Anne van der Giessen’s Post

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Performance Coach for Executives, Business Owners and Professionals

Are you looking for a pearl of wisdom? You better be willing to dive to the depths. The place beneath the surface is something that is often resisted, unwanted. But just as Alice found in her rabbit hole, and Jonah in the belly of the whale, and even Persephone in the Underworld with Hades; there is richness beneath the surface. “Wisdom can reveal the light hidden in dark times; but it requires that we face the darkness in ourselves... Wisdom involves a necessary descent into the depths of life, for that alone can produce ‘lived knowledge’ and a unified vision.” —Michael Meade, Fate and Destiny I have personally experienced and witnessed in the path that unfolds for each client I have had the honour of walking with, that darkness precedes light. That's just how it works. That doesn't mean we don't find more darkness again, no. Life doesn't work like that. It's a spiral of complex and enriching experiences. Not all of them "good". Life is a process which will be made smoother through the development of one's ability to hold conflicting ideas, and consider that they may both have some truth to offer. So if you must despair, do. And then swim. Do it with an open heart, and allowing for the possibility that somewhere down there, you may find an oyster that bears a gift. And know, it's not a descent you need to make alone. All great hero's have helpers. And the hero archetype lives in all of us. Only once we find him and acknowledge him can we evolve to become the warrior. All great warriors have armies. #MythologyMonday #PersonalDevelopment #Persephone #Underworld #Wisdom

  • Oyster shell with a pearl inside
Anne van der Giessen

Performance Coach for Executives, Business Owners and Professionals

1y

This week in my #WellnessWednesday newsletter I will be sharing some important wisdom that can help you navigate if you're finding yourself a little below the surface. Sign up to make sure you don't miss it at www.annevandergiessen.com/subscribe.

Tim Ward

Senior Technical Leader/Architect

1y

The ability to hold confilicting ideas is so important. And to be able to find some truth in both. This cannot be repeated enough. "Stars cannot shine without darkness"

Thanx for introducing me to Jonah and Persephone ! # whirl

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