Rise Above: How Archetypes Empower You to Conquer Obstacles

Have you ever found yourself trapped in the heart of a difficult workplace situation, drowning in frustration, uncertainty, or self-doubt? The weight of such moments can leave you yearning for a lifeline.

In one of those moments of struggle, a question emerged inside of me. At first glance, this question may appear deceptively simple. But when you look closer, you’ll see that this is no ordinary question. It’s the torch that illuminates the path to an enchanting world of archetypes within us:

What qualities must I summon within me to be of service in this situation? 

Nayla Mitha

This simple yet powerful question has allowed me to find my path forward during dark times. 

The journey into the realm of archetypes has been transformative, and one of my passions is to help others uncover their power within themselves. When faced with obstacles at work, we can learn to embrace and channel archetypes that unlock our hidden potential. 

Embracing the Archetypes Within

Archetypes are the living templates for our emotions and actions, symbolizing a vast spectrum of human qualities. They serve as guiding patterns for human behaviours, often recognized and celebrated across cultures. 

For instance, the hero’s journey reflects the universal quest for self-discovery and triumph over obstacles. The wise mentor represents the source of guidance and wisdom, offering insights and support in times of need. The trickster showcases the playfulness and cleverness within us, and the eternal child embodies the essence of youthful innocence and boundless imagination.

The fascinating thing about archetypes is that we all can invoke them within ourselves. My journey has led me to connect with archetypes such as the strategic one, the sensitive one, the patient one, the bold one, and the intuitive one. Yet, it’s important to note that these archetypes are merely the tip of the iceberg. The possibilities are truly infinite.

Unleashing Archetypal Strengths

One of the jobs I held early on in my career required me to do a significant amount of facilitation. The challenge with this was that I was terrified of public speaking. Getting over this fear was an uphill battle, but I was determined to succeed, and I knew I had to invoke certain qualities (or archetypes) within me to do this.

The “bold one” became my ally in summoning the courage to get up there and “just do it,” despite the anxiety that gnawed at me. As an introverted HSP (highly sensitive person), I wasn’t used to tapping into this “bold” side of me. Still, I saw this challenge as an opportunity to explore the bold qualities I knew resided somewhere within me. It was an uphill battle, a journey of self-discovery. 

To succeed, I had to look beyond being merely “bold.” The “patient one” was equally crucial. It allowed me to be terrible at leading those workshops at the beginning, while I was learning. I had to accept that stumbling, making mistakes, and learning was okay. 

Over time, these two archetypes transformed my public speaking anxiety into a skill. This experience highlighted the transformative power of archetypes for me and helped me learn about their profound impact on our personal and professional growth.

Expanding the Exploration of Archetypes

As I continued my career journey, I encountered various situations that demanded the invocation of different archetypes within me. For instance, when faced with complex projects requiring strategic thinking, I had to tap into the “strategic one.” This archetype empowered me to approach challenges with a well-thought-out plan, considering every angle to achieve success.

In nurturing relationships with colleagues, the “sensitive one” became invaluable. As an HSP, I found that tapping into the “sensitive one” archetype came naturally to me. It allowed me to listen empathetically and understand the unique needs of each individual, strengthening collaboration and unity within the team I worked with. 

My heightened sensitivity, often seen as a challenge, became a unique strength in the workplace. It allowed me to create connections, resolve conflicts, and build bridges, fostering trust and mutual support. It’s a testament to the power of archetypes, enabling us to leverage our unique qualities to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.

Another challenge I faced was navigating through adversity; here, I had to call upon the “intuitive one.” This archetype allowed me to make insightful decisions, recognizing that growth often emerges from making intuitive choices during the most challenging times.

Maximizing the Potential of Archetypes

The power of embracing archetypes doesn’t end with overcoming challenges; it extends into our personal and professional development overall. As we give ourselves permission to delve into various archetypes, we expand our understanding of ourselves and those around us. The insight that arises from this exploration fosters richer relationships with both ourselves and others.

What’s more, this journey is a reminder that we all possess the potential for growth, not only in our careers but also in our personal lives. The possibilities for archetypal exploration are endless, allowing us to tap into a wide array of characteristics, unleashing our potential in every sphere of life.

Art Journaling Exercise: Embodying the Archetype

1. Choose an Archetype: Begin by selecting one of the archetypes, such as the “bold one” for courage, the “strategic one” for planning, or the “intuitive one” for insightful decision-making, that you wish to embody or explore in this exercise.

2. Visualization through Art: Draw an image or symbol that represents this archetype in your art journal or on a blank sheet of paper. Let your creativity flow, and don’t worry about your artistic skills; it’s about expressing the essence of the archetype.

3. Emotion Expression: After drawing, think about the emotions and qualities associated with your chosen archetype. Write a few words or short phrases that capture these feelings around your artwork. This step allows you to connect emotionally with the archetype.

4. Reflect on Integration: Take a moment to reflect on how you can integrate the qualities of this archetype into your daily life. Write down a few actions or behaviours you can incorporate to embody this archetype fully.

5. Guided Visualization (Alternative): You can do this exercise using your imagination as an alternative to drawing. Find a quiet, comfortable space. Close your eyes and imagine yourself embodying the archetype you’ve chosen. Picture how you would act, feel, and respond in a challenging situation. Feel the archetype’s strengths empowering you.

6. Journal Your Experience: Write down your thoughts and feelings about the exercise. How did it feel to connect with this archetype? Are there specific challenges or situations where you can apply these qualities in your life or work?

7. Repeat and Explore: You can repeat this exercise with different archetypes as you navigate various challenges and aspects of your life. Over time, you’ll discover new facets of yourself and learn to tap into these archetypal strengths.

This exercise is one creative way to explore and embody archetypes, helping you better understand how they can support your personal and professional growth. There are many ways to lean into the archetypes that resonate with you, so feel free to create a process that works best for you!

Embracing Archetypes for Success in the Working World

The workplace often presents unique and demanding challenges, where the ability to invoke and embrace various archetypes can be an invaluable asset. Whether it’s the strategic thinking needed to tackle complex projects, the sensitivity required to foster healthy relationships with colleagues, the patience to endure adversity, the boldness to confront obstacles, or the intuition to make critical decisions, these archetypes serve as our allies in the working world.

By summoning and embracing these archetypal qualities, we transform obstacles into stepping stones and fear into confidence. My journey, marked by the fear of public speaking and the growth it led to, is a testament to the transformative power of archetypes.

As you embark on your professional endeavours, remember to remain open to the archetypes that need to be invoked. Each challenge presents an opportunity for growth, and each archetype offers a unique set of strengths. The key to success lies in recognizing and embracing the qualities that can help you shine in any situation. This journey isn’t just about professional development; it’s about discovering the depth of human experience within ourselves and our colleagues.

Ready to Unlock the Power of Archetypes as a Sensitive Woman?

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