Who are we? A very interesting
question, and one with many answers. It seems we modeled a lot of people that
were imprinted on us as we grew up. The
biggest influence is usually our parents and siblings, but grandparents, aunts,
uncles, and cousins, as well as those outside the family such as friends and
neighbors, teachers, co-workers, religious figures, and others we spent time
with can have a major impact. Even one chance meeting if felt deeply good or
bad can have a life-long effect. The learned behaviors, conditioned responses,
and patterns develop and become habitual over time.
Any of these roles can be helpful
or problematic as they bring to light where things are working in our lives and
where they aren't. The idea is to identify and work with the roles we play to
make them their most functional and useful. Following through on this we may be
wise to acknowledge the archetypical roles we may incorporate and utilize in
our lives on a regular basis. Some are obvious while others are not, perhaps
buried deep within our psyche, but influencing us in many ways none the less,
so deserving of attention and practice to really benefit ourselves and others.
So what of these personas, these
identities worthy of our consideration and emulation? Some internet sites list
over seventy, but the Jungian archetypes come up first and foremost, are generally
considered the classics, and so are worthy of investigation and illumination. We
will start with the small and meek, the child or innocent.
The child is of course where it
all began for us, and where we were most vulnerable and impressionable. What
was learned here can literally last a lifetime. Yet because our earliest years
were preverbal and intellectually very simple and distant there may be much we
will never fully grasp or understand. The events and exchanges can be clouded
and confused, some just a feeling or image out of focus. Yet these impressions
can still be deep and powerful.
Besides the personas of youth there are also stages of development.
Eric Erikson quantified these as first; basic trust in others and our world vs.
mistrust. Next comes autonomy vs. shame and dependency. This is followed by
initiative vs. guilt, and then proficiency vs. inferiority and defeat. Teens then
struggle finding their identity or suffering from identity confusion or crisis.
This is another story too large to cover here but worth looking into. You may look
to Erickson's Stages of Development under the Power Paths tab here at Cowboy
Dharma for information.
There are many childhood personas
that have been identified, but we will cover a few of the more obvious and
powerful ones here. We may manifest many of these, though one is normally
dominant and some may overlap. The question is which ones do you relate to the
most and how they affect your life. Unfortunately we may not really fit these
roles or become trapped in them so live unhappily or rebel against them. Each
has a shadow side that lurks beneath the surface and may express in many ways
in differing situations and times.
The first and most glorious child archetype is the golden child or hero. This
child can do no wrong and is viewed as the best and brightest even if they
aren't. Often the scholastic or sports star, they are perceived as a genius or
prodigy. Modern examples are Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and child beauty
queens. Some handle this role surprisingly well, but miss out on a normal
childhood so look back sadly later in life. Others accept the role and coast
through life actually having to perform less due to excessive coddling and attention.
Later in life they may have
resentment for simply having to work hard like everyone else. There may be a
lot of pressure in the spotlight, especially if there are high expectations for
performance and improvement a child may not be able to sustain. When
expectations are not met, the disappointment in the child and others can do
serious damage to their self esteem. The fall from grace may also push the child into other roles such
as the scapegoat.
The scapegoat seemingly can do no
right, and is often seen as the reason for bad things that happen, even if the
child actually does very well. Judged never good enough they may become people
pleasers in a hopeless attempt to win praise and admiration. Martyrdom comes at
a high price as they live out their lives for others and hold back resentment
for their abusers. Others give up because they feel "damned if they do and
damned if they don't," so fulfill the role of troublemaker with gusto.
Whichever path they choose, it is a difficult and empty life bound to
dysfunction and problems. This poor child lives in the shadow twenty
four-seven.
The orphan or lost child either
withdraws in self preservation or is abandoned by loved ones. The feeling is of
being ignored, invisible, and unimportant; a nobody. Loneliness and fear also
push this child into the shadows or background, and unable to feel deeply due
to lack of the bonds of intimate connections. As isolators and outsiders lost
kids become lost adults and overlooked for all kinds of opportunities and relationships.
Modern examples are orphans such as Snow White, Cinderella, and Dorothy of the
Wizard of Oz. Like Oliver Twist, we may take up with other orphans and lost
kids to find a sense of family and home. But like Peter Pan we never really
grow up, so miss out on all a full and connected life has to offer.
