(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)
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{ 14 comments }
Very interesting and insightful post, Mare. By the way, is there something wrong with your RSS feed? I have not been able to get updates while subscribed to it – the most recent article in the list is “75 Skills Every Woman Should Master” – cheers!
Hi Joel, I’m going to spend the weekend figuring out how to get a new format for my blog (as you can see my blog is still in default mode) and putting one of those little RSS buttons on there so I can track what my feed is doing. I’m glad you liked the post!
The most attractive idea to me here is that the warrior is not a bully. Powerful does not equal violent.
Also agree that the best way to awaken the warrior is physical activity.
I liken the Warrior to a Martial Artists. Martial Artists practice martial arts in order to avoid physical confrontation and not seek it. While they are very capable of inflicting violent physical harm, they are at peace within themselves.
@Vered: Yes, the injured warrior is a bully, but the warrior who is whole tries to resolve problems without resorting to violence.
@Chris: Exactly. Many times the fact that you give off an aura of strength is enough to keep any would-be attackers at bay.
Marelisa,
We all have power within us to fight against the monster. We can see evident of that when a mother fights with tiger or some other animal that prey on her child. The warrior within awakens and take control over the situation. It is a gift of the creator as we are just a tiny part of the creator with mighty power.
Shilpan
I’ve stumbled the post.
Hi Shilpan: I agree that the warrior within is a gift of the Creator. Thank you for the stumble.
There is great warrior is inside all of us if we take the time to get to know him or her. That’s why I believe self-contemplation (meditation) is so important. We get to know the real person inside and find the best ways to use their talents.
Hi Karl: A lot of people spend their time looking for solutions in the outside world, when what they really need to do is spend more time looking inside (as you say in your comment, self-contemplation).
A very enjoyable read! Insightful, unique and interesting – and gives me a lot to think about for my own life. Thanks!
Emily: I’m glad you enjoyed the post and found something useful in it.
Dear Marelisa!
It is outstanding. U just touched my inner man, the real warrior. For the first time I understood that I’ve to do a few phisical activities too, to wake up the warrior. Thanks again
Shankar.
Hi Shankar: I’m so glad you liked the post. I jog, and when I’m out running I feel like I could take on the world
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