Issue 2: Harnessing Overexcitability
In the first of a two-issue series, Third Factor explores life with overexcitability (OE) and the positive disintegrations to which it gives rise. The editors kick things off with an summary of the overexcitable experience. Then we interview life coach and experienced meditator Kate Arms for her insights on why meditation is useful for those with OE. If you’re convinced, check out the first installment of our Excitable Reads series, where we review a great guide for novice and experienced meditators alike. Then we conclude our two-part study of the Positive Disintegration of Robert F. Kennedy with a look at how RFK’s embrace of courage propelled him to level IV during his presidential campaign. Need to brush up on what “level IV” refers to? We’ve also got a guide to Dabrowski’s levels and dynamisms!
The Overexcitable Experience A Letter from the Editors for Issues 2 and 3
What does it mean to be “overexcitable?” Where are we most likely to find these people? And why is it an important part of the experience of positive disintegration? Third Factor’s editors offer a basic introduction to Dabrowski’s overexcitabilities.
The Long Journey of the Overexcitable Meditator An Interview with Kate Arms
If you’ve ever said “Oh, I wish I could meditate, but my mind’s just too active,” then this article’s for you. We sat down with Kate Arms, an experienced meditator and life coach, to discuss how meditation can be helpful to those with overexcitability.
The Positive Disintegration of Robert F. Kennedy, Part II: The Courage to Reintegrate
After his brother’s assassination, Robert Kennedy faced a disintegration. Though it was brutal, it was also a positive one, demonstrating the power of overexcitability when fueled by high-level courage. Bobby’s ill-fated campaign ultimately showed glimmers of level V, the highest level of personal development.
Third Factor Reads: The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa
The Mind Illuminated is a great meditation manual that will guide you, step by step, from establishing your practice to achieving tranquility and equanimity. If all you’re looking to do is learn to sustain your focus, it’ll help you with that, too.
An Introduction to Dabrowski’s Levels and Dynamisms
- Issue 2: Harnessing Overexcitability
- Autopsychotherapy
- Dynamisms
- Level I: Primary Integration
- Level II: Unilevel Disintegration
- Level III: Spontaneous Multilevel Disintegration
- Level IV: Organized Multilevel Disintegration
- Level V: Secondary Integration
- Personality Ideal
- Subject-Object in Oneself
- Third Factor (dynamism)
Dabrowski’s hierarchy of levels is one of the most well-known aspects of his theory of positive disintegration. But what’s really going on in those levels? And what are those “dynamism” things, anyway? The editors of Third Factor Magazine explain the basics here.