The child seen as sickly, wounded,
or disadvantaged is at a significant disadvantage as the label may follow them
through life lowering their expectations and those of others around them of
what they can become and achieve. They often have suffered great abuse,
neglect, and trauma early on that stunts their growth in many ways mentally,
physically, and spiritually. Perhaps Tiny Tim of Charles Dickens Scrooge story
is the best example here, doomed unless dark forces are overcome and benevolence
is embraced. These children are known to become champions of the weak and
underprivileged should they overcome their own shadows and reach out to help
others from similar situations.
The nature child is deeply in
touch with life and the forces of nature. These kids often are very bonded with
pets, and perhaps more so than with people. Perhaps it is a learned response,
but they feel most free and happy out in the wild riding, rafting, hiking,
swimming and the like. A nature child may be somewhat more emotional and
sensitive in particular to the suffering of animals and other life forms, but
may also have an independence and resilience other children lack. A park ranger
or environmentalist are modern examples, and an important part of humanity in
this time of great environmental perils.
The clown or entertainer child
makes light of our world and worries. This can be a comic relief in dark times,
but has the shadow of glossing over problems in need of attention and care.
Many believe it takes a wounded child to make a good comedian as suffering is
the flip side of comedy. Yet the tears of a clown seem the saddest of all, and
a smile that is painted on hides a heart in pain, and evermore so when it is a
child. This child eventually realizes trying to make others happy all the time
is exhausting, and authenticity is infinitely more rewarding.
The magical or wonder child often
lives in a fantasy world of imaginary friends and monsters where anything is
possible. Einstein said imagination is more important than knowledge, and the
true sign of intelligence, so perhaps this child is one of the wisest, as life
is in its most essential being wonderful and magical. Even civilization is the
result of imagination as everything we have ever made was once a thought, an
idea, a belief, first imagined, then made manifest. We owe much to the dreamers
and believers. The shadow is to be lost in fantasy to the detriment of self and
others. Healthy living lies somewhere in between.
Researching this writing we came
upon a mothers wish that her child have honesty, contentment, serenity,
curiosity, learning, wonder, imagination, and be cheerful, joyful, outgoing,
happy, sensitive, tolerant, respectful, humble, kind, optimistic, confident,
independent, loving, affectionate, and disciplined. A tall order, and perhaps
rarely fulfilled, but a goal worth striving for.
For the adult roles clarity can
be found by thinking of the middle ages, and it's personas. These were the
times of chivalry and virtue, and many of the personas are well known today. Writers found it easy
to romanticize this age with the likes of King Arthur, Sir Lancelot and his
knights of the round table, the wizard Merlin, and Lady Guinevere. Harry Potter
plays on these themes, and Game of Thrones and many other shows and movies
illustrate that this era is still very alive in our hearts and minds.
The hero is admired for courage
and bravery in the face of great adversity, and other noble qualities. Superheroes
(and villains) have become hugely popular these days as we look for inspiration
and empowerment, even if reserved for fantasy. Sports, music, entertainment,
and other "stars" are also glorified by the media as worthy of
attention and praise. Unfortunately the media and others are all too willing to
try and tear them down as well.
What we are looking for are role
models that have withstood the test of time. Many literary heroes come to mind
such as Superman, Wonder Woman, and Zorro that focused on serving others and
justice in general. Real life heroes such as Mother Teresa, Mahatma Ghandi,
Nelson Mandela, and Joan of Arc are an inspiration as well. The medieval
equivalent was Robinhood who took from the rich to give to the poor. This icon
was both hero and villain as is often the case. Other clear examples were
knights that upheld a strict code of honor, ethics, and piety to church and
state.
What is it about these
individuals that is deserving of veneration and how can this play out in our ordinary
everyday lives? We can work on our own courage, bravery, and other noble qualities
to stand up and work for truth and justice, protect the weak and innocent, and
become a good role model for family, friends, and others. Heroes also often
have charisma, authenticity, and determination to succeed. They also make great
sacrifices for others, and are focused and compassionate, attributes we are
wise to develop in ourselves.
The dark side is when those in
positions of power and advantage give into selfish desires and become part of
the problem rather than solutions. Temptations and opportunities for wrong
doing can be hard to resist when we are holding all the cards. Super villains
are also popular in modern stories as a convenient foe for superheroes as the Batman
series clearly attests. Yet the real life examples such Mao Tse-Tung, Joseph
Stalin, and Adolph Hitler that were responsible for the deaths of millions of
people show just how dangerous and villainous humans can be.
