If we fail to consider all aspects of the will simultaneously (strong, skilfull, good, transpersonal), we run several possible risks and misunderstandings.

We could, for example, consider the will as a means of prevarication, as a tool to repress or inhibit other aspects of the personality, or to “force” ourselves to reach some goal or other. We might unproductively pitch it against other tendencies and against the power of imagination. Let us remember, therefore, that will is never “fighting against something”, but always “regulation and direction of all other psychological functions towards a deliberately chosen end.”

This is evident if we consider that Assagioli (Interviste 1972-74, 1987) suggests the training of the will after having presented many other techniques for the exploration of the unconscious, after the release and catharsis of psychic energies and the exercise of disidentification-self-identification. He himself considers the way of the will, of discipline and the way of catharsis, of liberation, as complementary. He writes:

“after having freed themselves from defences, complexes, character armours and blockages and having had transpersonal experiences or even the experience of the transpersonal Self, individuals are confronted with concrete problems of how to harmonise their whole existence, their whole being, including the body, with that level. And this explains why those who until recently called for total liberation now realise that this is not enough. These people feel the need to add to the techniques of release and catharsis, active methods to develop as a complete human being.

When I say “complete” I am referring to the central purpose of psychosynthesis: the development of all psychic functions in harmony, within an integrated and fulfilled personality.”

For more:

• Know, Love, Transform yourself (Vol. I)  Psychosynthesis books (pp. 288-289) – Buy now
  
• Know, Love, Transform yourself (Vol. II)– Buy now
• The Way of Psychosynthesis, Synthesis Insights (pp. 263-272) – Buy now