May
21, 2001
Personal Mastery
“Personal
mastery goes beyond competence and skills, though it is grounded in competence
and skills. It goes beyond spiritual unfolding or opening, although it requires
spiritual growth. It means approaching one’s life as a creative work, living
life from a creative as opposed to reactive viewpoint.”
“When
personal mastery becomes a discipline - an activity we integrate into our lives
- it embodies two underlying movements. The first is continually clarifying what
is important to us. The second is continually learning how to see current
reality more clearly.”
-
The Fifth Discipline by Peter M. Senge
I recently received a copy of this passage from The
Fifth Discipline from a close friend, Jeff Burrows of Thunderlight
Resources. It has been many years
since I took a look at the book by Peter Senge so I decided to review it in
light of my ongoing spiritual journey. I
remember when first reading it eleven years ago being struck that a best selling
business book recognized the value of both professional growth and
personal growth. The growth that
comes from learning and knowledge forms the basis for what Senge calls the
learning organization.
The term mastery can be defined as gaining dominance
over people or things. It can also
mean special level of proficiency. Senge describes personal mastery as
the discipline of continually clarifying and deepening our personal vision, of
focusing our energies, of developing patience, and of seeing reality
objectively. Individuals who
possess personal mastery dwell in the top portion of Maslow’s Hierarchy Of
Needs where self-respect and self-actualization reside. These individuals do not just dream of what is important to
them, but they manifest then realize the results of what matters most deeply to
them. Their motivation for this is
becoming committed to their own lifelong learning and personal vision.
Personal mastery is one of the disciplines that Senge
identifies as an essential cornerstone of the learning organization – “the
learning organization’s spiritual foundation”. If personal mastery can be described as a discipline, then
systems can be followed that illuminate its subtle aspects such as: integrating
reason and intuition; continually seeing more of our connectedness to the world;
compassion; and commitment to the world. I dare say that most of us would enjoy working for or leading
an organization that fosters such beliefs.
Although the target audience for The Fifth
Discipline is business professionals, its messages are meaningful for anyone
who strives to get the most from our human experience.
I have seen this book on my minister’s bookshelf and recognize that is
has value to any organization, even a church.
As an individual, I think I can become more fulfilled by applying
Senge’s lessons and exercises regarding personal mastery to my spiritual
quest. Believing that one cannot
truly be spiritual and live two different lives, (one at work and one outside of
work) developing personal mastery means living consciously and being consistent
all the time.
During the coming weeks I think I will begin to
reexamine my own vision so that I can focus my energies on what is important to
realize that vision. I believe that
my personal mastery will nurture my soul and by encouraging others in my life to
also learn and grow, I will foster harmony and love in my life.
With respect, acceptance, and love,
Richard
For additional information on The Fifth Discipline, click here to go to the Suggested Reading Page