Perhaps on the other end of the
spectrum from superheroes is the everyman (or woman), the ordinary man, or good
neighbor living out their lives quietly with little or no praise and fanfare. This
may be one of the easiest personas to relate to as most people live ordinary
lives rarely under the spotlight, and if so then briefly such as at weddings,
graduations, or other common social conventions. Yet the lack of attention for the common man and woman may
make it easier for them to quietly work in service towards others and
enlightenment in themselves.
The dark side is the common man
or woman who waste their lives in selfish pursuits, hurting others, or hiding
out from life and really living. This is all too easy as we make choices daily
to connect and engage with others or to avoid and isolate. This is
understandable as many were abused and neglected as children so try to avoid
further pain later in life. The goal here is to take good care of ourselves as
well as others in a healthy balanced manner.
Parents and caregivers are
usually common folk as well, but are in a position of authority, power, and
control over others, so have great
responsibility as they nurture and mold their children and others dependent
upon them. This persona is similar to the leader or ruler as they exert
influence over and direct the lives of others in their care. At its best, this
person creates a safe and inspiring environment within which to grow and
flourish, so children and others may grow and bloom to reach for their full
potential.
The shadow side is parents and
caregivers that are abusive or neglectful. Alcoholics and other addicts are a
particularly bad example as they may be bubbling over with happiness,
affection, and praise one moment, then viciously angry, raging, critical, and
violent the next. This can swing into neglect as they leave dependants alone
for hours or days going on binges or sleeping off their intoxications. This is
perhaps the most damaging of abuses as children and others are at the mercy of
these persons and over time come to believe this is normal and are caught in a
web of co-dependency and dysfunction they may live out the rest of their lives.
This is a huge problem for many
and addressing and healing it the ultimate purpose of our work. The point here
is to recognize when and how these dynamics arise and play out. Service to
others is our greatest opportunity to be helpful or hurtful, so we must draw on
all the forces of good we can to fulfill our duty in the best possible ways.
You may want to look to the twelve step
program Children of Alcoholics and dysfunctional families (ACA) or others if
this resonates for you. We have, and the healing and growth have been amazing
and wonderful.
The creator or artist taps into
the creativity of the inner child as well as the infinite creativity of
universe. History is filled with fine examples such as artists Leonardo de
Vinci, Michelangelo, and Mozart, as well as more modern business architects
such as Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Bill Gates. We honor and respect the creators
because they touch something deep within us yearning to be a part of something
bigger than ourselves, something very useful or beautiful.
This is an area that can be very
satisfying and fulfilling to explore as we find places in our life and world
for the new and different, and the beautiful and inspiring in small and large
ways. Our clothes, homes, foods we eat, workplaces, relationships, and other
areas can all become a canvas on which to paint with the palate of creativity available to us through others, classes, videos,
the internet, and so on.
Perhaps this is an area that is
often neglected as we rarely realize the potential to make so many areas of our
lives useful as well as beautiful. Perhaps it is the stressed and rushed pace
of these times that makes us forget to take time to arrange our environment
with respect and care. Life is so often difficult and ugly that we need
meaningful art, music, and beauty on a regular basis to stay happy and
satisfied. The idea is for each us to make our homes and public places, as well
as our hearts and minds a work of art.
The shadow is using creativity
for selfish or harmful ends such as weapons, pornography, or bullying. Nuclear
weapons are a prime example of how our God given creativity can exceed our best
interests and be reduced to mere cleverness and brutal results. This cleverness
can seem innocent in more minor instances such as pranks, but the results are
still demeaning if cause embarrassment and ill will. The question is, as
always, are our efforts in the service of all concerned, and the higher and greater
good.
The identity of the wizard or
witch stirs up magic and enchantment. This charmer has more than enough wonders
in the natural world to have any need for more. Many of the wonders we see
everyday are actually so incredible they could easily be considered
supernatural. We can flip a switch and have light, heat, cold, or music
instantly. We can ride across town in comfort and ease in cars, fly across the
world in airplanes, and some have even been to the moon and back. We can know
what's going on with people in the far reaches of the world at any time by
watching the news, or pick up our phones to speak with them. The wonders of
literature, movies, music, and other arts is no less breathtaking. Science is
also so amazing it boggles the mind as we replace joints, bones, hearts and
other parts.
