its resources.
Culture: our culture, through education, the media, advertising etc constantly points out to us what our "potential is" (actually, they are telling us
what it "should be" - "they" know what's best for us. The graphic to the right illustrates their version.
While, of course, those are all important elements and components of human life - but if we leave them just as they are represented there - we shall
always have that vague restlessness inside us - that tells us "there is more".
Many humans have made great strides toward accomplishing their potential, and humankind has made considerable progress over the centuries.
Shakespeare wrote:
"What a piece of work is man (humankind)!
How noble in reason!
How infinite in faculty!
in form, in moving, how express and admirable!
in action how like an angel!
`in apprehension how like a god!
the beauty of the world!
the paragon of animals! (creatura)"
-Shakespeare (Hamlet)
actualizing our potential - others should be able to notice, or see the changes. There are always outward signs of change - in behaviour, actions attitude
etc. In catholic spiritual terminology that is a sacrament (outward sign of an inner change).
Without the integration of all our dimensions, success toward wholeness will always elude us: we will not realize (achieve) our full human potential.
Yet, we are well on the way, for even in the christian scriptures it is written: "Then the LORD God said, "See, the man has become like one of us".
Genesis 4; and "I said, You are gods (God)". Psalm 82:6.
The Dawn Cove Abbey approach is Humanistic because we believe in people & human potential: spiritual because we believe everything (and
everyone) is inter-connected - the web of life. Please explore the site & its resources.
Culture: our culture, through education, the media, advertising etc constantly points out to us what our "potential is" (actually, they are telling us
what it "should be" - "they" know what's best for us. The graphic to the right illustrates their version.
While, of course, those are all important elements and components of human life - but if we leave them just as they are represented there - we shall
always have that vague restlessness inside us - that tells us "there is more".
Many humans have made great strides toward accomplishing their potential, and humankind has made considerable progress over the centuries.
Shakespeare wrote:
"What a piece of work is man (humankind)!
How noble in reason!
How infinite in faculty!
in form, in moving, how express and admirable!
in action how like an angel!
`in apprehension how like a god!
the beauty of the world!
the paragon of animals! (creatura)"
-Shakespeare (Hamlet)
There has always been a quest for developing human understanding and potential: Paul said, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to
face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. He could only have been referring to how humankind would expand their
knowledge & potential in the centuries to come. Always in the process of expanding their potential - always having the goal to actualize their potential
fully.
There will be transformation: you will be transformed - become a different person. But, in many ways it will be a solitary journey. Others in your will
not join you, nor will they necessarily understand your quest. Barriers will be erected, and a gulf will emerge between you and them. These, most
likely, will not be your doing - but theirs.
This is a most important consideration for you, because there is no "undoing" or reverse in this. Once someone has "seen farther" than those around
them a separation or gulf will exist. But - there are others on that same journey, and once you are in progress, you will encounter some of them. These
will become your "new family" so to speak.
Those who are in the process of developing their full human potential are aware: aware of who they are, aware of where they are at all times. They live
in the moment - yet always aware and in touch with the greater context of their lives like the message of Richard Alpert (Baba Ram Dass) in his book,
"Be Here Now".
I believe in "A healthy mind in a healthy body": an approach based on "Re-uniting Mind, Body & Spirit"; that reality is triune, not just dualistic: it is
holistic. This makes us "humanistic", and theistic (not everything in life is reduced to "either-or" choices, it can also be "both-and" or "and-also" (Jung
and Buber). Physical health is a direct reflection of mental-spiritual health. Helping empower people is my goal. The "oneness of body and mind/spirit
is a core, driving concept at Dawn Cove Abbey. I am firmly established in the old non-split tradition that blends humanism and theism: the drive to
realizing, and actualizing our full Human Potential - in all its dimensions.
Other names in the Human Potential field are: Carl Rogers, Albert Ellis and Abraham Maslow (different article), and Carl Gustav Jung: these men had
a profound effect on how we understand people, and how we help people improve their lives. All these men have also had a profound influence on my
training and my approach in helping people heal and grow. I owe them a huge debt.
face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. He could only have been referring to how humankind would expand their
knowledge & potential in the centuries to come. Always in the process of expanding their potential - always having the goal to actualize their potential
fully.
