The Alchemy of Awareness
Meaning Individuals at level 3 find meaning in relationships and in forming bonds with others. Situations and actions that enhance the formation and strengthening of relationships and group membership are meaningful. Situations that are perceived to have the potential to threaten relationships also are laden with meaning. Morality For an individual at level 3 equality based on comparison with others is an overriding concern. The clarion cry of individuals at this level is, “Itʼs not fair!” when what they may really mean is that its not equal or the same. Relevant situational variations may be ignored in favor of focusing on what individuals believe should be the same. Success Success at level 3 awareness is measured in terms of acceptance and popularity. Problems The drive to belong has several possible problem areas. If people at this level cannot find satisfying membership in mainstream groupings they may be drawn to groups with questionable social values such as gangs and cults. Also, in their need to form strong bonds with others groups of individuals at this level of awareness may attempt to make their groups exclusive by imposing rigid membership restrictions. They may even institute demeaning membership or hazing rituals. Excessive people pleasing may lead individuals into dangerous or overly dependent relationships. Pathological rivalries may form between groups. On a global scale level 3 awareness can manifest itself in conflicts that are waged over conflicting nationalist or ideological interests. Level 3 In The World The research shows that level 3 awareness is the level where a large proportion of the population of the world resides. When we look at the world for evidence of this we find it everywhere. Level 3 Awareness In Pop Culture The communicative power of modern technology has a strong appeal to the level 3 drive to connect. Devices like computers, mp3 players, game consoles, and cell phones are ubiquitous in todayʼs world and have been wholeheartedly embraced by the young people who make up a large portion of the worldʼs population of level 3 individuals. The recent explosive growth of the internet and the formation of social networks is an indication of a widespread presence of level 3 imperatives in our world. Social networks allow people to connect in ways previously not 45