It is the year of the dragon…a symbol of courage and strength in Chinese mythology. Perhaps there is some universal archetypal energy afoot that can help us all develop more of those qualities in this new year!
Jungian Psychology, Mythology, classic fairy tales and myths from many cultures all suggest that w e are each on a hero/ine’s journey in our lives. These sources all speak of human drama, dilemmas and long journeys in search of truth, €˜treasure’, and freedom. They also speak quite clearly of the challenges along the way. Our lives may seem less adventuresome in contrast with these stories and legends. On closer inspection though, aren’t our lives filled with drama, intense emotion, seemingly impossible tests and spine tingling cliff hangers as we hang out in the €˜not knowing zone’? It does seem that just living life requires enormous courage!
Unusual or astounding situations aside, it seems that life can and often does require a great deal from us. One of the greatest myths about facing our challenges, in my opinion, is that we should have all we need to cope immediately, or that there is something wrong with us if we cannot rise to challenging circumstances with grit and grace NOW! A more accurate and compassionate view is that we have raw potential within and it is life’s difficulties that trigger the development of strength, courage, patience—or any other quality that we may have in short supply!
What images come to mind when you think of courage? Strength? Patience? Other virtues?
Do you find images of real or fictional heroes and heroines tumbling into mind?
If you do, use them to imagine having those same qualities rather than to berate yourself for being lacking.
Can you remember times in your own life when you’ve found an inner strength or drive that perhaps you never knew you had?
Use that memory to start a flow of positive energy and piggy back the new desired quality on it.
Your brain does not know the difference between real and imagined. Envisioning helps to build what you desire
Focusing on the development of positive qualities not only works to benefit mind-body-energetic health, it also combats stress!
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- Fairy Tales as Guides to Self-Undertanding (meggella.com)
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