"Emergence" [Cambridge English Dictionary]: The process of coming into view or becoming exposed after being concealed.
If you hang out with me for very long, you’ll hear me talk about "emergence" in terms of Nature, especially my favorite image of a plant breaking through the concrete with its clear yet inexplicable drive (and qi!) to reach for the sun—no matter the obstacles—to live out its purpose to express itself as a flower.
The idea of the Emergent Self came alive for me in wonderful ways during one of my online story-telling playshops, as I witnessed the stories that "came into view" or were "exposed after being concealed" deep inside our attendees, waiting to be expressed and shared.
I've been thinking about us as "emergent selves," with our own inexplicable drive to live and "birth" our own expression – our passion, purpose and the power of our presence in life. As conscious adults, we work to break through our own version of concrete (backgrounds, circumstances, childhood messaging, traumatic events, etc.) to emerge and blossom into the people we want to be.
When we extend our story out to the universe, not just through our mind, feelings and voice, but also through our bodies, we are maximizing the power and resonance of that message. Telling our stories heals and nourishes us, and in so doing serves our purpose in the world.
The same can be said for everything we do to "emerge"—our work, relationships, creative expressions, contribution to community, thoughts and beliefs.
Who is your Emergent Self?
To me, your Emergent Self is your "power presence." It's the way you present the life energy that supports, inspires, and drives you to live in alignment with who you are. When we are honest with ourselves, and what brings us joy, it motivates us to move forward through obstacles towards whatever it is that brings you meaning and happiness.
If you like the sound of you as an Emergent Self, I invite you to take some time to contemplate what this means to you, and what ways you can apply these ideas to your life right now.
Here are some contemplation prompts to help you get better acquainted with your Emergent Self:
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- Who are you, and who do you want to be?
- Are you honest with the things that bring you happiness, or do you allow others and society to determine what you should enjoy?
- What makes you feel happy? Look at your work, when you're with your family, how you spend your alone time, and how you spend time in community.
As always, I'm here to explore these ideas, and the concrete you might bump up against, with you any time. Schedule a chat with me here.