There will be transformation: you will be transformed - become a different person. But, in many ways it will be a solitary journey. Others in your will
not join you, nor will they necessarily understand your quest. Barriers will be erected, and a gulf will emerge between you and them. These, most
likely, will not be your doing - but theirs.
This is a most important consideration for you, because there is no "undoing" or reverse in this. Once someone has "seen farther" than those around
them a separation or gulf will exist. But - there are others on that same journey, and once you are in progress, you will encounter some of them. These
will become your "new family" so to speak.
Those who are in the process of developing their full human potential are aware: aware of who they are, aware of where they are at all times. They live
in the moment - yet always aware and in touch with the greater context of their lives like the message of Richard Alpert (Baba Ram Dass) in his book,
"Be Here Now".
I believe in "A healthy mind in a healthy body": an approach based on "Re-uniting Mind, Body & Spirit"; that reality is triune, not just dualistic: it is
holistic. This makes us "humanistic", and theistic (not everything in life is reduced to "either-or" choices, it can also be "both-and" or "and-also" (Jung
and Buber). Physical health is a direct reflection of mental-spiritual health. Helping empower people is my goal. The "oneness of body and mind/spirit
is a core, driving concept at Dawn Cove Abbey. I am firmly established in the old non-split tradition that blends humanism and theism: the drive to
realizing, and actualizing our full Human Potential - in all its dimensions.
Other names in the Human Potential field are: Carl Rogers, Albert Ellis and Abraham Maslow (different article), and Carl Gustav Jung: these men had
a profound effect on how we understand people, and how we help people improve their lives. All these men have also had a profound influence on my
training and my approach in helping people heal and grow. I owe them a huge debt.
The Dawn Cove Abbey tradition values the inherent worth, dignity and sacredness of each person
The Dawn Cove Abbey tradition is:
Features of spirituality
Intra-personal (our inner connection or integration): self-worth, respect for self and others, authenticity, honesty, truth, humility, a sense of
purpose, initiative, the will to succeed, commitment to inner growth, desire for meaning, self-awareness (physical, emotional, intellectual), being in the
moment, self-transcendence, confidence, enthusiasm, moral code and ethics, increased awareness of others, self-determination, integration, intuition,
passion, compassion, love, hope, faith, wholeness, openness
Extra-personal (our connectedness with others): recognizing the unity of all things, being connected with something larger than self, harmony with the
universe, having just relationships with others, helping others to self-actualize, developing more responsible interpersonal relationships.
The Dawn Cove Abbey tradition is:
- a humanistic - spiritual (not religious) community helping men, women, and children who are on a transformative journey of: holistic personal
growth. - not a typical abbey in the traditional style - I carry on in the tradition of Abbey Dawn - to help people anywhere overcome their barriers to
actualize their potential. - Humanistic: because I believe that people are the agents, and our human cultures and institutions are the agencies.
- Spiritual (connectedness): because I believe everything (and everyone) is inter-connected - the web of life.
Features of spirituality
Intra-personal (our inner connection or integration): self-worth, respect for self and others, authenticity, honesty, truth, humility, a sense of
purpose, initiative, the will to succeed, commitment to inner growth, desire for meaning, self-awareness (physical, emotional, intellectual), being in the
moment, self-transcendence, confidence, enthusiasm, moral code and ethics, increased awareness of others, self-determination, integration, intuition,
passion, compassion, love, hope, faith, wholeness, openness
Extra-personal (our connectedness with others): recognizing the unity of all things, being connected with something larger than self, harmony with the
universe, having just relationships with others, helping others to self-actualize, developing more responsible interpersonal relationships.
- We live in a world where kindness, decency, concern and consideration are viewed with suspicion, and are often mistaken for weakness.
- In our current socio-cultural world, these qualities appear to be more and more an exception, than a rule.
- My desire is to help promote understanding to change that through knowledge, understanding, personal growth and healing.
All your current and previous beliefs, values, habits will be challenged. You can benefit from the synergy of togetherness of community here. And you
will be transformed! Liberation does not come without a price.
Empower yourself today. You are a seeker and remember:
Going beyond “culturally prescribed rules” entails a lot. This journey may be the hardest task and challenge you will ever face. For here is where you
encounter - yourself!
will be transformed! Liberation does not come without a price.
