(The “Warrior’s Prayer” photograph is courtesy of Sao Esquillon).
Within each of us–even those who might be described as meek, timid, or shy–there lies a warrior, ready to take arms and defend our boundaries, go out into the world and transmute our ideas into physical form, stand up for what we believe in, fight for justice, and protect what is ours. According to the renown Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, the Warrior is a universal archetype that is a fundamental part of the human psyche. Cultivating the warrior within can help you master the challenges of life and liberate hidden strength and knowing.
The Attributes of the Warrior
The warrior is powerful, focused, disciplined, courageous, determined, and is capable of performing effectively even under difficult circumstances. Warriors have unshakeable resolve and are full of self-confidence and self-trust. The energy of the warrior can be used to achieve individual goals or to champion a cause, help the less fortunate, and better the world for all.
The Warrior Defends Our Boundaries
The warrior defends and protects all of our boundaries, whether it’s our physical boundaries, emotional, mental, financial, and so on. Think of Gandalf standing on the tiny wooden bridge in “The Fellowship of the Ring”, facing the fire demon Balrog and proclaiming with all of his strength: “You shall not pass!” The warrior teaches you how to say no, and let the other person know that you mean it.
The Warrior Gets Things Done
The warrior transforms thoughts into action. Warrior energy is highly focused and can help us get results and achieve our goals. Let the warrior in you take charge of the situation and assert itself to make sure your needs are met. Warriors tackle challenges head-on and are not afraid to take risks to get what they want. In addition, the warrior makes split-second decisions without succumbing to the fear of making a mistake.
The Warrior is Not a Bully
Following Sun Tzu’s teachings in “The Art of War”, the warrior seeks to attain victory without going to battle. The warrior does not take advantage of the weak; the warrior does not pick fights in an attempt to release pent up hostility and aggression; the warrior is not domineering; in addition, the warrior uses fighting—whether physical or verbal–as a last resort.
“One hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the most skillful. Subduing the other’s military without battle is the most skillful.”– The Art of War
The Warrior is Resourceful
The warrior has many more tools and weapons at his disposal than just strength and aggression; he always keeps a vast repertoire of possible action. As is stated in “The Art of War”, the warrior should seek to “take whole”. That is, the warrior’s objective is to conquer the enemy, while leaving as much intact as possible, so that there’s the possibility for rebuilding and creating a lasting peace, instead of leaving behind destruction and sowing the seeds for later battles. Therefore, the warrior seeks to preserve the possibilities, uses skill and cunning to expand the pie, keeps options open, and includes the welfare of the other in his strategy.
The Warrior Assesses Each Situation to Determine the Best Course of Action
The warrior knows herself, studies her enemy, and carefully assesses each individual situation. She lives in the present moment, is attentive to small things, notices subtlety, and appreciates nuances. A warrior knows that each situation is unique and responds accordingly. Sometimes conflict can be resolved by listening to the other’s viewpoint, by having each party identify their interests, and by agreeing on a collaborative plan of action. At other times, tough measures and a strong hand are required. By living in the now, watching, listening, and trusting her instincts, she can respond to each situation appropriately.
How to Awaken the Warrior
Create a regular practice that will keep the warrior alive. This can include martial arts, rock climbing, jogging, hiking, horseback ridding, archery, swimming, and anything else that makes you feel strong and alert. You can also spend time in nature to reconnect with your body and revive your wildness.
Andrei Ridgeway, author of “Psychic Living”, explains that intelligence doesn’t reside in the brain alone; the body knows things. He suggests that to summon the warrior you practice relying on your instincts instead of focusing solely on what your analytical mind tells you, that you close your eyes and practice perceiving your environment through the sensors on your skin, and that you develop your sense of smell. If you strengthen your warrior energy now, it will be there for you when you need it.
“While the others talk, the Warrior trains himself in the use of the sword and keeps his eye on the horizon.” Paulo Coehlo (Warrior of the Light)
Related Posts:
Did you enjoy this article? Subscribe by RSS or e-mail and you’ll always know when I publish something new. If you’d like information on how RSS works, go here. You can also follow me on Twitter.
