A certain young woman doesn't know she dreadfully fears becoming like her mother. She tries to be a very nice and helpful person, but she avoids displaying any sort of anger or aggression at all costs. She is unable to assert herself to get the raise that she needs, she has a crippling eating disorder, and has no ability to advocate for her needs in a struggling marriage. Little does she know that she is compensating for her angry and entitled mother. Little does she know that her aggression is actually constantly aimed at herself. Little does she know that her whole self can be loved and truly seen as good. In Plato's The Apology, Socrates put forth significant wisdom when claiming that, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Knowing oneself (your strengths, weaknesses, instincts, tendencies, desires, etc.) is the foundational step towards meaningful growth. A significant amount of suffering in the world is inflicted blindly through ignorance of our own motivations. Knowing and accepting your whole self allows you to identify how to strengthen, change, and channel all parts of your personality towards greater maturity, and ultimately a better life.
Those who are struggling with their mental health or their relationships feel the duress of being unable to understand their situation and how to move towards a better life. What is at stake for them is peace, hope, and, in some circumstances, safety from self-harm or harm from others.
Addressing this need ultimately increases the freedom of individuals and families within a community to lead lives of heightened fortitude, resilience, and conscious choice. Imagine a husband and a father who understands his the strengths and weaknesses inherent to his personality. His community benefits through his commitment to caring for his family and fulfilling his obligations, and his family benefits from having a father who is present and can be attuned to their needs and desires.
