Insight, Courage, Endurance.
“Jung observed that the work of being an evolved human being consists of three parts. Psychology can bring us insight, but then, he insisted, come the moral qualities of the individual: courage and endurance. So, having potentially come to consciousness, to have embraced insight as to what a dilemma is really about, one then has to find the courage to live it in the real world, with all its punitive powers, and to do so over time in the face of opposition both external and internal.”
— James Hollis, Living an Examined Life
We’re all on our unique journey, each evolving at our own pace, becoming who we are meant to be. Sometimes, the path is clear, other times it’s foggy. A strong sense of direction can offer focus and purpose, but ultimately the path is uncharted and a little meandering is essential as we find our true path.
A narrow, vertical existence might be the problem. Typical modes of coaching and self help tend towards paths of moving in an ascending path but what we know to truly helpful is that of the descending path. The downward path, or as Robert Bly termed it: katabasis. We expand more so horizontally and downwardly. When we embrace this truth we allow ourselves to explore and gain insights from diverse experiences seeing our own stories as incredibly rich with insights. These insights can lead to dissatisfaction with our current path, sparking the courage to make necessary changes.
“decide how you want to live and then see what you can do to make a living WITHIN that way of life.” - HS Thompson
We must fight for the life we want, not just externally but internally as well. The real challenge is summoning the courage to silence our internal doubts and pursue our dreams relentlessly. Seeing that our desires and the message of our hearts is our roadmap.
Everything in life requires courage and the path to building that courage is one small step at a time: gradually building confidence. We can't expect to leap into our hearts desires without preparation. We need to apprentice, stumble, learn, and grow. Our lives are a continuous work in progress, built layer by layer. This is where endurance comes in. Life is a twisting turning journey, not a sprint. We must find a sustainable pace, balancing hope with perseverance.
Developing ourselves isn't just about lofty goals; it’s about daily, incremental progress. Its about finding our footing and getting our bearings. Practices and engaging in meaningful activities provide the reps necessary to navigate our course. These routines offer stability and perspective, smoothing out life's highs and lows.
the Three Pillars:
Insight, to understand our desires and direction;
Courage, to chase those dreams with unwavering determination;
and Endurance, to keep going, even when it gets tough.
Our daily practices nurture these qualities, fueling our dreams and guiding us forward.
Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your true self. Embrace the journey, trust in your growth, and keep moving forward. The world is waiting for the incredible person you are becoming.