Self-Transcendence: Moving Right on The Unitary Continuum

Overview

This assignment, completed for a positive psychology assignment, addresses my inner battle through university of strategic resume cultivation versus being guided by my heart.

My intentions for publishing this on the blog are:

A) For others to connect with and be inspired by.

B) To remind me of my core intention through the journey.

Living More in the B-Realm: Moving Right on the Unitary Continuum

Misha Jan

Carleton University

PSYC3302B: Positive Psychology

Dr. Jessica Desrocher

3 April 2024 

My path to psychology started after I navigated through intense pain and trauma which deepened my empathy for people’s struggles. Emerging stronger, my newfound sense of joy was so liberating that I felt compelled to guide others on their healing journeys. At university, I started to balance the heartfelt approach to my studies with the strategic cultivation of my resume for Ph.D. applications, noticing that compassion and collaboration, not competition, brought me greater fulfilment. This discovery has inspired my goal for the final project in this positive psychology course: to operate more from an intrinsically loving space. This intrinsically loving space has many terms in psychology such as the B-realm as coined by psychologist Abraham Maslow (Maslow, 1998), self-transcendence as a state, and peak/mystical experience as a trait (Figure 4). I aim to achieve the goal of living more in the B-realm by engaging in a structured mindfulness activity and daily meditation for two weeks and quantifying the impact using the Light Triad Scale (LTS) (Kaufman, 2019). 

Theoretical foundations

Motivations: B-love versus D-love

Diving deeper, there are 2 forces behind our actions: ‘B-love,’ and ‘D-love.’ D-love  (Deficiency love) emerges from personal need or deficiency, whereas B-love (Being-love) represents an appreciation for the being of another (Maslow, 1998, p. 48). I like to think of it as D-love motivations being for the self (pleasure), whereas B-love motivations are for the other (vicarious joy). B-love aligns with concepts like agape—selfless, unconditional love—and altruism, which prioritises others’ welfare. This is akin to the character strength ‘love’ in positive psychology, which Martin Seligman emphasises is beyond the western idea of romantic love, and is actually a love of loving 💗 (Seligman, 2011, p. 252). Additionally, the term “post-ambivalence” describes a profound, unequivocal love that transcends dichotomy, this point is important to remember because it describes the underlying mechanism of B-love. (Maslow, 1971, p. 273-285; Kaufman, 2020, p. 225). To summarise: living in the B-realm means your intentions are fueled by B-love. It is the state of self-transcendence which leads to frequent peak/mystical experiences (Kaufman, 2020; Maslow, 1970). This is achieved by overcoming the dichotomy between self and world, as illustrated in Figure 1, which then enables acts of love to flow naturally (Yaden et al., 2017; Yaden et al., 2022).  

The Unitary Continuum

The topic of self-transcendence is akin to ‘flourishing’ or ‘eudaimonia’ in positive psychology and is an inevitable result of living more in the B-realm (Seligman, 2011, p. 252; Zelenski, 2020, p. 105). The Unitary Continuum is a comprehensive framework that aligns concepts such as the B-realm, self-transcendence, flourishing, and eudaimonia, indicating their collective shift towards the right end of the continuum. Interestingly, a comprehensive study conducted by Kaufman and Yaden indicates that the Light Triad is positively correlated with self-transcendence and growth, hence the incorporation of the yellow (dark triad) and purple (light triad) into figure 1, where moving to the right (self-work dichotomy dissolution) increases light triad traits (Kaufman et al., 2019). To get a better depiction of the light versus dark triad, refer to figure 2. 

Measure: Light Triad Scale (LTS)

Considering these connections between the light triad traits and self-transcendence or the (aka the B-realm), I have opted to use the LTS  introduced by Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman and David B. Yaden in 2019. The LTS was developed through an empirical study involving a diverse sample of 1,518 adults, aiming to explore the positive aspects of human personality. This methodology included a comprehensive analysis of the LTS’s correlation with life satisfaction, personal growth, and other positive psychological outcomes, demonstrating the scale’s reliability and validity in measuring humanitarian values (Kaufman et al., 2019).

