The Warrior archetype is a common thread through the fabric of history regardless of cultural influence, geography, time or spiritual tradition. Sometimes revered and sometimes reviled, the myths, legends and lore of humanity are filled with heroes and villains – all reflections of the traits of the Warrior. The knight in shining armor; the rags to riches success story; the complex villain with a relatable backstory; the ambitious businessperson who hoards wealth; the powerful politician who speaks for the “little guy”- we love to hate them and hate to love them and perhaps it is because we are them. The Warrior lives in each of us.
There is a quote attributed to Winston Churchill that says “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” These wise words encapsulate beautifully the complexity of the Warrior within each of us. At its best, the Warrior emerges with a principled, disciplined and measured approach to conflict, adversity and challenge with an eye toward what serves the greatest good of the individual and the community. Our inner Warrior is a source of determination, will and courage and a well-exercised inner Warrior helps us to direct our power into the world mindfully and from a place of love. Right use of will is the challenge of the Warrior and developing the ability to hold the tension of opposites while seeking guidance from intuition is a source of deep work. We may sometimes find ourselves shying away from our natural Warrior traits but when practiced with equanimity, compassion and love, these traits help us to step out courageously in the direction of our greatest good and our highest potential.
Are you able to embrace your inner Warrior? How does it feel in your body, your mind and your spirit when you say “I am a Warrior”? Does it feel empowering? Stabilizing? Laughable? Frightening? Selfish? Where in your body do these words land? Do they feel like they rattle around in your head? Pierce your heart? Settle into your gut? It may take some practice but you can find balance in the traits of the Warrior and come to see the incredible gifts that your courage, will and determination have to offer. Perhaps it is time to stoke your inner fire and be at peace with the Warrior within.
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