Blog 5

            While reading about second-order changes as well as synchronicity, I began to ponder the emotional experiences that occurs for people during these times. After reading over the posts from my classmates, a theme seemed to be emerging. Most people who discussed their personal “aha” moments report a seemingly positive experience. Some of my peers reported feeling more encouraged and enlightened while others report emotions reminiscent of clarity and a sense of “being in the right place” as it relates to their career development. I cannot help but ponder if there is a correlation between the two. Do we recall these second-order changes in such great detail not only because of the transcendence that occurs within the self, but also because of the salient positive emotional experience? Also, do these experiences ever result in a negative emotional state?

            Second-order changes (the “aha” moments) and the emotional experiences that seem to occur simultaneously reminded me of Abraham Maslow’s concepts of peak experiences and self-actualization. Peak experiences are defined as being moments of extreme happiness and fulfillment (Engler, 2014). Those who strive to reach self-actualization tend to encounter peak experiences at a higher rate than those who have not. This research makes me wonder if second-order changes are necessary for a person to truly have a peak experience, and thus be further along the road to self-actualization.

            While reading the Guindon and Hanna (2002) article, I also felt a great sense of inspiration. In each of the case studies, the counselor played a chief role in the client’s experience of transcendence. Through their guidance and support, clients were able to accept their true self and their true aspirations. In a field where burn out is high and there are a lot of stories about “what not to do,” it is both inspiring and motivating to hear case studies that were so positive.

References:

Engler, B. (2014). Personality Theories: Ninth Edition. United States: Wadsworth Cengage

Learning

Guindon, M. & Hanna, F. (2002). Coincidence, happenstance, serendipity, fate, or the hand of

            God: Case studies in synchronicity. The Career Development Quarterly, 50, 195-208.