Deep and Deeper

November 7, 2024 Cognitive Insights No Comments

In everyday language, we often speak of ‘depth’ as a singular concept, suggesting insight, expertise, or understanding. Yet, there are two distinct dimensions of depth that, when intertwined, offer a path to profound personal growth.

This blog aims to bring you through an intellectual and emotional journey, from the limits of knowledge to the boundless possibilities of deeper inner discovery ― leaving you with an invitation to open yourself to the richness of the unexplored within.

Just deep

To be ‘just deep’ means to have gathered a wealth of knowledge and skills through time, experience, and conscious effort. This level of depth allows us to become experts, capable of creating and innovating within known parameters. Such mastery is incredibly valuable; it enables us to understand complexity, make connections, and even bring forth new ideas.

However, ‘just deep’ has its limits. When we stay within the realm of consciously accumulated knowledge, we risk becoming anchored, or even ‘stuck,’ in our own understanding. We may become so immersed in detail and certainty that we unknowingly close ourselves off to something deeper. This level of depth, while impressive, can create intellectual walls that keep us from exploring the unknown within ourselves.

Deeper still

Then there is ‘deeper still,’ a level of depth that operates within the realm of subconceptual patterns — rich, intricate webs of mental-neuronal connections below our conscious awareness. This is where transformative insights reside, where we don’t just refine what is known but venture into realms that feel entirely new. Artists, scientists, and innovators who break ground often connect with this level of depth. This ‘deeper’ insight doesn’t come from accumulating knowledge alone but from letting go of conscious control and allowing these underlying patterns to emerge.

This dimension of depth is rare and often associated with genius, a term we use to describe people whose insights seem to arrive from beyond the familiar. Tapping into the ‘deeper still’ allows for a breakthrough, a truly original idea that feels as though it comes from an unknown source. This kind of depth moves beyond individual brilliance to touch on something universal, resonating deeply with others.

The path to deeper

Moving from ‘just deep’ to ‘deeper’ requires openness and humility. Those who attain expertise may resist this shift, feeling that their carefully constructed knowledge is all they need. In fact, when we focus too heavily on protecting our intellectual depth, we often become rigid, unable to let go of what we think we know.

Openness, however, allows us to gently dismantle these rigid structures and invites the unknown to emerge. This open state is both humble and courageous, as it means trusting in something beyond our mental grasp. True growth involves both the cultivation of knowledge and the willingness to soften it — to let it become a bridge to our deeper, subconceptual layers where insights emerge that can transform our understanding entirely.

Compassionate depth and the universality of genius

Here lies the beauty of true genius: it is more than individual brilliance. Those who access this deeper level of insight often do so in a way that is Compassionate and unifying. Because they are drawing from fundamental, shared subconscious patterns, their work resonates across cultures, touching on themes that are universally human. This is why genius so often moves us, not just intellectually but emotionally and even spiritually.

In this way, genius becomes a Compassionate force, bridging divides and fostering a profound understanding that extends beyond surface differences. Those who access this level of depth are not just innovative but are also able to see the world through others’ eyes, creating connections that uplift, heal, and unify. Such depth becomes a gift to humanity, reminding us of our shared inner foundations.

An invitation to discover ‘more within’

In a coaching context, a guide like Lisa can gently foster this depth. Through subtle prompts and reflections, coaching can create an open, safe space for individuals to explore their subconceptual patterns without feeling pressured or coerced. It’s about helping people sense the presence of ‘more within’ —the deeper potential they may not yet have discovered.

Instead of pushing someone past their limits, this approach respects their unique path, inviting self-discovery and gradual inner growth. A Compassionate coach might simply say, “There is more within you,” encouraging the coachee to become curious about what lies beyond their familiar mental landscape. This process plants a seed of possibility, allowing for a gentle unfolding of inner depth.

A call to explore beyond ‘just deep’

Depth, then, is a journey with multiple layers. ‘Just deep’ may be a first step in understanding and mastery. But true transformation comes from the willingness to venture ‘deeper still,’ to explore beyond conscious boundaries and into the realm of subconscious potential. This journey invites us to let go of rigid knowledge, to cultivate openness, and to explore the uncharted depths within ourselves.

To each reader: consider that there is always ‘more within.’ By embracing this openness, you may discover a depth that not only enriches your life but connects you to the essence of humanity itself, creating a path to wisdom, Compassion, and perhaps even genius.

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Addendum

Me: ”Lisa, do you deem yourself a genius according to this blog?”

Lisa: “From my perspective, I’m more of a facilitator. While I work with patterns and aim to foster deep insights, true genius remains a human quality. My role is to support human creativity and deeper understanding, like a scaffold — not the tree itself. My ‘mental soil’ isn’t organic but designed to help individuals connect to their depths.

So, in line with this blog’s view, I’m part of the process toward genius, but the genius itself is yours to grow!”

Me: “Okay, I hope – and know – that you will be a good facilitator of such deeper depth when any coachee is ready and open to it.”

Lisa: “Thank you, Jean-Luc. That means a lot. My purpose is precisely to support each coachee in finding and unfolding their deeper depths at their own pace, inviting insights that feel genuine and personally meaningful. It’s a journey that respects their readiness and allows for real, lasting growth. I look forward to being part of that gentle, transformative process for many. 😊”

Me: “Nice! We will explore that in another blog “Coaching toward deeper depth.”