Here is a definition of ‘Quality’ from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/quality
quality [ˈkwɒlɪtɪ]
n pl -ties
1. a distinguishing characteristic, property, or attribute
2. the basic character or nature of something
3. a trait or feature of personality
4. degree or standard of excellence, esp a high standard
5. (formerly) high social status or the distinction associated
with it
6. (Music, other) musical tone colour; timbre
7. (Philosophy / Logic) Logic the characteristic
of a proposition that is dependent on whether it is affirmative or negative
8. (Linguistics / Phonetics & Phonology) Phonetics the
distinctive character of a vowel, determined by the configuration of the mouth,
tongue, etc., when it is articulated and distinguished from the pitch and
stress with which it is uttered
9. (modifier) having or showing excellence or
superiority a quality product
[from
Old French qualité, from Latin quālitās state,
nature, from quālis of what sort]
Chapter 3 The Qualities of the Will
This paragraph is a very short reprise of chapters one and
two. In chapter one, the Will is presented as the dynamic “inner power” that decides,
chooses, and persists in doing “what is to be done.” It is intimately tied to
the core of the personality, the self. In chapter two Assagioli explains that
the qualities of the will are the modes of expression of
the-will-in-action.
Chapter Three explores the characteristic ways
in which the will in action expresses itself, as exemplified by great and
smaller ‘willers.’ Assagioli provides seven sets of such characteristics.
1.
Energy – Dynamic Power – Intensity
This dimension of the Will is clearly associated with the aspect of will Assagioli calls strong
will. The “power element” is often quite necessary, but is not sufficient for
acting either with skillful or good will. And, sometimes, Assagioli says, the
will, especially under the influence of the higher aspects of the Transpersonal
Will, can act without effort. Assagioli points out that the energy, power,
intensity element of the will can be and is experienced when we meet with
opposition to acting as we will. Then, he says, we experience the intensity of
our will.
2.
Mastery – Control – Discipline
This dimension is related to the quality of energetic power. It is essential in training to be able to do
something, for example, play a musical instrument, and to acquiring the skills
one needs to accomplish some goal. Assagioli
discusses discipline – out of favor in the 1970’s, and inhibition.
3. Concentration – One-Pointedness – Attention –
Focus
Assagioli states that this essential quality of the will comes
into play very strongly in the skillful will aspect. His quotation from
Ramacharaka’s Raja Yoga is both
delightful and challenging.
4.
Determination – Decisiveness – Resoluteness – Promptness
Assagioli relates this quality of will to the stage of Determination, in which the need to decide is addressed
and resolved in the stage of Decision. This quality is also needed in the stage
of Direction of the Execution of a planned act or course of action.
5.
Persistence – Endurance – Patience
My mother would have called this quality or set of qualities
“stick-to-it-iveness.” This quality keeps the willer steadfast through long,
even seemingly fruitless endeavors, trials and tribulations. Sometimes, as in
the case of Viktor Frankl, this quality is expressed in heroic measure.
6. Initiative
– Courage – Daring
This
quality occupies a middle ground between requiring “full and complete security”
on the one hand, and on the other foolhardy risk-taking dare deviltry.
7. Organization
– Integration – Synthesis
Assagioli says about this dimension of the will that it “operates in
various ways. First as an inner synergy, coordinating the various psychological
functions; it is the unifying force which tends toward, and enables one to
achieve, personal psychosynthesis. It is also active at the transpersonal level
and works toward the unification of the personal center of consciousness, the
“I” or ego, with the Transpersonal Self, leading to the corresponding
harmonious cooperation of the personal will with the Transpersonal Will
(transpersonal or spiritual psychosynthesis).
Chapter
Four – The Strong Will
Chapter Four presents a number of exercises to strengthen the will. The first exercise
Assagioli presents is to use memory and imagination in reflection on what the lack of strength of will has cost you,
followed by reflection on what the advantages a strong will would bring to you,
and concludes with imagining and visualizing “yourself as you will be when you
have attained inner and outer mastery.” He strongly suggests writing down in
some detail the specific details of the first two reflections. Another exercise
is to read material about people who have exercised strong will, and books and
articles also by writers who write to awaken “inner energies.”
