Chapter 9 Maslow: Holistic-Dynamic Theory 275Continued Freshness of Appreciation
Maslow (1970) wrote that “self-actualizing people have the wonderful capacity to
appreciate again and again, freshly and naively, the basic goods of life, with awe,
pleasure, wonder, and even ecstasy” (p. 163). They are keenly aware of their good
physical health, friends and loved ones, economic security, and political freedom.
Unlike other people who take their blessings for granted, self-actualizing individu-
als see with a fresh vision such everyday phenomena as flowers, food, and friends.
They have an appreciation of their possessions and do not waste time complaining
about a boring, uninteresting existence. In short, they “retain their constant sense
of good fortune and gratitude for it” (Maslow, 1970, p. 164).
The Peak Experience
As Maslow’s study of self-actualizers continued, he made the unexpected discov-
ery that many of his people had had experiences that were mystical in nature and
that somehow gave them a feeling of transcendence. Originally, he thought that
these so-called peak experiences were far more common among self-actualizers
than among non-self-actualizers. Later, however, Maslow (1971) stated that “most
people, or almost all people, have peak experiences, or ecstasies” (p. 175).
Not all peak experiences are of equal intensity; some are only mildly sensed,
others moderately felt, and some are quite intensely experienced. In their mild
form, these peak experiences probably occur in everyone, although they are seldom
noticed. For example, long-distance runners often report a sort of transcendence,
a loss of self, or a feeling of being separated from their body. Sometimes, during
periods of intense pleasure or satisfaction, people will experience mystical or peak
experiences. Viewing a sunset or some other grandeur of nature may precipitate a
Peak experiences can be transcendent and life-altering. © Getty Images