We are kicking off 2022 thinking about the theme of "strength". In particular with relation to creativity, sensitivity, and gentleness - words not associated with traditional notions of 'strength'.

I love thinking about the subversive strength of sensitivity. We can find great joy from noticing, feeling, and experiencing the world at a deep sensory level. And this is a great strength when it comes to nurturing creativity, compassion, and connection around our lives.

But you don't need me to tell you how uncomfortable and difficult this can also be at times. It might not feel like we have much strength on the backdrop of a harsh and hostile world.

Strength isn't always the obvious course of action. It is essentially the capacity of something to endure without disintegrating. To maintain its character in the presence of stresses, strains, and tensions. This doesn't necessarily mean always forcefully resisting or fighting things.

Bowing and Flexing
Last year we thought about the image of the 'bow' and how a tree flexes in respect to the force of wind. Not to submit or cede power it, but to absorb the impact, and strengthen itself against it.

People often talk about "holding their ground", "not giving an inch", and "standing firm" as forms of power. But in many circumstances these can actually lead to fragility and weakness.

What if real empowerment came from nurturing more space to choose our response and use the appropriate tools in any given situation?

In this episode of the podcast I share the recent conversation I had with Kendra Patterson. We introduce some of the ideas we will be exploring around Strength this month in The Haven.

I hope it helps remind you that sensitivity, gentleness, play, creativity, vulnerability, collaboration etc, can be huge sources of strength in our world. And that the episode gives you some ideas for how you can fuel your gentle burning core with more of who you are deep down as you step foot into 2022.
In The Episode Kendra and I Chat About:

Why true strength is underpinned by vulnerability
The characteristics of integrity, and how strength emerges from things (and people) working together not against one another
The dangers of falling for the belief that we need to thicken our skin in order to succeed
How isolation, separation, and disintegration from unprocessed thoughts/feelings like envy and resentment can leave us weak and dis-empowered (plus ideas for countering this)
And more...

Over to You
What does 'strength' mean to you? I'd love to hear your response. Please leave your response in the comments below, or get in touch via email/social media
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Related Links

Get the Extended Play Private Podcast: https://patreon.com/andymort
Listen to my music: https://music.andymort.com/
Learn More About The Haven: https://the-haven.co