Page 214 - Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring

a dmi ni st ering sacr e d nu rs i ng a ct s
1. Like all other persons (universal)
2. Like some other persons (group)
3. Like no other person (unique). (Kluckholn, Murray, and
Schneider 1953:53)
This focus points out the internal need for each person to mature
to the highest level of self as an innate striving. Values inherent to
self-actualization are related to inner meanings rather than to facts
alone. Perhaps it is more relevant to think of this need as an individ-
ual continuum along an inner self-defined movement; each individual
determines how far to seek fulfillment, with wide individual differ-
ences. These differences are related to a complex of past and present
experiences as well as successes along the way with other needs and
desires for self and one’s being-in-the-world. Some persons are more
achievement-oriented than others, which intersects with this need;
however, striving for self-actualization is closer to the birthing of the
inner spirit and its fuller, unique emergence.
While self-actualization is motivated internally, it is affected by
one’s external environment, often requiring a change externally to
repattern for more harmony of mind-body-spirit, Oneness-of-Being.
However, for one to “be-in-right-relation with self” may require
changes in relationships with others.
The concept of self-actualization in a conventional sense applies
to the mature adult. According to the work of Erikson (1963), the
self-actualized person is one who elevates his or her consciousness to
higher cultural, ethical, and spiritual levels. This conception includes
the notion of generativity—that is, an ecologically supportive environ-
ment for human caring and health for future generations as well as the
entire human species. Thus, a self-actualized person is concerned with
problems outside of and beyond self, with a mission in life for an inter-
nally oriented task to fulfill, a task that helps establish and guide the
next generation toward human and environmental health.
At the same time, it is idealistic and perhaps unrealistic for every-
one to evolve toward their highest level, in that we are all here on the
earth plane for our own experiences and purposes, and each person
has his or her own path to follow. However, this reality still allows the

186