Empower yourself today. You are a seeker and remember:
- "Ask, and you shall receive" - all you need to do is to ask: for help, an ear, someone who cares, etc - we can provide both.
- "Seek, and you shall find" - in your search for new answers outside the box, the Dawn Cove Abbey Community can help you.
- "Knock, and the door shall be opened" - all you need to do is write, email or call - with no obligation: help on your journey.
Going beyond “culturally prescribed rules” entails a lot. This journey may be the hardest task and challenge you will ever face. For here is where you
encounter - yourself!
This site is like a book: with chapters (materials, articles, documents, etc) around a common theme. The theme is human life, empowerment, blocks,
barriers, and achievement, into an integrated whole. It represents the culmination of my life work: it is a "never-ending-story" book, because life is
dynamic, never static - and full of surprises. The site grows steadily as items are added, or revised.
Klaas Tuinman MA
Dawn Cove Abbey
Short Beach, Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada
2000-2008
Contact me at: outreach@dawncoveabbey.org (and see Contact-Information)
barriers, and achievement, into an integrated whole. It represents the culmination of my life work: it is a "never-ending-story" book, because life is
dynamic, never static - and full of surprises. The site grows steadily as items are added, or revised.
Klaas Tuinman MA
Dawn Cove Abbey
Short Beach, Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada
2000-2008
Contact me at: outreach@dawncoveabbey.org (and see Contact-Information)
Spiritual & Humanism: combining these two usually mutually exclusive concepts results in "spiritual humanism". While they have generally become
opposite, competing concepts and practices, it was not, and is not, necessary for them to be so. Both are much misused, and both are very much
misunderstood.
When they are combined and integrated they result in Spiritual Humanism, which includes: * Spirituality * Humanism * Religion * Psyche & Soul *
Morals/Ethics. These are "separate", yet very much related and connected concepts.
.Spirituality: is an inner sense that there's greater than oneself: it is a recognition of a meaning to existence that transcends one's immediate
circumstances - it above all deals with a sense of "connectedness".
Humanism: is an approach to life with an emphasis on human culture, education and reason.
opposite, competing concepts and practices, it was not, and is not, necessary for them to be so. Both are much misused, and both are very much
misunderstood.
When they are combined and integrated they result in Spiritual Humanism, which includes: * Spirituality * Humanism * Religion * Psyche & Soul *
Morals/Ethics. These are "separate", yet very much related and connected concepts.
.Spirituality: is an inner sense that there's greater than oneself: it is a recognition of a meaning to existence that transcends one's immediate
circumstances - it above all deals with a sense of "connectedness".
- It's a sense of meaning and purpose, a sense of self and 'that which is greater than self'. It can include practices such as meditation and 'bonding
rituals' which support such identity and relationship. It produces a sense of 'belonging' (identification with).
- In a broad sense, spirituality is concerned with matters of the spirit. It may include belief in supernatural powers, the way organized religion
does, but its emphasis is on personal experience. - It is a way of living that emphasises a constant awareness of the spiritual dimension of nature. Yet it does not acknowledge a contractual
relationship between the material world and the spiritual.
Humanism: is an approach to life with an emphasis on human culture, education and reason.
- It began during the Renaissance (see Glossary) with a revival of interest in classical Greek and Roman literature, culture, and language. Human
nature and the dignity of man were considered to be the ultimate thing, and the present life was emphasized as a worthy event in itself.
- This was in stark contrast to the previous (medieval) emphasis on the present life as simply being a preparation for a future life.
- This approach rejected supernaturalism and instead stresses the individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason.
- The emphasis in humanism is entirely on human interests rather than on religion or the world of nature.
- Humanism that believes that the human being is the supreme being is known as secular humanism.
- When combined we have: spiritual humanism. However, other concepts, crucial to the description are involved.
- Humanism, because it is humans and their cultures and institutions that are the agents and agencies through which the sacred operates.
Humanism believes in the perfectibility of human nature and view reason and education (see below) as the way to achieve that - always bearing in
mind that without the spiritual component the enterprise will fall short, or fail. It tries to achieve its goals without hiding the distasteful, and often
horrible realities of life, and the importance of differences in power and wealth: so does Spiritual Humanism.
