October 4, 2011
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Facing the dragon
Opponere draconem est prehendere vitam
Alchemy
"To face the dragon is to comprehend life. " Although this statement is usually made in the light of the black phase of alchemy, this statement was for some time a point of contemplation for me. We understand life when we face our challenges. In the face of opposition do we feel the surge of our life force the strongest. When the momentum is going, you just have to concentrate on riding the wave but when you want to create new momentum, it often takes time. The dragon in our day have many faces, and we face the dragon of hurt, sorrow, sickness every day. The dragon often is the force that prevent you from reaching your goals. You work towards something and never seem to achieve that illusive target you have set for yourself. When we struggle against the dragon we have to become stonger, we have to learn the cunning needed to slip past the dragon.
For a long time St George's myth of slaying the dragon has captured my imagination. The dragon is not by default bad, nor always out to destroy us, but the dragon is something we must always be prepared to face. By its nature the dragon is a force outside of our control and often a force that brings disaster. How do we prepare for the fight with the dragon? I suppose everybody has different means of dealing with the dragons in their life's. For me I best face my the dragon when I have acquired habits of discipline. Discipline should be applied to our body, heart and mind. The body is disciplined when we aquire good sleeping patterns, exercise and eat with moderation. The mind is disciplined when we meditate, contemplate and learn. The heart is disciplined when we stop expressing negative emotions.
Bottom line of this type of discipline is that we will never acquire this type of discipline if we have not learned to observe and remember outselves. The observer that is aware of what we think, feel and act...is the source of self discipline. Discipline gives us the flexibility and tenacity to face the dragon. What we acquired through discipline is skills that comes by itself when it is needed without us having to think about it. When I think about it then one of the dragon's in my life is to finish things I have started. I have written a lot about building momentum and intent because I am good with those things. However discipline is that which empower me to complete things for they do not come naturally for me. The energy to have a vision, be creative and passionate is meaningless if it is not supported by the drive to follow through to the end.
Achievement requires completion....and completion often require that we engage the dragon that prevents us from our end goal.
Comments (7)
Very philosophical and very psychological.
A curious difference in our viewpoints. I have always viewed the Dragon as a sort of protector - and measured myself by considering whether or not the dragon's intervention was necessary.
I suppose I consider the Dragon as a part of my nature, not something/someone apart and threatening.The nature of the Dragon is somewhat aggressive.
Spoken like a true Knights Templar on the hunt for his dragon. I rest assured that my brother in the light will find his Holy Grail.
@ClimbUpTreesToLookForFish - Thank you, just some pondering
@tychecat - As usual you are making a splendid contribution to what I have written by providing a new, fresh and complementary perspective. Thank you! Indeed in the context of alchemy the dragon is also the protector of the gateway to new growth. Seeing the dragon's row of protector give added dimension to us facing the dragon.
@The_Eyes_Of_A_Painter - Thank you Brother...yes, I still need to find the grail. Much to learn and acquire during the journey. Glad to have your footsteps to follow.
No comment from me, but I'm digesting all the information I get from your post.
I don't know if I agree with disciplining our hearts, but I am a poet so that puts me in an awkward position to think of such a thing. My output comes from my heart, and if I were to cease listening I would cease to function. I understand your meaning, and I will have to contemplate how such a task would be preformed by myself. Thank you for sharing.
very good post!
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