The myth that vertical growth equals success or
contentment is one conjured by a continuous desire to attain. When we see our
lives, our work, or our passions as things to be accomplished with specific
pentacles and picturesque endings, we miss opportunities along the way to grow
wider and deeper. Depending on how high we climb the latter of success,
our view may become askew with reality. We may find ourselves at the top
of our game, with our dreams in tact and nowhere to go but down, motivated only
by a fear of falling.
As I ponder this idea of achievement, I am
intrigued by the idea that if we reach wide by forming alliances in our quest
for purposeful greatness and deepen our understanding of self in the process we
can achieve a more sustainable version of success. In this version there
is no one to look down upon, only reflections and encouragement on either side.
In this version the roots are longer than the branches and the works we
make visible to the masses are a small part of the abundance that lives beneath
our exterior projection. By extending past our comfort zones and asking
questions that perpetuate our growth rather than validate our knowledge we get
closer to the source our strength. We discover new possibilities in old
patterns, beauty in new beginnings, and expansion in our expression.
My teaching, dance making, and parenting are all
continual reminders that grasping for what is not keeps me doing but digging
deep and embracing what is, keeps me understanding. In all areas of my
life I am reaching wider and deeper.
"What does it mean that success
is as dangerous as failure?
Whether you go up the ladder or down it,
you
position is shaky.
When you stand with your two feet on the ground,
you will
always keep your balance."
Tao Te
Ching, 13
