Think of yourself as a seed patiently wintering in the earth, waiting to come up a flower. – C.S. Lewis
What does that mean?
This guy was fairly religious, so this might originally have had something to do with this life and the next life. However, I find this saying quite useful in this life. To me, it talks of our vast human potential, waiting to be released. So many of us are capable of so much more than we are currently doing with our lives. This potential is what we have, patiently waiting to bloom.
We often spend too much time in Winter, the season of waiting, when things seem bleak and the thought of blooming seems to hover somewhere between pointless and fatal. However, I believe we can bloom. To me, the trick is moving our minds past the attitude of Winter and move forward into Spring, when your expectations are centered around growth and blooming.
Why is potential important?
We all have an amazing amount of potential. I have yet to run across a person who couldn’t teach me something. It used to amaze me, but now it is part of my expectation. I try to learn something every time I meet a new person. Remembering it, however, is a whole ‘nother issue. 8(
I guess the question “Why is potential important?” is a bit misleading, as I believe we all have so much of it. The trick for many seems to be recognizing their potential, and acting on it. Actually, that’s two tricks, recognizing it, and then actually acting on it. For many people, the latter is far more difficult to do.
Where can I apply this in my life?
At thefreedictionary.com, potential is potential as “Capable of being but not yet in existence.” and “Having possibility, capability, or power.” How much power hides within you? What can you do that you haven’t fully tapped into, developed or otherwise shared with the world (or your little corner of it)?
While I’m probably not good enough to win one of the TV competitions, I’m a fairly good musician on several instruments, and a good singer as well. I probably couldn’t earn a living in music, but I do have a tremendous amount of potential that isn’t presently being used. How about you? What talents do you have and how well are you using them?
In a prior post, I discussed trying to find your potential, so let’s spend a little time discussing how we might express the potential, to act on it and make it real. Let’s start by realizing this post isn’t about being the best ever at something, but being the best person we can be. I know I’m not going to get a record contract at my skill level, but I can still improve myself, to become the best musician I can possibly be.
Most of us have quite a bit of potential. Many of us have to pick and choose between great possibilities. For many of us, there just aren’t enough hours in the day. I have chosen to let many things slip in order to pursue something I am passionate about, being the best father I can be for my kids. Many projects have come to a full stop while I have been pursuing this goal. That’s a price I’m willing to pay.
What have you concentrated on, what part of your potential are you most focused on at the moment? Not that there is anything wrong with your answer, but when was the last time you gave it some conscious thought, and really examined how your focus was benefiting you?
Take some time to think through what your potentials are (what are the reservoirs of untapped or under utilized talent you possess) and if you are focused on the one (or ones) that are most appropriate for you at this time. Once you have decided on which areas of your potential you want to work on, it’s time to focus on blooming.
What is holding you back, why is it hard to move from Winter to Spring? For some, it is a fear of the journey into the unknown. For others, it’s a lack of knowledge on how to progress. Still others may be afraid to take the first step, unsure of where it will take them.
Once you have an idea about what is holding you back, you can start to address the issue. Unfortunately, I can only counsel you to be resolute and consistent in your efforts. Winter must end, and Spring is the season that follows. Living eternally in Winter is unnatural and probably not very healthy.
Declare to yourself that Winter is over, pick your potential and move to Spring! It’s time to bloom, it’s time to grow! Find your place in the bright Spring sunlight and start to reach your full potential. You owe it to yourself to enjoy your potential, and the rest of the world might get something out of it as well!
From: Twitter, @CSLewisDaily
confirmed at : http://www.christianoey.com/2011/01/17/you-are-a-seed/
Photo by andrew_j_w
