This Saturday is the Equinox, the moment when we experience equal daylight and darkness. In the Northern hemisphere, it is the portal into Spring, the season of initiation, planting, and starting new things.
One of the archetypes of Spring is The Fool.
The Unhealthy Fool
In mainstream culture, “Fool” carries a certain connotation — one that many would call “negative.”
Ironically, what often keeps us from initiating new things, taking a leap, starting a new hobby, or putting ourselves out into the world is that we don’t want to look like a fool or make a fool of ourselves.
Someone who falls for scams is a fool. A person who believes in things that seem unrealistic is foolish.
These descriptions of fool represent the Fool in shadow.
The Fool — in its healthy form — can be our best ally in starting new projects.
The Healthy Fool
The healthy, integrated, Fool is an intrepid explorer: curious, spontaneous, and willing to make mistakes.
Unencumbered by the baggage of the past and unattached to desired outcomes for the future, the Fool embarks on their journey open to receiving all gifts and trusting in their capacity to handle any challenges that may arise along the way.
The Fool isn’t stifled by imposter syndrome, stymied by expectations, or spinning in circles trying to find the “best practices.” They know that learning happens through experience, through trial and error, and through walking their own path, rather than by following someone else’s map.
You Already Are The Fool
We cannot “learn” in a traditional sense how to become an integrated Fool; this isn’t something you can read in a book. Rather, the healthy Fool is an energy that already exists within each of us.
Unfortunately, the cultural conditioning that focuses on expertise, achievement, and a certain model of success can cause us to disconnect from this energy.
Through practice, we can reconnect with the healthy Fool that resides within.
As we enter the seasonal shift this weekend, I invite you to explore your relationship with the Fool.
- What are some times in your past when you connected with your healthy Fool energy to initiate a new project?
- Where do you currently embrace your Fool?
- Where are places where you can you practice connecting with this energy more?
Share your responses in the comments.
If you desire some suggestions for how to connect with your Fool energy, drop a note in the comments below.
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