Self Analysis Paper

Carl Rogers, “A therapist’s view of the good life” (from his book, ‘On becoming a person’)

1) An increasing openness to experience (take control of your experience and imagination, don’t let others’ judgments hinder you; use fear not as a wall but as a clue, a stepping stone)

2) An increasingly existential mode of living (not just ‘seize the day,’ but you recognize your mortality; you also recognize the fluidity of the self as a continually unfolding process, shaped and molded by what you do, how you speak, by your interactions with others; enhanced awareness of this process and the ability to live according to one’s own dictates, not what others expect of you)

3) An increasing trust in your organism (trusting your feelings and reacting in accordance with your physical self, without defensive armor)

4) Functioning more fully – become more creative, more engaged in the social side of things or whatever area you want to learn more about, questioning/growing/learning.

What is your view of the good life? Does it include health, friends, job, the wider community? How do you live the life you want to live? Is the life you’re living now the life you want to live? Are you trusting your organism? Are you fully functioning? Can you express yourself? Does any of this matter in terms of what you see as living the good life?

Write a brief, 1-2 page (double-spaced) essay to describe your view of the good life and how you can live the good life.