I was thinking that one of the most courageous-and often difficult-things one can do is admit their imperfections/mistakes/flaws, and that they are not right all the time, especially if this is something they find hard and they might be putting up a facade. I know someone who rarely apologises, and I have never heard her admitting that she was wrong, that she messed up, instead she seems to build an impenetrable wall of 'no, it's not me it's you, YOU'RE wrong, I'm NEVER wrong, YOU need to change' and that comes across as a rigid barrier that hides something. It also reminds me of how courageous it is to remove the mask or other persona you put on for others and show people your true self. There's also vulnerability to take into account, and gentleness, the latter seems important when it comes to courage.
Yes absolutely! This makes me think of the astrological sign of Cancer, symbolised by the crab, with its hard shell that (in human metaphorical terms) acts as a protective/defensive barrier that keeps the tender and vulnerable inner world safe but can also push away connection and the observations of others that can lead to greater self-awareness and growth. Being real and authentic seems to lie at the heart of it all, and that can be hard to do for so many reasons. I think you're so right that gentleness is key, that seems connected to the idea of 'quiet courage' that we talk about towards the end of the episode...a kind of softness that allows us to be accepting of ourselves and others. M xx
Now I'm thinking of chocolate too, like a Smartie or a Ferrero Rocher, under that crunchy shell there's a sweet, melting centre, now's the time to let that sweetness show!
The Guardian archetype sounds like taking that gentleness and using it to soften the facade, and instead of using the hard shell of 'I'm so tough and invulnerable!' as a defensive or even offensive manner, using that shield to protect those who need it most.
Ooh yes, those are great images too! And yes, the Guardian is definitely a helpful archetype for tuning into that sense of compassion and acceptance :)
I was thinking that one of the most courageous-and often difficult-things one can do is admit their imperfections/mistakes/flaws, and that they are not right all the time, especially if this is something they find hard and they might be putting up a facade. I know someone who rarely apologises, and I have never heard her admitting that she was wrong, that she messed up, instead she seems to build an impenetrable wall of 'no, it's not me it's you, YOU'RE wrong, I'm NEVER wrong, YOU need to change' and that comes across as a rigid barrier that hides something. It also reminds me of how courageous it is to remove the mask or other persona you put on for others and show people your true self. There's also vulnerability to take into account, and gentleness, the latter seems important when it comes to courage.
Yes absolutely! This makes me think of the astrological sign of Cancer, symbolised by the crab, with its hard shell that (in human metaphorical terms) acts as a protective/defensive barrier that keeps the tender and vulnerable inner world safe but can also push away connection and the observations of others that can lead to greater self-awareness and growth. Being real and authentic seems to lie at the heart of it all, and that can be hard to do for so many reasons. I think you're so right that gentleness is key, that seems connected to the idea of 'quiet courage' that we talk about towards the end of the episode...a kind of softness that allows us to be accepting of ourselves and others. M xx
Now I'm thinking of chocolate too, like a Smartie or a Ferrero Rocher, under that crunchy shell there's a sweet, melting centre, now's the time to let that sweetness show!
The Guardian archetype sounds like taking that gentleness and using it to soften the facade, and instead of using the hard shell of 'I'm so tough and invulnerable!' as a defensive or even offensive manner, using that shield to protect those who need it most.
Ooh yes, those are great images too! And yes, the Guardian is definitely a helpful archetype for tuning into that sense of compassion and acceptance :)