Adaptation Part 6
June 4, 2025
Adaptation Part 6
To be granted a Ph.D. degree, the student must complete a dissertation. It was 1977, and I faced that daunting task which included writing a rationale for a research study, conducting the research, writing it all in a book form and presenting the results to a committee of professors in what is called “the defense.” They would grill me with questions about my research, and I would have to defend it.
At the age of 27, my ego, like most egos at that age, was rampant. As an Ego Type Six, it was driven by fear, but I was unconscious of that then. I just thought I was an overly fearful man. As time grew nearer to begin writing my dissertation, my ego sent my fears into high gear. Choosing the topic was pivotal: my self-imposed standard was that the dissertation had to substantively contribute to the body of knowledge. I said to myself, "What if I did not pick the right topic, what if my research was flawed, what if I didn't pass the defense?"
Dr. Thomas Boll, Ph.D., my dissertation chairman at the University of Virginia, said, "Joe, you are ruminating about this. Stop taking the dissertation so seriously. It doesn't need to reveal an earth-shattering truth ... It's just a hurdle. The best thing a dissertation does for us, is to be over with. You have everything you need to do this!"
My ego of fear had perceived the dissertation as an insurmountable obstacle. But thanks to Dr. Boll's words, I awakened from my ego. Fear left me. I didn't know about holy ideas then, but thanks to his wisdom, I saw the world through strength and faith instead of fear.
Spiritual practice: Have you been able to shed wisdom on someone’s dilemma? How were you able to see their obstacles?
Self-inquiry: When did your ego prevent you from adapting to reality?
Dear God,
For all those who have helped to wake up, I give you thanks and praise. Amen
