Don’t you love it when you read a book that stirs your inner self? In Courageous Dreaming, Dr. Alberto Villoldo sets the stage for experiencing life as either a nightmare or an awakening. How do you know if you’re in a nightmare or an “awakening” scenario?
“When we walk in the way of our Spirit, we shift energetic prototypes keeping us spellbound and consigned to well-worn roles we don’t even realize we’re playing. We notice how these roles no longer resonate with our authentic Self.
Throughout human history, a group of energies coalesced out of the ego into three primary roles: Rescuer, Bully and Victim. Until we become aware of these archetypal roles and how they play out in us, we don’t even stop to consider if they are working for us or not. We act them out unconsciously and believe it is normal and rewarding to “perform” or express ourselves based on them. As you read the following descriptions, notice which relationships are rooted in one or more of these “award-winning” roles.
Old Roles
Rescuers judge others as suffering or requiring some type of rescue. Without help, Rescuers assume others are incapable of improving their dire situation. Rescuers desire admiration for their efforts. Their private agenda is to want others to depend on them. Rescuers love being the charging Hero.
Bullies perceive others as unworthy and beneath them. Using pushy take-charge tactics, Bullies charge forward with their agenda. Intimidation is among their favorite tools. Others’ fear of them ignites their energies. Bullies love grabbing full authority and getting their own way.
Victims use others as pawns to get the attention they crave. They whine and cry “poor me” to get noticed. Victims advertise their suffering and pain in loud terms in an appeal to minimize the needs of others. They want everyone else to feel obligated to make things better for them – or at the least to recognize their victim status.
However, when we walk in the way of our Spirit instead of personality, we shift energetic prototypes keeping us spellbound and consigned to well-worn roles we don’t even realize we’re playing. We begin to notice how these roles no longer resonate with our authentic Self. We feel more authentic when we seek to assume more advanced roles. Roles such as Spirit Dreamer, World Changer and Healer lift us closer to our true calling.
New Roles
Spirit Dreamers intend to bring dreams into the landscape of day to day living. They understand there is no difference between night dreaming and day dreaming. Their example helps others to retrieve their own dreams and make them come true. Loving parents take on this role for their children.
World Changers approach global challenges in fresh and meaningful ways. Think of TV anchor Katie Couric. The unfortunate loss of her husband to colon cancer evolved into an international campaign to bring greater awareness to prevention and research into the disease. World Changers transform their private nightmares into inspiring the world.
Healers are awakening to enlighten others. They teach higher truths with simplicity and grace. They offer all Beings a path of discovery to connection, creativity and openness. Mother Theresa was a healer who ministered the teachings of love, compassion and healing by serving the poor and sick.
Where do you find yourself most days, in a nightmare or trying to wake up? It takes courage to wake up. Once we become aware of the practice of awakening, nightmares begin to dissipate. We discover the rewards of quiet contentment in our maturing authentic selves.
Would you like to move past old roles and into new ones that can change your life and the world?