For many the best magic is in
common ordinary life. When a seed breaks through the crust of soil it could be
most anything; a palm tree, rose bush, giant sequoia, or simple mushroom. But
when it grows to a big beautiful tree, and then bursts into a full canopy of flowers, and
then they become luscious delicious fruits, it is simply amazing and magical. An
embryo going through the egg, fishlike, reptilian and other stages before
becoming one of many possible animals is no less wondrous. These are basic
goodness in full glory.
The trick is to find the magic in
little things like just one flower, one fruit, or one person, and perhaps
realize they contain all their past and future generations within them now.
Thich Nhat Hanh advises us to look into a simple piece of paper and see the
sunshine, rain, wind, and earth that made it, as well as the logger, and his
family and environment that went into too. The idea is that like gratitude, awe
and amazement at the wonders of life is very uplifting. We all need an inner
magician, ready to conjure up magic at any time to relieve our boredom,
anguish, and woes.
The dark side is the evil wizard,
witch, or warlock who conjures up spells and incantations to control and
terrify others. For us magic is perhaps best seen in our access to technology
and our inventions as mentioned earlier, as we are able to injure or kill
dozens with the pull of a trigger, or thousands at the push of a button. Even
simple words sent out over the internet or social media that are bullying or
hurtful can have devastating effects. These and many others are a dark magic
and evil we must learn to limit and subdue.
Another persona that works
wonders in medieval imagery is the jester, the joker, and in our days the clown
and comedian. The Hopi American Indians have a very fun figure for this
prankster called Kokopelli. This trouble maker is over a thousand years old,
and a deity of fertility, music, dance and mischief that is typically depicted
dancing about playing a flute. One story has Kokopelli walking through the
center of town painted white on one side and black on the other so the
townspeople have a big argument over what color this silly figure really was.
The point of this identity is to
not take ourselves, others, or anything in life too seriously. A light hearted
approach to our all too common fervor
and drama goes a long way towards taking the edge off, and finding a way to
laugh or cry with whatever comes our way. This joyful viewpoint is found in
most, if not all wisdom traditions. The interplay of tragedy and comedy are
also so inextricably linked that denying one denies the other. Many have
recognized that all that is tragedy will one day become comedy. Shows like are
M*A*S*H* living proof.
When it comes to the persona of
the outlaw a useful image is the pirate, as we all have a broad and colorful
idea of this figure in folklore. They are criminals no doubt, but their freedom
and flourish somehow seem to endear them to us. Most anyone who has had
firsthand experience with pirates likely sees them differently, as the cruelty
can be great and horrific. Looking back to the childhood persona it is easy to
see how this identity could develop early on and continue into adulthood. If
our behavior is always being criticized and punishment comes no matter what we
do, it is easy to see why some will take what they want with little regard for
others.
The shadow side is the dominant
one here though some would try to justify their actions as serving justice such
as Robinhood or Zorro would. Reaching justice through non violence
demonstration can be a very long and hard road as Ghandi and Martin Luther King
discovered, yet it is the only way triumph over evils can be afforded without
giving in to the injustices we are trying to overcome. Therefore we are wise to
recognize the attraction of quick and easy rewards if they compromise our
integrity and sense of fairness. Martin Luther King said that "Injustice
anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," and this moral compass is
most true within each mans soul.
The lover is one of the most
virtuous and beneficent of the personas if it is true love from the heart
filled with understanding, compassion, and forgiveness. This aspect informs and
empowers all the other beneficial personas to real caring, kindness, and
connection. What would a parent, ruler, or artist be without the divine
presence of love that seeks to help and heal, and who wouldn't want someone
like this to give us attention, acceptance, affirmation, affection, and
appreciation.
The shadow lover tricks others
into believing they can take want they want selfishly in the name of love, but
this is not true love. Don Juan was of this mind, expecting to be forgiven for
his sins no matter the number or consequence. Yet karma doesn't wait for
judgment day, as time wounds all heels. The temptation is great here, and in
particular for sexual encounters, as the deep physical connection can seem to
fill an empty soul and at least temporarily quell the pain of loneliness, yet
the cost is even more pain and soul loss.
