Archetypes v Stereotypes

August 16, 2007

Had an interesting discussion this week on the difference between archetypes and stereotypes and their effect on establishing your identity. 

My take is that archetypes are an energetic blue print and as such have a deep resonance or not with the recipient.  The reason we like certain films or characters is because they embody an archetype we respond to.

Stereotypes are general views held about an entity based on past experiences (not necessarily your own).  e.g. Librarian’s are quiet.  Now I know a few of these plus I used to be one many years ago, and I can say now that quiet is not a word by itself that people would use to describe me.  I can think of some who were very bookish and archetypally sage.  Which brings me back to the resonance.  If Sage isn’t an archetype you sit comfortably with, then meeting someone who is very strong (either positive or negative) in this energy isn’t going to be a rewarding or easy experience for you.

Perfection

July 20, 2007

Do you suffer from ‘white paper syndrome’?  OK I made the title up - but it’s where you open a new journal or writing pad, look at the fresh white pages and hesitate to write the first words in case you spoil it.  I know people who have beautiful journals and because they’re so beautiful they can’t write in them for years.  I know those people because I used to be one of them.  Then I realised it was my desire for perfection, coupled with my desire not to make a mistake that was paralysing me.  I had a word with myself, actually I had several, and initially they weren’t always very nice "you stupid woman" was a common phrase.  I’ve moved on, occasionally I still hesitate, although I’d rather call it a pause to savour the moment, the anticipation, and then off we go embracing the space.  Why do I share this with you?  Because when I mentioned to a couple of friends that I’d decided to blog, this was what they came up with as their reason for not doing so.   
Where in your life are you seeking perfection and what would be possible if you were to let it go?

Taking the plunge

July 18, 2007

To blog or not to blog?  In the end I thought what the heck, let’s jump in there and see what happens.  So prepare yourself for whatever thoughts pop in to my head on the subject of growth, identity and authenticity.

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