What am I bringing back from the Underworld?
Well, I learned a lot about communication in my Underworld experience. I don't have all of it figured out yet (life long learning stuff, I think), but here's what I'm getting so far:
First, I learned that threatening promising to talk about what I learned in the Underworld is a sure-fire way to keep myself from accessing what I learned in the Underworld.
I'm not sure if this is part of my Square-Peg rebellious nature, or whether it's just part of human nature -- that when I/we say "I'll tell you more later" - all of a sudden the doors to understanding are locked and the key is g o n e. But I "get" it - I think I'll try to stop saying: "I'll tell you more about this later" - and wait until I've processed things to mention them - or not.
Second, I learned how important it is to talk about where we're at. There is a universality in the Underworld experience - especially this time (a universality and an intensity, who knows why) - that it was important (for me, anyway) to know about. It was quite affirming to hear that others were having the same experience. The "it's not just me" thing is vital.
Third, I learned that it's important for me to keep some of my process under my hat (figuratively speaking, because I don't often - or ever, really - wear hats).
It might seem like I'm just repeating what I said about the First thing I learned - and sort of contradicting what I said in the Second thing I learned - but not really.
My Third thing involves what I learned about communicating with friends. So often lately I've flung train loads of brain dust toward my friends. Some of that is just fine - not every discussion is going to be heavy-duty.
But, I noticed that I was doing almost all my processing outwardly - in talking to or e-mailing friends - and that is not good. Reflection is - at least first (if not mostly) internal.
And yet - it's wildly important to share (Second thing I learned) about where you're at. A contradiction - a paradox even. But truth nevertheless.
I wonder what your thoughts are on this process sharing/process holding thing?? Would love to know!
If you're still in the Underground you will probably be both delighted and helped by the wonderful Creative Life Coach, Jude Spack's, article on Mud Season (Mud Season sounds to me like The Underworld).
There's a section in Jude's post called "Why Not Wallow?" and another called "Don't Control, Relate Instead" -- and the whole article is gorgeous -- a beautiful blend of encouragement and wisdom (like Jude herself!). Even in you're not currently in the Underworld you might want to bookmark this beauty!!
I'm going to share more of my thoughts about the Underworld tomorrow (ah, just wanted to contradict myself here -- directly in opposition to the First thing because hey, "I am large, I contain multitudes" (thank you, Mr. Whitman).
