The “I” in Vision
February 19, 2008
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” John A. Shedd (19th century American author and professor)
I often wonder why the future tends to be something so elusive. Mostly, I wonder why many visions for the future are left without a sense of the one it is meant to embody. Dreams often remain as glimpses or vague inklings, but not given enough space to build a life upon. I am profoundly surprised by the lack of integration between who we are and what we hope for in the future. We expend some energy determining a noble trajectory for our journey at sea. Neglected are the intricate contours of our ship, capacity of our sails and wind needed to set (and keep) us on course. And so we can remain limited.
This is not a plug for increased individualism. Living authentically, with a pulse on the reality of who we are and that which we were meant, can actually be an antidote to pure individualism. It requires relating deeply and intentionally to people and situations outside ourselves. In reading David Whyte (present day poet, author and organizational consultant), he suggests the use of one’s work as one of the many avenues to discover the self and how that uniqueness will contribute to the world. He says, “It is essential then to know what is vital and alive in us and shape our lives around this image.” (Heart Aroused: Poetry and Preservation of the Soul in Corporate America. P. 114)
My mentor continually reminds me that the extent to which one has a clear vision (emerging from who “I” truly am) and treats it as fact is the extent to which it will become the lived reality. This process is a lifelong endeavor, but one worthy of embarking. What could be more pressing?
February 19, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Sounds eerily similar to the old addage, “dress and act like where you want to be” regarding career movement upwards. But we can’t forget that often it’s the folks around us, the people we relate with now, and impact now, that help create in us the foundation for who we’re gonna be in the future (i.e. your mentor). Great and deep thoughts Prisca. Keep it up!
February 20, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Jason, I agree that “dress and act where you want to be” is a secondary step. I hope I was offering a challenge to be even more intetional about how we determine where we want to be (a primary, but often simultaneous and evolving process). This sounds like what you are also suggesting by recognizing the relational aspect of developing who we are and our vision. I agree wholeheartedly!
February 20, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Another great reminder that we need to “live authentically” today and get a grasp on who we are to be in this world. Or, who God has meant for us to be in HIS world! Thank you Prisca for putting life into perspective for us. Keep up the great work!
February 20, 2008 at 6:40 pm
In reading what you wrote about the separation between our hopes for the future and who we are at present, I could not help but think about how fear plays a part in this. It could be conscious anxiety around logistics or even deep unconscious processes that paralyze us. The quote that you began with is one of my favorites. It is so true that we often keep our ships in harbor to maintain a degree of (or illusion of) safety. But, this epitomizes a living out of fear and an avoidance of the adventure and risks of more vulnerable relationships to ourselves and others.
Your thoughts are well-crafted and incredibly stimulating…
February 20, 2008 at 7:00 pm
David. very poignant insight surrounding fear… one that we encounter daily, many times without being aware. i do advocate for the vulnerable risk and greater freedom (i believe) that come from deep, authentic relationship with myself and others…
February 22, 2008 at 4:28 am
Hello. It’s fun to read everyone’s thoughts. I like how you evaluate the implementation of vision and links to self-discovery. It makes sense that to sustain a vision through tough times, vision must be grounded in something more solid than just an idea, no matter how brilliant the idea is. Keep publishing…
March 12, 2008 at 10:18 am
In my case, I feel my ship has been out in rough seas for too many years - just constantly going from port to port with goods and being battered all the way. For me, it has recently been time to come in to the harbor for repairs and seek new destinations with specific goals in mind. Keep thinking Prisca… it’s better than the alternative (NOT thinking)!