Copy
Listen Deeply,
A teacher of mine, Jean Houston, often refers to entelechy in her books and workshops. It was years ago when I first heard her mention it and I still recall how hearing made me feel. I'm drawn in by what she's pointing at when she uses this term; it feels magnetic to me.

I recently came across this concept of entelechy again, from another source, and shared it with some friends in conversation. There was intrigue from the group and a revelation for me regarding my initial attraction to the word, and how my life work has unfolded since.

 

Enetlechy is a philosophical concept that was introduced by Aristotle and later developed by the philosopher Thomas Aquinas. Entelechy refers to the notion that every living organism has a built-in potential or 'entelechy' that drives it towards self-actualization and fulfillment of its purpose.

Enetlechy is the idea that living things possess an inherent force that drives them to develop and grow into their fullest potential. The concept of enetlechy is often associated with the idea of teleology, which is the study of purpose or goal-directedness in nature.
 

According to Aristotle and Aquinas, every living thing has a specific purpose or end goal that it is meant to achieve, and entelechy is the force that drives it towards that goal.

In contemporary philosophy, the concept of enetlechy is sometimes used in discussions about the nature of consciousness and the self, as it suggests that there is an inherent drive within us towards self-realization and actualization.

 


Those who are conscious of entelechy and in touch with the creative force unfolding through them have developed a skillset for deep listening

Deep listening involves paying attention to the sounds of nature, the voices and words of others, the feedback regarding our impact on others and the environment, and the inner sounds of our own bodies, minds, and hearts.


I've been contemplating and practicing listening deeply to the world around and within. It has me wondering if the heightened awareness, curiosity, and revelations that occur are perhaps motivated by entelechy itself? 😉

Deep listening is a way of connecting with the world around us and within ourselves, it's is a self fulfilling doorway for entelechyThere is no right or wrong way to practice deep listening. The most important thing is to find a way that works for you and to be open to the experience.

Deep listening can help you:

  • relax and de-stress
  • be more creative
  • understand yourself and others better
  • heal faster
  • find peace within yourself
  • be more present and calm
  • strengthen intuitive abilities
I didn't record a conversation this week but I was able to find an excellent podcast on The Power of Deep Listening with Tara Brach. I appreciate her expertise and approach to this topic. Below is the link to the video version of this episode on her YouTube channel.
Tara Brach is an American psychologist, author, and a leading western teacher of Buddhist meditation, emotional healing, and spiritual awakening. She is a guiding teacher and founder of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, D.C.

Just as deep listening is a doorway to entelechy, qigong is doorway to deep listening. Through breath, self massage, gentle movements, and mindfulness we slow down our thinking minds to turn up our listening awareness and allow entelechy to lead.

Engaging in deep listening while practicing qigong supports us in shifting our focus from externalization towards internal awareness. In so doing we become more intimate with the entelechy unfolding through us.


Once in touch with entelechy through deep listening and qigong, or other mindfulness practices, we leverage our heightened inner awareness to create supportive environments for our potential to be actualized for the benefit of all.  

Deep inquiry is another way to invite entelechy forward. One of the questions Oprah asks all her interviewees is... "What is one thing you know for sure?" One thing I know for sure is that my entelechy is playful and curious. 😉

My revelation about my original attraction to the word entelechy is the understanding that all my work in the world has been in service to this force. Whether I'm teaching classes, conducting private sessions, writing, or hosting conversations; entelechy is ever present, calling itself out in the other entelechies present.

Class Schedule for Mach 27 -31
Monday, March 27 @ 10:45 am
Bo Stretch

A full body stretch promoting increased circulation, enhanced mobility and kinetic awareness.
Location: Avila Bay Athletic Club - Membership Required

Tuesday, March 28 @ 12:15 pm 
Qigong

Integrating physical movement, mental cultivation and regulated breathing to enhance creativity, immunity, vitality and regenerative capacities.
Location: Avila Bay Athletic Club - Membership Required

Thursday, March 30 @ 4:00 pm
Happy Hour Qigong
An end of the day practice to transform physical and mental tension into a relaxing flow of calm and grounded contentment.
Location:  Avila Beach Golf Resort  in the Clubhouse
Open to the Public - $10 per person
Payment Options PayPal  | Venmo | Cash on Site

 
Enriching Entelechy,
Cyndi
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.