What We May Be: Techniques for Psychological and Spiritual Growth Through Psychosynthesis [Paperback]

What We May Be is a dense, 350+ page book, and I took reams of notes while reading it. It is all about psychosynthesis - a philosophy about how to live a peaceful, harmonious life.

The book begins with details about how to use it. Always nice! Keep a workbook of notes. Take time to prepare. Persist, connect, and organize the pieces in your own word.

Learn to focus on what you are doing. Take in the feel of items under your fingers, the smells around you, the sounds. Often these can help create vibrant memories.

We all hold onto old patterns long after they are useful in our current lives. Start fresh. Draw a random image. Then imagine it's a message from a foreign country and look on it with fresh eyes. What is it saying?

We are all composed of a variety of traits. We are not just one thing. We are not just a leader - sometimes we are very happy following. Think about your prominent trait, and think of a name for it. Then think of another trait. Build a map. We are NOT those sub personalities. They are just aspects of actions we can choose to take, as appropriate. Accept and understand each one for it's usefulness.

Your body is an object that can be measured. Think about its feelings, emotions, desires, actions. Observe them all. Practice your will in little ways on your body's activities. Do just one little thing - say "no" to a distraction when you should focus on a task instead. You are now trying to plow a rowboat in a rough current. You are in a sleek sailboat and are simply trying to trim the rudder and sail to tweak the steering.

How do you handle aggressive energy when it comes into your life? The book talks about punching pillows as good - but many studies show that training yourself to react violently then encourages violent thoughts. So I do have to disagree with that part. Instead, focus your energy. It's raw energy for you to use - take advantage of it! Visualize your projects and pour the energy into them. Channel that energy into something you really enjoy.

The book does a good job discussing depression and similar issues. Try to find just 10 minutes a day to focus on the quality items in your life, to reflect on joy, compassion, and peace. Even small starts can create long term results.

Don't grumble about the frustrations of life. Find the usefulness of the skills you are learning and put them into action. As Marcus Aurelius said, "don't quarrel with circumstances". Accept them - NOT resign yourself to them or approve of them. Find ways to move beyond them. Turn static time into a meditative break that renews your strength.

I liked this image - we are like people on a moving train who carry a suitcase. Instead of carrying that burden, put it down. The train will carry the suitcase for you. Focus on what you NEED to do - don't carry excess baggage.

Yes, resistance to change is normal. Accept that. Make a list of what you'd like to improve, and start on it in small, easy steps. Choose a quality you would want to have. Imagine you have it now, and make those steps.

Another story I enjoyed greatly is that of Heaven and Hell. Hell is where people all have super-long forks. They cannot get the food on their forks to reach their mouths. In Heaven, everyone has those super-long forks as well. But they feed each other.

Enjoy beauty, but don't get overly attached to it. One beauty will fade - and another will blossom. Savor each new food, music, landscape that enters your world.

Other item I disagree with - they say work and play are polar opposites. Maybe they have only had evil work positions, but I find if you choose a great work that you are extremely happy with that life is very good.

In general, I found a lot of great messages in this book, and only a few issues. Highly recommended.

I was introduced to this book over 25 years ago when learning Psychosynthesis; the techniques in this book are threads of gold. Either using on yourself or with a client, the exercises (chapters) are specific, short and easy to follow. It is one of those foundational books a psychologist, therapist, social worker, student or professor in the helping field must have in their library. Anyone working on personal, spiritual growth to be their highest life potential will benefit - and the journey of life explored never ends. Designer G

What We May Be was required reading for a course I was taking. Ferrucci writes cleanly and clearly. Each chapter is a joy to read and contains thoughtful and appropriate activities and mental exercises that do aid in psychological growth and spiritual maturation. I look forward to having time to read and work through it again. A large gift in a very small package.