The adventurer and explorer type
is one highly revered by humanity with names such a Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus,
Lewis and Clark bringing images of conquest and discovery. Series like Indiana
Jones, Star Wars, and the Hobbit are
hugely popular for this reason, as there is a deep wish in each of us for
exotic travels and exciting encounters to escape the humdrum existence of
everyday life. How we do this as individuals is also a very individual and
personal affair as only we know how far and in what direction to go beyond our
comfort zone.
The shadow is carefully managed
in the Star Trek series as they make every effort to avoid disrupting
indigenous peoples and cultures on their journeys across the universe. Columbus
is an example of this as well as we Americans celebrate his birthday as an
explorer even though the truth is he was also slave trader and apparently
initiated a long history of genocide. Our own personal adventures also may be
less harmful if we can make them more respectful of nature and others.
Sages are wise, virtuous, or holy
persons that have special insight and understanding, and serve as guides or
helpers to leaders, heroes, and others. Theses "old souls" are widely
trusted and respected and seen as scholarly, engaged with the issues of their
times, as well as compassionate and kind.
The sages of history are well known and celebrated through such persons as
King Solomon, Plato, and Mahatma Ghandi.
They are known for higher
learning, as well as a commitment higher law and greater good, and a persona we
might seek to emulate through-out our lives. A more present day example is Yoda
from Star Wars, but is perhaps easier to find real life examples here as we
think of those often quoted and revered like Albert Einstein, Franklin D.
Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The sage is often very spiritually centered and
grounded.
What is the identity for a
spiritual person? For some the priest, pastor, or other religious figure. Or
perhaps the humble monk in his plain cloth robe lending a helping hand where
needed. The idea here is to take on the persona and incorporate it into your
own personality and character until you can really feel "The peace of God
which passes all understanding" intimately on a daily basis. Lincoln
said; "I have been
driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had
nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient
for that day."
The last of the personas is the
greatest in all in its nobility and royal majesty as the king or queen. Often
this king or queen began as warrior who became a conquering hero before
ascending to the throne. Earths elements are manifested here as a great ruler
would be humble like earth, skillful like water, fierce like fire, and visionary
like sky or air. I always think of the term servant leader when power over
others is concerned, as the best rulers put the needs of the people above their
own desires.
The dress here is a purple cape,
as it is the color of royalty, and with fur trim, a bejeweled golden crown, a
golden scepter in hand, and a sword at the side. We all have a Kingdom or
Queendom we must rule, if only our own little world, and we may choose to rule
with justice and dignity or tyranny. Our subjects may be our family, friends,
coworkers, and others, or our pets, plants, and other possessions.
Our most important subject is
ourselves. How do you treat yourself? Would you choose yourself as a ruler, or
are you too hard on yourself? I will go off subject here for a moment to tell
you that I have found great healing through kind and wise family and friends,
counselors and therapists, and through recovery programs. These are great
places to learn to rule yourself, those around you, and even your possessions
with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
Through-out this journey through
the personas we have tried to elaborate on the opposing negative personalities
for each identity. Any identity can have a dark side, some just seem more
shocking, such as the "bad" teacher, doctor, or policeman. The value
of this image and identity is to recognize that the line between good and bad
is not drawn between us and others, but straight through the soul of every
person, society, organization, or other entity.
To consider ourselves or our fellows above the
possibility of deceit or injustice hinders us greatly, and blinds us to the
wrongs we may consider or enact. Online sights list a dozen American backed
regime change coups since 1949, and many orchestrated by the rich and powerful
to become even more rich and powerful. Things like this can be hard to believe
but true, and a glaring testament to what evils we are capable of as
individuals, communities, and nations.
This realization not only serves
as a reminder to be ever watchful of our own affairs, but also gives us a
measure of compassion for those who have done wrongs small or great. For if
each of us is capable of these self same acts should we have lived as they have,
for if each of us has a dark side buried within, then each of us can have
understanding and forgiveness as well. Condemnation applies to actions, and not
to people. We must work with the good and nurture that if we are ever to make
real and lasting progress towards the right.
There you have it; who we are,
and who we can be, if we are wise enough to acknowledge, explore, and develop
the various aspects of our nature and personality. There are also many other
personae and identities you may wish to explore and enjoy. Perhaps, for you, this
is just a beginning.
Copyrights 11/17