The Masculine Urge for The ‘Next Level’, and the Shadow of Pride…
We were sitting around with some friends last night, drinking some Sunday evening Tea… Non-caffeinated nettle-chai tea.
It was an absolutely awesome time… And I love that I am at a point in my life where this is my definition of “awesome”.
There was the perfect combination of laughter, silly-dry jokes and deep conversations. Balancing the serious with the light-hearted is an art, not everyone is capable of…
When I find people who can balance both, I always hold a special place in my heart for them.
At one point, after an especially delicious sip of nettle-chai tea, we discussed reaching new levels of energy & understanding upon the path…
And how this is such a beautiful moment of awakening and discovery. Yet at the same time, it can hold a shadow of the “high horse”…
Thinking that we are better or “higher” than others, just because we have achieved certain knowledge, understanding or peak experience.
As the discussion went on, I had an image of a rocky plateau… This represents the “plateau” of a new level of understanding.
Below, is the path you just traversed. There are all sorts of people down below, preparing for their ascent. Others are making their way up…
Turning around and looking up, you will see the next mountain peak & plateau that awaits.
You have a choice… With pride and arrogance, you can look down upon those still climbing… Placing yourself “above” them.
Or with humility and bravery, you can look up at the peaks awaiting you… Seeing how much more of the mountain there is to explore.
I expressed this image, and a woman sitting with us said, “what about closing your eyes, and enjoying the present moment of the plateau…?”
Deep Truth! And it helped me see a contrast between masculine and feminine.
There is a masculine urge to set goals, and achieve higher levels… This urge has created amazing inventions, opportunities and discoveries…
Yet there is also the shadow of pride and arrogance… This is a giant trap upon the path…
When we achieve a higher level, we are meant to look upwards with bravery… And to look down with humility to those still struggling, and offer a helping hand.
As men, cultivating love & presence is crucial or our accomplishments in life hold little value.
