Good morning fellow authors and artists! Last week’s topic was silence – how do we find it so that we can hear our inner voice more clearly? I hope some of you read that and considered it even if you didn’t respond back. My intention with Sunday’s Stillpoint is to offer food for thought; prompts for reflection and response, and when possible, an ongoing dialogue. Soon, I plan to have a link to a Psyche's Journey blog so the conversations can continue there as well. I hope you will write back with your thoughts, questions, and experiences!
Today, I wanted to share with you a question, asked of me on many occasions by a great woman, Jungian Analyst, Marion Woodman. I now ask myself this same question when I am stuck, have no energy, when I am struggling or ambivalent or unhappy. The question is this: if you were to use only two words to describe the two sides of your current condition, the imperative concern of the moment, your current state of being – what would those two words be?
Take some time and let that question sink in – take time, consider where you are right now; in your life, in love, in your work, maybe even a writer’s block. Time time, hold the silence, and isten for your inner response.
Your stillpoint can be found somewhere in between these two points. This is the idea of holding the tension of the opposites, so find your authentic truth. This is the tension that keeps us growing and changing and it is often a finely discerned tightwire act! The point is to listen, and not ignore those tensions within the self.
Today, my two words would be: strength and desire. These two words serve a lot of areas in transition at this moment. I know that if I can hold this tension, these seeming opposites; a third way will come. Most likely the authentic answer will be something I could not have thought possible from either of the two polarities. It requires not taking the easy path of either extreme. It requires holding still, until the third way presents itself. It is often a surprise…
What would your two words be today?
Oh, boy. Am I lost. (Which may be one of my words) I don't see how strength and desire are opposing each other.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm missing the point.
Judi
(first time to your blog, BTW)
Love the writing prompts.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what to say to this one though as I am not sure I have opposite sides. Oh, I'm sure I do but really most of the time I am happy and content and I try to share that with others.
When I am not feeling that way, I do take a moment to try and figure out what is causing me distress and get back to choosing to be happy again!
Hi Judi - Good question! I only thought of what it means to me in a few particular situations - one is my finances. (It did not occur to me that it might not make sense to anyone else!) So, to explain a little: I have a lot of desire to spend money - to be extravagant, to go on vacation, to shop - when what I need to continue to do is be strong and honest with myself about what my priorities need to be right now. Shopping and vacations are not part of the plan! There are other areas where these two could be seen in opposition in my life - wanting to take the easy way out, but needing strength to stand true to my own values. A third way will come through - like a weekend away for now.
ReplyDeleteThe interesting thing about this exercise is - it does not have to make sense to anyone else but you. Does this help? Thanks for your question!