Emergence occurs when diverse systems blend and/or work together in a way that surpasses their former state. The term is used to describe processes in many fields, such as biology, economics, philosophy, and psychology. For the purpose of this article, I will discuss it in terms of becoming a deliberate participant in the evolution of the self.
The first time I realized that there was incongruency in the minds of those attempting to advance the field of psychology and the current state of the system was in graduate school when I was researching influences on achievement. There was so much research that supported the inadequacies of current learning institutes, yet there was not really any motivation in the system to implement evolved learning strategies despite the benefits it could gain for achievement. For example, from research (and likely personal experiences), we know that rote memorization is not adequate in stimulating deeper processing of a subject matter, which is better for retention. We also know that relatability is necessary for someone to internalize and process information at a more meaningful level. And yet, this knowledge is rarely utilized in schools on a large scale. Classrooms are not set up to support different learning styles, as tests are still being designed to accommodate old ways of a regurgitative teaching/learning. The slow progression in the system despite years of research findings is something that is disheartening to graduating students eager to apply what they've discovered to make the world better. This happens in many domains, not just in education.
With lack of time for implementation and resistance to change pushing back on the force of evolution, many emergent theorists believe that emergence only occurs in response to an uncontrollable, large disruptive event. And it certainly seems that way. We often do not take the steps to change unless disaster strikes…because then we are forced out of comfort and into action. And we certainly see the support for this in systems at large. Many must completely crash before reform is attempted. The same is true for changes within the individual.
Society in general pushes against change as we see praise for long-suffering and resilience while changing your mind or the path of a nomad is commonly discouraged. People would prefer you give up your loyalty to your well-being and self-development in exchange for loyalty to the system (family, company, and beyond). Even when the system fails you on a personal level, walking away towards something better is often seen as betrayal. Given this general approach, it is no wonder that many claim it would take a massive event of disruption to make anyone do the work necessary to create a better life.
While it is true that a large disruption can certainly result in emergence, I do not believe it has to be instigated by something disastrous nor do I think that it must be something that remains out of our control. Indeed, the presence of dissonance leads to the pondering of something better, which developmental psychologist, James Marcia, identified as a crisis in his Identity Status Theory. The degree of dissonance that occurs to get one to move beyond where they stand in a domain depends on the individual and the perceived importance of the matter in question. Catching cognitive discomfort in its early stages and utilizing it to create the desired change allows you to take control of your own evolution. With change on a large scale being as slow as a snail, there is only one solution for emerging into something better and that is to take the reins in your own hands and do it yourself instead of waiting for the system to tell you how to be. Yes, it is a little more work on the individual level when we become an active participant in self-evolution, but there is more satisfaction in dictating your personal development than there is when you wait for others to tell you who you should be.
So, how do you do it? Research for yourself. Study for yourself. Take what is known in multiple domains and merge then internalize what is relatable to you so that your system strengthens. What are philosophers saying? Medical and holistic experts? Psychologists and anthropologists? Fitness professionals? Explore every field that has any impact on your life, even if it is a little at a time. Then apply the new that works for you and adapt or alter understanding as you progress in knowledge. Eventually, you will likely see a pattern of how one field can connect and coherently work with another and how this knowledge is beneficial in your personal development. If something doesn't work for you, leave it for someone else, because how knowledge is interpreted and applied is supposed to vary. The expression of integration is meant to be unique and balanced for it is only then that it contributes to the strength of an emerging system. When you choose yourself and deliberately take charge of unifying and surfacing the authenticity of the self, the entire system is capable of emerging into something beyond its current position more quickly than it would be otherwise.
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