River – Finding the Flow
‘What made this big fat book especially precious, was how some of it was printed in text, some of it written by hand. The text detailed more formalised history and myth, while the handwriting shared a wild and dazzling array of ideas. I’d got the impression the mind of the writer had two modes: purposeful and definitive – entirely present; alternating to scratchy and lucid – equally as present. Divulging rogue secrets on wielding wisdom.’ – from my book Ace Egos
Passion Is Salvation
Flow . . . flow can propel us, without us having to do too much. Looking or hoping for it however, flow easily slips through the fingers. Its very existence lies in being ungraspable. Fortunately, flow is not always necessary – but drive is. What does it mean to be driven? It is to be unconditionally independent. To be moving forward; with or without support, validation, or even optimism. Drive weathers any storm. Assails any challenge.
While writing my book Ace Egos, drive has sustained me. In the moments when writing flows, and the moments when writing is a slow build. Much like the artists and rock bands I have included throughout the pages of my book, those characters began their mission with raw enthusiasm. Taking on the world. This feeling is electrifying. In committing to weeks, months, or years of work, drive becomes a more intelligent form of this electric energy. It allows for flow. It allows for surges of momentum. For increasing levels of excellence.
There is one indispensable ingredient to fueling drive: passion. We can see this in Metallica’s story, the most successful rock band of this time, possibly ever. They were, and still are, incredibly driven. More important than their work is what holds them together. Their willingness to be a family, to confront themselves, and be uncompromising as a unit.
As individuals, we have our passion, which informs our authenticity. Without it, drive, and even our identity, would cannibalise itself. Passion nourishes our fulfillment. Watering the seeds of who we are, and why we live.
Flowing Like a River
Within my book Ace Egos, is – a book. The main character in Ace Egos, Callum, discovers this book. It is called The Arc of the Ancients. Trying to make sense of this book, Callum interconnects the idea of the work we do in the world, and the work we do within ourselves. One cannot be done well without the other. The Arc of the Ancients is filled with informative worldly facts and stories. And, for anyone who lays a claim to this book, it becomes a fertile ground to plant their own ideas and interpretations. Their imagination.
Our own story – in relation to the world – is like The Arc of the Ancients. We draw from inspiration around us, and then offer inspiration back, absorbing back into the global storehouse. It is a collaboration, a mutual fueling.
This is also, how I am gradually writing my book. I have moments where it flows through me. There are moments of cultivation, bringing fruitful periods later. I do resonate with the advice that to stay committed to moving a project along, and also in improving ourselves, we ‘have to be consistent.’ But I think, even ‘consistency’ has its place. I have maintained drive with everything I have done in my life, by: being spacious, living life, and harnessing momentum and ‘hunkering down.’ Just getting it done. When ‘getting it done’ is what is called for.
The core mythology of Ace Egos is based on the ‘Four Symbols of Nature’ (listed here in order of ascension): Ocean, River, Mountain, Sun. The second of the four symbols is the ‘River.’ At times, it is important to go against the stream. At other times it is important to flow like the river. It matters not so much how you engage with the flow, or the force, but to stay true to you. To stay true to your work.
The Arc of Your Story
How do you see yourself in three years? Ten years? Whatever it is we do today is what sets the future in motion. In a way, we can be our own fortune teller.
Also weaved into the world of Ace Egos is a fortune telling practice. It is based on a deck of cards I have created. The fortune telling is more a way to help someone shape or shift their perspective. It is something that helps guide Callum as he progresses through his journey.
In the Ace Egos Fortune, there is one card that is represented by the ‘River.’ The fortune that is told from the card is:
Victorious grace ~ All-accomplishing ~ Flow like the River.
What might ‘Victorious grace’ mean for you? Or ‘All-accomplishing?’
Every time you sit down to work. Every time you take a break. Whenever you do something fun. Whenever you disconnect. Or, mindfully connect. All of these are moving you toward a direction of ‘accomplishing’ authenticity. Yet, there is never any place we get to where we say ‘Now I am accomplished.’ In this way, we are always accomplished. And this gives us reason to celebrate. The joys and challenges of life. There will be times when we don’t even know who we are. Or why we are alive. An ‘Arc’ is supposed to be that way. It takes you far away from where you are, and returns you to yourself – more true to yourself than you have ever been. It takes practice, but we can be more aware of where we are going, who we are becoming.
There will never be a ‘One day’ when we can sit back and enjoy it. So it needs to be enjoyed today. Embracing life. This is ‘Victorious grace.’ The flow of the river. Riding the wild times, the good times, and to be alive throughout it all. Passionately immersed, you will find continued delight, and become naturally driven. Your work, your worth, your world. Your way.
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Header image: Drawing and design by me.
Music Track 01: Giving up the Ghost – by Amer Iqbal. Click to listen
Music Track 02: Treasure Vase – by Mandala Tone.
Music Track 03: Rock Your City – by BugGiRL. Click to listen
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