A key feature of life in the B-realm is a foundation in humanitarian values, which the LTS measures through its three components: Kantianism (the principle of treating individuals as ends in themselves, rather than as means to an end), Humanism (recognition of the dignity and worth of each person), and Faith in Humanity (the belief in people’s fundamental goodness). Kaufman’s investigation into the LTS validates its association with various dimensions of psychological well-being and personality traits, such as life satisfaction, personal growth, self-transcendent experiences, Universalism (value), empathy, inclusive identity (quiet ego scale), love (character strength), agape (selfless love), and many other positive attributes (Kaufman et al., 2019). These correlations suggest that embodying the Light Triad traits are a good predictor of living in the B-realm. 

Method: Tally Counter App and Journal

In order to engage in a structured mindfulness activity, I set up my journal and a tally app with two distinct categories: ‘B-love motivated’ and ‘accolade motivated’. Each day for 2 weeks, I would enter each major activity I did such as facilitating a group, writing an article, applying for a job, reading a book, or any new projects I decide to start. 

Activity Rational

Mindfulness: Unconscious Manifestation of Dark Triadic Traits

In reflecting upon my journey to enhance B-love over the years, I’ve come to understand the limitations of merely forcing myself into actions without a genuine change in my emotional state. This insight is partly born from my concerns about the potential unconscious manifestation of my dark triadic traits, which could be obscured by moralistic actions, leading me to deceive myself about my true intentions. 

Drawing on the teachings of Dr. David Hawkins’ levels of consciousness theory and Ken Wilber’s integral theory, it is apparent that advancing through levels of consciousness cannot be achieved through force (Hawkins, 2012; Wilber, 2000). These theories emphasise the necessity of fully experiencing one’s current level of consciousness and allowing the process of growth to evolve naturally. Kaufman advises against dichotomizing the B-realm and D-realm. Instead, he advocates for their integration, suggesting that a solid foundation in our D-needs is crucial for effectively operating within the B-realm (Kaufman, 2020, p.244). Furthermore, Kaufman’s discussion centres on the acceptance of one’s entire self, which is the point of this mindfulness activity (Kaufman, 2020, p.258-270) 

Meditation: Priming For Peak/Mystical Experiences

Meditation is associated with both a reduction in Default Mode Network (DMN) activity and an increase in cross-network connectivity (Panda et al., 2016). This suggests that meditation can lead to a more integrated brain state, characterised by decreased mind-wandering and increased attentional control through enhanced connectivity between brain networks. Interestingly, many researchers have revealed the connection between DMN deactivation and peak/mystical experiences, which are essentially a transitory experience of full self-world dichotomy dissolution (Yaden et al., 2022, ch. 5). During these experiences, people report increased empathy and a sense of connectedness to the social and spatial world (exactly what we’re aiming for)! The research suggests that as we move further right on The Unitary Continuum, the more our DMN deactivates, and new lateral connectivity emerges (see figure 3 photo and video depiction).

Tying these practices together, I believe mindfulness and meditation are well-supported by research as a potential means to increase the time I operate from the B-realm. According to Self-Determination Theory (SDT), mindfulness enhances our connection with intrinsic motivations (Zelenski, 2020, p.146) which can help me get closer to a state of self-transcendence (increase my light triad traits and go back to that heartfelt approach to my studies). In addition, meditation can potentially help prime my brain for peak/mystical experiences which consequently may increase my feelings of B-love (empathy).

Results

And now for the results: this mindfulness activity taught me that transformation emerges from the blend of experience, knowledge, and emotion. I used the Light Triad Scale (LTS) to measure my progress in mindfulness practice, noting initial scores in faith in humanity (+13.8%), humanism (+5.15%), and Kantianism (-12.4%). After two weeks, these improved to +32.55% in faith in humanity, +26.1% in humanism, and -6.15% in Kantianism, indicating a positive change.

As the project commenced, I grew increasingly aware of my moment-by-moment tendency to undertake activities more for the sake of enhancing my resume (D-love) than from a place of intrinsic love (B-love). Strategically cultivating my resume for a PhD. application started to feel more forced and inauthentic. Over time, I shifted towards activities that I intrinsically enjoyed, embracing the principle that less is more when actions are genuine and resonate with my core values. I accepted that gaining admission into a PhD program was not my sole ambition. I realised there are numerous paths to pursue my passion, and I am open to exploring them. This realisation stems from currently enjoying this work, affirming my belief that if I enjoy it now, I will always find joy in it.

Through this mindfulness and meditation journey, I feel overwhelming gratitude and love more frequently about having the privilege of studying what I believe to be the essence of life. Even now, as I work on this paper, I feel love in the present, appreciating my studies for their inherent value rather than as a means to an end. I’ve become more open to various future paths, provided they allow me to delve into love in all its forms—be it B-love, agape, postambivalence, altruism, and anything surrounding love: peak experiences and how they can serve as catalysts towards humanitarianism or the unitary continuum that underlies profound humanitarianism. 

