Self-Improvement

The whole notion of self-improvement is a fool's errand. What I mean by this is that you can not improve what already is. To dedicate your life to such a thing will only lead to suffering and disappointment.

Perhaps some further explanation of what I mean is in order. We each have essentially two selfs, one that is and one that always will be. The lower self is that which we can feed with the natural world, the needs such as hunger, comfort, happiness etc...We can spend our whole lives feeding this self but never be satisfied.

The second and higher self is that of the spirit, you do not feed this self you grow with it. What I mean is that this self is our source of creation it is not meant for consumption. You can not improve this self because it has always been there and cannot be changed. The real "trick" of it is finding this self, it's deep within buried underneath all the the distracting worldly garbage.

Some spend their whole lives seeking out this higher self, they call it enlightenment. I ask the question is it really that hard? It's within us and always has been, don't you think we would be at least a little familiar with it? How do we know when we found it? I say when you desire nothing from the world but have a growing passion to create you are on the right track.

So that begs the question once I've found this Soul or "Atman" what do I do? Well most religions would tell you to worship and improve upon / purify this self. I would say that's a bogus answer, we are not meant to be idle "zen" statues. The answer is obvious if you tap into your source, use it to create! Do not be fooled by notions of self-improvement instead seek a path of self-realization. 

Adaptation

One of humanity's innate and defining attributes is the ability to adapt to any situation. The unexpected is meant to be overcome for us to progress.  There is always a chance to adapt if you think outside the box.

Adaptation is key in survival as the physics of the world does not have our best intentions in mind. If we freeze in the face of the unexpected or impossible we will soon find our chances cut short. The world is a harsh place because of the apathy of those less than human.

Survival is not humanity's purpose nor does it define us, once we get past the obstacles placed in our way we are meant to create something new. When we have our vision in mind of what we want to create but the means isn't clear that's when adaptation becomes key. In my own art I learn new things every day. For example I am working on an advertisement that requires knowledge of four different programs, before starting I only had experience with two of the four. I adapted because I needed the means to create.

Adaptation is hard work but has wonderful rewards when we experience our visions coming to life. We all have a decision to make, to be less than our potential as hunter/gatherers or to create something new with our humanity. The choice seems obvious but only a few will ever make the cut.