Yesterday, a friend of mine was frustrated and disgusted. It was the fifth theft he'd seen in his jewellery store. He knew it was one of his employees, but which one? He'd spoken to the whole team about it and everyone was feigning ignorance or blaming customers, cleaning staff or outside parties. He doubted his goodness and felt it was being abused. Gradually, he came to believe that people are inherently bad. This insecurity led him into the survival space.
Definition of Survival Space
The survival space is a state of mind and a set of behaviours that are activated when we feel threatened or in danger, whether physically, emotionally or psychologically. This state is characterised by a series of beliefs and instinctive reactions designed to ensure our protection and immediate survival.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SURVIVAL SPACE
Fear-based reactions
Decisions and actions are primarily motivated by the fear of losing something, be it safety, resources, or status.
Scarcity mentality
The belief that there is not enough to go around, leading to increased competition and a struggle for limited resources.
Defensive behaviours
Tendency to protect oneself, avoid risks and resist change. Individuals may withdraw into themselves and adopt a suspicious attitude towards others.
Control & Rigidity
Need to control situations and people to avoid the unexpected and potential threats. There is little flexibility in thought and action.
High stress
Operating under constant pressure and high stress, which can lead to physical and mental exhaustion.
Intense emotional reactions
Negative emotions such as anger, anxiety and frustration dominate and influence behaviour and decisions.
Survival Space Impacts:
Limiting creativity and innovation: Fear and the need for control inhibit creative thinking and the ability to innovate.
Strained relationships: Distrust and competition can damage personal and professional relationships.
Short-term decisions: Actions are often taken for immediate gains rather than long-term benefits.
Exhaustion and burn-out: Constant stress and defensive behaviour can lead to exhaustion and burn-out.
Practical example:
Imagine a business leader operating in a survival environment. He could :
- Micromanage his employees to ensure that nothing is left to chance.
- Avoid innovations or risks that could jeopardise the company's current resources.
- Adopt a competitive mentality, seeing other companies and even your own employees as potential threats.
- Making decisions based on fear of losing market share rather than on a long-term vision of growth and development.
Transition to an Abundant State of Mind
Breaking out of the survival space requires a conscious shift in beliefs and behaviours, adopting an abundance mindset that focuses on collaboration, gratitude, and trust in yourself and others. This involves developing a long-term vision, fostering positive relationships, and cultivating an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish.
State of Mind for Survival
When we are activated by the survival mindset, our beliefs and behaviours are often governed by fear, scarcity and competition. Here are the main beliefs and behaviours associated with this state:
Always doing more
We must constantly be productive and excel, often to the detriment of our personal well-being.
Scarcity and competition
The belief that there is not enough for everyone, which creates a mentality of striving to obtain more than others.
Economic wealth as a sign of progress
Material wealth is seen as the main indicator of success and progress.
Negative human nature
People are seen as inherently evil or selfish.
Personal inadequacy
If we fail, it is because we are not capable or do not deserve success.
The market as a measure of value
The value of things and people is often assessed in monetary and economic terms.
Dependence on technology or an external entity for salvation
The belief that external forces, such as technology or God, are necessary to solve our problems.
These beliefs create a limited vibratory field that attracts experiences and encounters that confirm these limitations, thus reinforcing the cycle of survival.
Is the Human Intrinsically Evil?
My friend's example shows how a series of thefts has influenced his perception of human nature, plunging him into a state of survival where he distrusts his employees and doubts their honesty. This cycle of distrust and fear can reinforce the belief that people are inherently bad.
However, this perception may be a consequence of the survival space, where defensive and distrustful behaviours take over. By moving out of this state into a state of abundance, based on gratitude, openness and interconnectedness, we can see people in a more positive light. Bad or selfish behaviour can often be a reaction to situations of stress or fear, rather than an indication of the fundamental nature of being human.
State of Abundant Mind
In contrast, when we are activated by the abundance mindset, our beliefs and behaviours are based on gratitude, openness and interconnectedness. Here are the beliefs and behaviours associated with this state:
Gratitude for life
Appreciating what life freely offers and being grateful for these benefits.
Abundance for all
The belief that there is more than enough for everyone to live well, and that cooperation and unconditional love are the key.
Openness of heart and education as signs of progress
Progress is measured by our capacity to love and educate, rather than by material gains.
Human interconnectedness
We are all interconnected and everyone does their best. We can grow by appreciating our differences.
Quality of relationships as a measure of happiness
Interpersonal relationships are seen as the true indicator of happiness and satisfaction.
Personal Responsibility
The belief that we are already perfect and that we simply need to connect to our true essence to save ourselves.
These beliefs create a positive vibrational field that attracts experiences and encounters that confirm this abundance, allowing us to break the cycle of survival and live a more fulfilling life.
Conclusion
The question of whether humans are intrinsically bad is a complex one and depends largely on our frame of reference and state of mind. In the survival space, fuelled by fear and mistrust, it is easy to perceive people as bad. However, by adopting a mindset of abundance, we can see the goodness and potential in everyone. Human nature is shaped by beliefs and environments, and by choosing to cultivate gratitude, openness and connection, we can positively influence our perceptions and interactions with others.