Travelling Companions
We become the company we keep.
One of the great lessons of the pandemic for me was the importance of conversations with those who are very different, following their own thread, and unafraid to tell the truth they see. It is the opposite of becoming wilfully blind; it is the art of becoming attentionally aware. It is something we can all do if we take the time to talk, for the sake of it, and explore our surroundings.
I’ve long understood that we all have everything we need but that some parts are more accessible than others. We need the support of teachers, mentors and guides for the parts that aren't.
I have long appreciated the work of Carl Jung and have learned much from those who study his work in depth. I find that there are five broad archetypes I need in my life.
Those whose traits lie in the realm of order - autonomy, self-determination and decision-making- particularly when we’re uncertain.
Those I have come to understand as artisans - the realm of action, getting things done, and making the best of what we have available.
The heretics, mavericks, and those who in the Middle Ages were termed Fools - those at Court who could speak truth to power using metaphor, storytelling, and poetry. The insurgents and disruptors.
The artists. Those whose creativity brings things into being or into focus and changes our perceptions of reality.
Then, those who understand our relationships - with ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Those who dissolve notions of separateness and remind us we are all part of a greater whole that needs us, even when we do not understand, and that we have a responsibility to it.
Some of these will travel with us, some we may meet along the way, and often where we least expect to find them, which means we have to be open to noticing them. Hurrying is one of our biggest adversaries in doing what matters.
Who we travel with determines where we end up.
There will be an free open Zoom call for subscribers at 6:00 pm UK on Wednesday, 6th September
Maximum 18 places.
“Those who dissolve notions of separateness and remind us we are all part of a greater whole that needs us, even when we do not understand, and that we have a responsibility to it.” This is beautiful and landed as true and important and validating. Sometimes I wonder if I am wasting my energy and time mostly tending to relationship and not getting much “done” because of it- but to remember how important it is in the grand scheme of life is a balm. Even when I don’t understand it all. Thanks.
Thanks for being a travelling companion, Richard