Eastern wisdom, inner work, and aging: a contribution in second wave positive psychology

ABSTRACT

This paper intends to make contribution to second wave positive psychology by suggesting a post-egoic view of humanity that overcomes the positive-negative binary. This view sees all attributes and qualities of human experience as containing rich and holistic materials for ego transformation. The paper points out that the ego-based psychology that undergirds much of current positive psychology ignores the mutual nature of human existence and a sense of humanity being continuous with the rest of the universe. Using aging as the context for a study, this paper makes the case that when aging is viewed from a post-egoic psychological perspective, such being found in Daoism, what emerges is a possibility of living a life of wisdom, compassion, joy, and qi-infused creativity through aging as “saging.” This paper affirms that aging is a critical and integral part of human growth and development. Additionally, a creative inner work example is provided that demonstrates a possibility of integrating and transforming negative experience in the service of moving towards a post-egoic self.

KEYWORDS:

• Second wave positive psychology
• Eastern wisdom
• lnner work
• Daoism
• aging
• creativity
• post-egoic self

Acknowledgments

This paper Is dedicated to our very dear friend and colleague, Professor Marian Porath, who Inspired and supported the writing of this paper. Marion was an eminent scholar in educational psychology. She taught for decades in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia. She was a greatly loved teacher who passed out of this world in 2018, far too soon.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. https://www.newventureswest.com/real-lesson-taoist-farmer-story/

2. https://www.etymonline.com/word/whole.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Avraham Cohen

Avraham Cohen is a psychotherapist of very long-standing in private practice. He also is adjunct faculty in counsellor education at Adler University (Vancouver BC, Canada). He has published widely and also presented and co-presented his work at national and international conferences. His work in all realms addresses the ever-deepening human potential possibilities. [email protected]

Heesoon Bai

Heesoon Bai is Professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University (SFU). She is an educational philosopher and a psychotherapist with deepening interest in holistic-contemplative education. For her downloadable publication: http://summit.sfu.ca/collection/204; for her website: http://www.sfu.ca/education/faculty-profiles/hbai.html