Spirituality (Dawn Cove Abbey definition): self-worth, respect for self and others, authenticity, honesty, truth, humility, a sense of purpose,
initiative, the will to succeed, commitment to inner growth, desire for meaning, self-awareness (physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual), being in the
moment, self-transcendence, confidence, enthusiasm, moral code and ethics, increased awareness of others, self-determination, integration, intuition,
passion, compassion, love, hope, faith, wholeness, openness. Also, a belief in God (However you understand Him/Her, or a "Higher Power", for
example).
Spirituality is above all, recognizing the unity of all things, being connected with something larger than self, harmony with the universe (some call it
God, other use different names), having just relationships with others, helping others to self-actualize, developing more responsible interpersonal
relationships (Chief Seattle referred to it as the "web of life").
Historically, and likely before, people have always had a strong spiritual aspect or component in their lives. The spiritual drive within each human
produces the motivation to continue under whatever circumstances: it is the source of hope, love, kindness, decency, respect and concern for all life,
and true stewardship of the material world in which we live.
"Human Potential" is a concept already familiar to millions - but perhaps not exactly in those words. At Dawn Cove Abbey it is not a new-age
practice: it is anything but new: it is based on the concepts behind the Judeo-Christian teachings of becoming "better" people.
It is this that led Shakespeare to exclaim, "What a Piece of work is man".- see above
It is accomplished by following the teachings of holy scriptures, and of "doing unto others", and "treat our neighbour as ourselves" - which means
"learning" - and that learning is the process through which we activate and enlarge our "human spiritual potential". It is always in concert with the
"divine" (God, or "Higher Power" - however we understand it.
-Dawn Cove Abbey's "philosophy", and mine.
Dawn Cove Abbey commemorates the Abbey Dawn tradition (see Home).
mind that without the spiritual component the enterprise will fall short, or fail. It tries to achieve its goals without hiding the distasteful, and often
horrible realities of life, and the importance of differences in power and wealth: so does Spiritual Humanism.
Spirituality (Dawn Cove Abbey definition): self-worth, respect for self and others, authenticity, honesty, truth, humility, a sense of purpose,
initiative, the will to succeed, commitment to inner growth, desire for meaning, self-awareness (physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual), being in the
moment, self-transcendence, confidence, enthusiasm, moral code and ethics, increased awareness of others, self-determination, integration, intuition,
passion, compassion, love, hope, faith, wholeness, openness. Also, a belief in God (However you understand Him/Her, or a "Higher Power", for
example).
Spirituality is above all, recognizing the unity of all things, being connected with something larger than self, harmony with the universe (some call it
God, other use different names), having just relationships with others, helping others to self-actualize, developing more responsible interpersonal
relationships (Chief Seattle referred to it as the "web of life").
Historically, and likely before, people have always had a strong spiritual aspect or component in their lives. The spiritual drive within each human
produces the motivation to continue under whatever circumstances: it is the source of hope, love, kindness, decency, respect and concern for all life,
and true stewardship of the material world in which we live.
"Human Potential" is a concept already familiar to millions - but perhaps not exactly in those words. At Dawn Cove Abbey it is not a new-age
practice: it is anything but new: it is based on the concepts behind the Judeo-Christian teachings of becoming "better" people.
It is this that led Shakespeare to exclaim, "What a Piece of work is man".- see above
It is accomplished by following the teachings of holy scriptures, and of "doing unto others", and "treat our neighbour as ourselves" - which means
"learning" - and that learning is the process through which we activate and enlarge our "human spiritual potential". It is always in concert with the
"divine" (God, or "Higher Power" - however we understand it.
-Dawn Cove Abbey's "philosophy", and mine.
Dawn Cove Abbey commemorates the Abbey Dawn tradition (see Home).
Achieve & Actualize Your Human Potential & Empowerment
Helping People make sense of chaotic
lives: healing & recovery
lives: healing & recovery
Empowerment: Counselling - Life Coaching,
Seminars, Workshops & Retreats
Seminars, Workshops & Retreats
| When life hurts - there is immediate help for long term hope |
Only the Wounded Heal; Only the Separated Reconcile
| Dawn Cove Abbey Empowerment Outreach - New Beginning Online Information Resources, and other supports for Individuals, Couples and Families LIFE COUNSELING / COACHING / COUNSELLING and CONSULTING: HEALING YOUR WOUNDED INNER CHILD |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |