I’m writing this post incorporating both my biggest personal and professional challenges into one discernible and highly interconnected and nuanced issue. I am what you could call a ‘waterfall’ – that is my mind is high output – I readily espouse my ideas, thoughts and feelings, much like a waterfall allows the water to cascade down over the rocks. However, in reality I much prefer to harness my inner ‘well’ – that is becoming more present, deeper and more insightful. A well is deep and is connected to its source – it is reinforced by strong capable walls. A well provides nourishment, life and comfort to all those who seek from it. Nothing is wasted – it’s not frivolous or flashy. It simply exists as it is. I need to move from being like a waterfall, instead developing my awareness, patience, presence and intentions. I need to trust the process, and keep my ego in check. I don’t need to seek validation or worth from others, hence the option to reign in the parts of me that no longer serve my higher self. The well needs to be filtered, cared for to ensure the waters do not become stagnant – or dry out. The goal is not to purify the waters, hence removing any trace of sadness, loss, fear of pain – but rather filter the waters so that they allow for the full spectrum of nuanced intention and emotion, the joy and light as well as the shadows and areas of unknown. A well preserves energy, allowing for deeper reflection, pause and focus. There is less chaotic energy than the beautiful waterfall. Yes, I know that waterfalls are spectacular – yet if I was dying of thirst, the well is much more likely to quench my thirst. A well is functional, practical, unexpectedly powerful. I need to become the well, its walls, the water, the filtering system, the connection to source and the rope and bucket that enable it to be of value to others. I am the well.
There’s no denying that a waterfall is a stunning natural creation. However, to me it represents my ego, my need to please others and show my value by being hyper productive and responsive to others needs. I’ve come to realise that there is more of a sense of personal agency and purpose in being like a well. It can provide a deeper, more genuine or individual connection with others. Its actions seem more purposeful, more responsive, reflective and intuitive. A well is more private, less under the gaze of others. A well provides refuge, helping to create an oasis amidst some pretty barren times. It would be good if we could all be more like a well. It would be even more amazing of all of us could learn to connect in more purposeful, empathetic and compassionate ways – each of our actions of love and compassion being amplified by one another, effectively helping to build new social synapses and connections. In effect helping to readdress the racial and social tensions that we are all experiencing today.
I know this has been a very esoterical response to the writing prompt – however if ever there was a time to be reflective, it is on New Years Day. I guess there is a reason why the words wellbeing and wellness contain the word well. A well isn’t about stagnancy – it is about stillness and presence – of being in the moment body and mind.
Selectively Juggling 
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