Ouroboros
There is a mystical archetype called the Ouroboros that comforts my soul and calms my mind with its symbolism. I look to it as a representation of how I both hope and strive to live my life. It symbolizes the need to apply a finality to the past and a need to let go, forgive, and continually renew on this journey called life.
Here is a small excerpt from Wikipedia:
The Ouroboros (or Uroborus)[1] is an ancient symbol depicting a serpent or dragon eating its own tail. The name originates from within Greek language; οὐρά (oura) meaning “tail” and βόρος (boros) meaning “eating”, thus “he who eats the tail”.[2]
The Ouroboros represents the perpetual cyclic renewal of life, and infinity, the eternal return, and represents the cycle of life, death and rebirth, leading to immortality, as in the phoenix.
Markings of Wisdom
I would add “forget” to that list of interpretations, however it is not a complete obliteration as the term “forget” would imply. We need to forget the specific event and its details obliterating all the pain and judgement those details may invoke in us while still retaining the wisdom that past experience provides. They make us stronger if we retain the wisdom but can actually weaken and debilitate us if we don’t let go and continually relive the details and negative impacts. The past is past – learn and live! Grow and teach! Let the markings make you a better person not a lessor.
They are markings of wisdom on our soul. Some are beautiful and elaborate artwork tattooed on us for eternity. Others are scars of past trauma’s that have made us who we are. None of them need to be open wounds robbing us of what we can be. Don’t give them your power!
The Four Agreements
Just as the Ouroboros consumes and digests its tail taking on only the nutrients it provides – we too must consume and digest the past only retaining the nutrient wisdom it provides.
One of my favorite and one of the most impactful books in my life is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is a quick read that is so complex in its simplicity that I am confident anyone can find at least a few positive points to take away from it in their pursuit to master the dream of their life. The Four Agreements are simply:
- BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
- DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
- DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
- ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST: Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgement, self-abuse, and regret.
Clean the space for renewal as the Ouroboros does and live the present and future with The Four Agreements in mind, that is my intention, hope, and will. If you would like to pick up a copy of The Four Agreements you can do so by clicking on the image below. (affiliate link, all affiliate revenue will be donated to a worthy charity).
I highly recommend the book to anyone seeking relief from the unproductive drama’s of day to day life. You won’t be disappointed.
Are you allowing your past to be an open wound or scars of wisdom?