When I moved to Minnesota’s big-open-sky country this summer, I knew there would be nowhere to hide. My heart would have to expand to accept greatness in all areas of life. Hardest of all, I’d have to acknowledge this quality in myself.
The arc of accepting the highest within me began when I was eleven years old and my mother took me to her psychiatrist. My parents were getting divorced, and she wanted me evaluated. Dr. Diamond looked ancient to me. He had a round face with a bit of puffiness in the cheeks and belly. But he was kind. He didn’t talk much as he slowly handed me images from a Rorschach test, asking what I saw and taking notes on what I said. I kept apologizing for not seeing more.
After the test, Dr. Diamond consulted with my mother while I sat in the waiting room. When we got home, Mom shared one sentence of his assessment: She has greatness in her.
In that moment, I went still inside. I felt stripped of myself in a way I couldn’t explain. To a child who endured a traumatic early life, this was unexpected. For years after, I clung to the possibility, searching for something inside me beyond the darkness that I tried to hide.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us, Marianne Williamson is quoted as saying. I came to know this as a performing artist, shivering every time I stepped into expanded light. I kept being drawn to the stage, but often felt embarrassed by the outcome.
I’ve met those in the coaching field who claim your must “own” your greatness with a “You got this!” attitude. They pump up the ego with programs designed to step into a material abundance that is “rightfully yours.” Others incite emotions through a promise to impact the planet with your message, as if only this could prove your worth and success.
But there’s a deep humility and responsibility that accompanies the stewardship of greatness within us. Serving the world means surrendering repeatedly to an uncomfortable process of rearranging atoms in order to be strengthened. We are never measured by material wealth or by reaching millions of people. True greatness is quieter, farther reaching, more long lasting, and solitary.
I’ve been led to support those who’ve heard a call to something greater, whether it came through an inner nudge or an outer crisis. Three simple steps—listen, trust, follow— teach us to awaken to the guidance, answers and gifts that are right in front of us. We’re constantly invited us into a bright world of joy and service that only our greatness can answer. Will we accept?
Life’s coaching always matches our individual nature. In my world this week, two barn owls have frequented our backyard, perching atop a tree at night. Their call is a penetrating screech. I know they’ve come to support my transition, teaching me to answer the invitation to greatness.
If you’d like, you can consider this post your own invitation.
Comments:
I’ve read several experiences that people have had, the puppy, the goose, and the mouse. I felt these experiences reach inside me. The words said a lot but I don’t know how to access those feelings in me. I don’t know if you ever had the experience of seeing something that you wanted but the path was overgrown, different paths that went no where and every attempt to get there was a dead end. That’s how I’m feeling.
Thanks so much for sharing your authentic feelings, Ruth. Beautifully written. Yes, I have had the experience of dead ends for sure. I love the way you describe an overgrown path because it's a clear image. When I coach people, I find that they really do know how to get through the overgrowth, how to access the feelings of greatness. They just need to be truly heard. They need the space to share their unique experiences, to rediscover their courage and confidence, and to take steps towards what they'd love to create. If it would help, I'm happy to schedule a consultation with you. It's free. My goal in a consultation is to help the person connect with the support they need, no matter what that might be. You can let me know. Wishing you well in all ways.