“Every transformation demands as its precondition ‘the ending of a world’ — the collapse of an old philosophy of life.” ― Carl Jung, Man and His Symbols
Wow! That was deep. Loved it. Perfect timing as I go into the next phase of my life while leaving my job behind. I started a physical transformation for the last year and I should have done it a long, long time ago. It opens up new opportunities and probably would have prevented a heart attack a couple years ago.
Let me be a lesson to others. Take care of your bodies. What you put into it and how you exercise it. There's really no excuse for not exercising in some way for at least three hours a week. That is three hours out of 168 available to you each week.
I wish you all well on your physical and mental transformations!
thank you and I very much agree. Sorry to hear about your heart attack. We only get one body and the benefits of exercise compound. I used to not work out and that's changed a lot over the past few years. Now I find it invaluable for my wellbeing, my creativity, my sense of peace and happiness.
Loved this imagery “In an old Buddhist story, a young apprentice stands on the bank of a river. As a teacher approaches, the apprentice asks, “Oh wise one, can you tell me how to get to the other side of this river?”
The teacher answers: “You are on the other side.””
I really enjoy coming across these pieces that articulate my experience, and as Steve Jobs would say; you connect the dots backwards and it's that paying attention to your awareness(even without the understanding) that pays off generously.
Once again thank you for your great article. Absolutely illuminating and must be of first hand experience since it’s so frightening similar to what I feel. It reminds of my reflection on Columbus’s first sail towards west. At a point on the sea there’s no wind and sailors threaten to mutiny. Only in hindsight we know Columbus is on the right direction, but he back then sure didn’t know. Similar to real growth, we don’t know if what’s ahead of us, just that we have to go that direction
Beautifully put - the best/worst part of real growth is that you would rarely know it’s taking place, as you said, it’s permeates quietly through the night!
But the eventuality is completely different from the beginning, so many things that we loved/cared in our old world is no longer relevant. This is also the case with evolution but real growth can be said as evolution on steroids, where you detach & grow in ways that only make sense in hindsight!
Each level of growth opens up capabilities for us to see pathways to reinvention. Question is are we brave enough to try? Pure intention and really being still alertly waiting for the right feeling might help. Let the heart decide. ❤️
I think the Buddhist lesson is more subtle. "You're already on the other side" tells us that there is no directionality to growth - it's not up or across - we're already exactly where we need to be, we just need to see it. In some ways growth doesn't make sense - we become aware by letting go of our preconceived notions and seeing the world as it really is. Growth through no growth 😊
Thanks for articulating this. What we used to see as weighty changes. Though the old paradigms we established over the decades don't leave easily. Still requires intentionality to choose the new one. The fight becomes worth it...meaningful.
Wow! That was deep. Loved it. Perfect timing as I go into the next phase of my life while leaving my job behind. I started a physical transformation for the last year and I should have done it a long, long time ago. It opens up new opportunities and probably would have prevented a heart attack a couple years ago.
Let me be a lesson to others. Take care of your bodies. What you put into it and how you exercise it. There's really no excuse for not exercising in some way for at least three hours a week. That is three hours out of 168 available to you each week.
I wish you all well on your physical and mental transformations!
Hi Steve,
thank you and I very much agree. Sorry to hear about your heart attack. We only get one body and the benefits of exercise compound. I used to not work out and that's changed a lot over the past few years. Now I find it invaluable for my wellbeing, my creativity, my sense of peace and happiness.
Loved this imagery “In an old Buddhist story, a young apprentice stands on the bank of a river. As a teacher approaches, the apprentice asks, “Oh wise one, can you tell me how to get to the other side of this river?”
The teacher answers: “You are on the other side.””
Thank you. It immediately stuck with me when I heard it.
I really enjoy coming across these pieces that articulate my experience, and as Steve Jobs would say; you connect the dots backwards and it's that paying attention to your awareness(even without the understanding) that pays off generously.
Thank you for sharing this
Love that quote and thank you!
There are times when pieces like this resonate more than others. This was timely. Thanks for articulating it and putting it in words.
Thank you, happy it resonated.
An awesome essay, thank you for sharing this perspective, thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you, Tyler.
lovely piece Frederik - felt like this one really came from your heart
Thank you!
I needed this. Thank you.
Thank you and glad it resonated.
Once again thank you for your great article. Absolutely illuminating and must be of first hand experience since it’s so frightening similar to what I feel. It reminds of my reflection on Columbus’s first sail towards west. At a point on the sea there’s no wind and sailors threaten to mutiny. Only in hindsight we know Columbus is on the right direction, but he back then sure didn’t know. Similar to real growth, we don’t know if what’s ahead of us, just that we have to go that direction
Exactly :)
Beautifully put - the best/worst part of real growth is that you would rarely know it’s taking place, as you said, it’s permeates quietly through the night!
But the eventuality is completely different from the beginning, so many things that we loved/cared in our old world is no longer relevant. This is also the case with evolution but real growth can be said as evolution on steroids, where you detach & grow in ways that only make sense in hindsight!
Thanks for this, Frederik 🥰
Thank you, Grace! Yes, it often only becomes apparent in hindsight, when the fog of confusion lifts.
Frederik, Thank you for this perspective on growth. It rings very true. D
Thank you, Dave.
Each level of growth opens up capabilities for us to see pathways to reinvention. Question is are we brave enough to try? Pure intention and really being still alertly waiting for the right feeling might help. Let the heart decide. ❤️
Yes, takes courage and intuition.
I think the Buddhist lesson is more subtle. "You're already on the other side" tells us that there is no directionality to growth - it's not up or across - we're already exactly where we need to be, we just need to see it. In some ways growth doesn't make sense - we become aware by letting go of our preconceived notions and seeing the world as it really is. Growth through no growth 😊
That's a nice way to put it. More transformation than growth. You step across the river and realize you've never left - but you are different now.
This one made us think. Thanks!
Thank you!
Thanks for articulating this. What we used to see as weighty changes. Though the old paradigms we established over the decades don't leave easily. Still requires intentionality to choose the new one. The fight becomes worth it...meaningful.
Love Campbell's work and framework.