Overcoming the savior complex is a profound challenge. As we begin to glimpse deeper truths, we recognize how deeply we were once asleep—and we see that same slumber in others. Out of love, we yearn for those we care about to awaken to the truth, and we strive to guide them toward the light. Yet, in our zeal, we often forget to look inward and reflect on why our own awakening took time. Why did we remain asleep for so long? The answer lies in cognitive dissonance, a formidable barrier rooted in our evolution. In humanity’s early days, those who changed their beliefs too quickly were often selected out of the gene pool. Survival favored those with a stable, consistent persona, and we inherited this trait—a hardwired resistance to rapid shifts in perspective.
So, what keeps us asleep? It’s the fear of losing the very things that define us, the structures that allow us to function in a dysfunctional world. This creates a paradox of change: for the world to transform, we must transform ourselves, but not so swiftly that we destabilize our lives or render ourselves unable to contribute meaningfully.
Each person awakens at their own pace, shaped by their unique environment and circumstances. Our role is not to force their awakening but to be a supportive presence in their journey, holding space for them when they seek it. Judging others for their path not only hinders their growth but also holds us back. Judgment is a mechanism to reinforce our own stable persona by distinguishing ourselves from others, measuring our progress against theirs.
Instead, let us choose kindness, strength, and fierce compassion. By embodying these qualities, we create an environment that fosters growth—for others and ourselves.
With love and gratitude to all.