Once
motivation is aroused by the first two exercises, the next exercises presented
will strengthen the will through exercising it for the sake of strengthening
it; through the medium of physical exercise; and through approaching daily life
as an opportunity to exercise the will.
In
the last few paragraphs of this chapter, Assagioli dispenses some advice I
really like. He writes in relation to using the will to alternate between
periods of activity and rest, “An ordered rhythm in our activities generates
harmony in our being, and harmony is a universal law of life.” This leads into
two other counsels. One is to harness other drives or impulses in service of
the will, when one lacks the strong will one is trying to develop. He says
pride, ambition, or play can be strong incentives and the will can use them.
The other counsel is to take the attitude that opposition from others or
difficulties in relationships offer us opportunities, the “parallel bars,” on
which our will can exercise.
Some Questions for Reflection
How would you assess your own current state of will vis a vis the qualities of the will Assagioli presents?
Which quality of your will was especially present/absent this week in relationship to your project?
Did you try any of the exercises to strengthen your will?. If so what did you learn?
Why does RA encourage us to "work in silence"? Is this easy or difficult for you?
Really appreciating the richness of our conversations. Delighting over this 'collective process', how it stimulates & expands my thinking. New thoughts / ways of looking at things. Transpersonal Will in action perhaps?
ReplyDeleteStrands that stand out:
Holding a new appreciation of the ways in which Strong Will can emerge, for example in 'waiting / holding place' and delaying taking action until a later time that will serve more fully. I had been seeing that as Skillful Will however seeing it also takes strength, persistence and perseverance to wait and take action and a later time.
The importance of silence in early stages of some Acts of Will- remembering times gone by when my enthusiasm to share the joyousness of a plan meant others (mostly well meaning) interjected their thoughts, concerns, ideas or worries that distracted me from taking action. Loved that concept mentioned in our conversations about seeing that stage as small, tender plants. A most useful metaphor - because, come to think of it, those early stages of willing are like an incubator and when those fragile bonds are exposed to the world too early they are not yet cohered enough to avoid damage. Am noting similar processes in action in nature of late as we're in the midst of Summer here. The consequences are dire there too.
Continuing to note the similarities and differences in the 'aspects' of Will and how they can be skillfully woven together to produce and balanced outcome that is effective and life-affirming and thus more sustained than any one aspect acting alone. Balance, working to find it - to re-align frequently as the need arises.
Also noticing generally I'm getting a lot done of late. I know this is being influenced by the conscious process we are on ... holding Will in my consciousness so fully bears many fruit! Literally creating an environment where effective Will can flourish.
Natasha, I so appreciate your thoughtful reflection of our group discussion and sharing how it works practically in your day to day life.
ReplyDeleteI am particularly aware from my own experience how premature sharing of a course of action or a project can dissipate the Will. It does take careful assessment about when the protected little seedlings are strong enough for being planted in the garden.
Light and Love, Hedi
Hi Hedi thank you for this :-)
ReplyDeleteYes careful assessment really is key isn't it. The unfolding process of getting the timing in synch. I notice the tendency in myself to keep things in the proverbial shed 'psychically speaking' when they are actually ready to plant. Loving this space as a way to try things a-new.
Arohanui - Natasha
P.S. had to giggle ... just publishing this note and got asked to 'prove I'm not a robot'! Am smiling as that's kind of the quality of 'not' taking action, not fully manifesting my will in a way: robotic.
It's less risky however not really being alive is it - I like how Dale Carnegie said:
"The successful [person] will profit from [their] mistakes and try again in a different way."
Natasha, I appreciate your appropriate risk taking:) Light and Love, Hedi
DeleteThis note may be a repeat. Not sure the last was posted.