Interpretations/Discussion

Increased Happiness With Dichotomy Dissolution

The increase in happiness and more frequent manifestation of LTS traits I’ve observed seem to stem from a diminishing self-world dichotomy. My preoccupations with physical pursuits—like gaining Ph.D. acceptance or enhancing my resume—began to fade as I experienced a deeper connection to my essence: love. A reflection from my journal over this period reads, “Allowing the death of the ephemeral physical equals the awakening of the eternal soul,” and I am aware it might appear overly philosophical for a scientific discussion, yet these insights are not without precedent. These sorts of thoughts or feelings are well recognized in psychology to emerge from various self-transcendent experiences (Yaden et al., 2017). 

Neurological Bases: Rewired Towards Love

Fascinatingly, some of my favourite researchers, Dr. David Yaden and Andrew Newberg, in the field of neurotheology—which examines the neurological underpinnings of such experiences—shed light on these phenomena. In peak experiences, they found that the parietal lobe, responsible for the feeling of separateness, is typically less active. They suggest that fears and anxieties often root in concerns over harm to our physical selves. However, as our perception of the self expands to merge with the world around us, these fears and anxieties can diminish or even disappear (David B. Yaden and Andrew Newberg, 2022, p.73-86). Gradually, mindfulness and meditation rewired my brain, leading to increased feelings of love occurring naturally. 

Possible Implementation for Carleton University 

We can host various workshops with the aim of aiding students in achieving some state on The Unitary Continuum. Mindfulness meditation to reach mindfulness, art-based groups to reach flow state, nature-based groups to reach awe, and possibly ‘peak experience’ discussion groups for students who have such such experiences to connect with others and find solace in hearing something that gets close to describing the experience.

References

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Doborjeh, Z., Doborjeh, M., Taylor, T., Kasabov, N., Wang, G. Y., Siegert, R., & Sumich, A. (2019). Spiking neural network modelling approach reveals how mindfulness training rewires the brain. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 6367. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-42863-x

Dunning, D. L., Griffiths, K., Kuyken, W., Crane, C., Foulkes, L., Parker, J., & Dalgleish, T. (2019). Research review: The effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on cognition and mental health in children and adolescents – a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 60(3), 244–258. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12980

Hawkins, D. R. (2012). Letting go: The pathway of surrender. Hay House, Inc.

Kaufman, S. B. (n.d.). The Light Triad Scale. Retrieved from https://scottbarrykaufman.com/lighttriadscale/

Kaufman, S. B. (2020). Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization. TarcherPerigee.

Kaufman, S. B., Yaden, D. B., Hyde, E., & Tsukayama, E. (2019). The Light vs. Dark Triad of Personality: Contrasting two very different profiles of human nature. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 467. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00467

Maslow, A. H. (1998). Toward a psychology of being. J. Wiley & Sons.

Maslow, A. H. (1970). Religions, values, and peak-experiences. Viking Press.

Newberg, A. B., & d’Aquili, E. G. (2000). The neuropsychology of religious and spiritual experience. Journal of Consciousness Studies, 7, 11–12.

Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.

Wilber, K. (2000). A theory of everything: An integral vision for business, politics, science, and spirituality (1st ed.). Shambhala.

Yaden, D. B., & Newberg, A. (2022). The varieties of spiritual experience 21st century research and perspectives. Oxford University Press.

Yaden, D. B., Haidt, J., Hood, R. W., Vago, D. R., & Newberg, A. B. (2017). The Varieties of Self-Transcendent Experience. Review of General Psychology, 21(2), 143–160. https://doi.org/10.1037/gpr0000102

Zelenski, J. M. (2020). Positive psychology: The science of well-being. Sage Publications.

Appendix

Figure 2: ‘Light Versus Dark Triad Scale’ Adapted from Kaufman, S. B., Yaden, D. B., Hyde, E., & Tsukayama, E. (2019). The Light vs. Dark Triad of Personality: Contrasting Two Very Different Profiles of Human Nature. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 467. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00467 and Paulhus, D. L., & 

Williams, K. M. (2002). The Dark Triad of personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Journal of Research in Personality, 36(6), 556-563. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0092-6566(02)00505-6