Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Gandhi certainly lived what he said. Living according to one’s values and beliefs is more easily said than done, and it takes courage and perseverance and listening to one’s inner voice.
Gandhi’s words remind me of the Jungian concept of individuation, the inner process where a person grows in consciousness and becomes more whole. For each of us to be the change we wish to see in the world, we need to model qualities that we would like to see valued by more people and societies. They include being more accepting of differences, treating others with respect, being generous, and having empathy for people who are suffering. In order for these and other positive qualities to become more a part of who we are, there needs to be change from within. Individuation brings about these changes. The ego by itself cannot make this happen, but the ego can follow the inner direction it senses through intuition, paying attention to dreams and synchronicities, and prayer.