The Visual8

Where the sky and the sea meet, there is a line.

This demarcation of blues between the cerulean and the aqua is called a horizon.

We chart our course by looking up for the North Star. We look down to manage the wind and the waves.

We stand in between those two worlds to remain functional.

This is a metaphor for how we run our lives.

When we ignore our physical, mental, spiritual, or relationship health, we sink below the horizon. We develop conditions that are easy to ignore or easy to explain away. But only at first.

Those neglected demons then, go into the basement of our soul, and lift weights.

They emerge as illness. Or as depression and anxiety. Or loneliness. Or an aching need for purpose that never gets filled.

The longer we avoid the work, the more severe the condition. Until it reaches a peak that cannot be ignored.

Cancer disrupts. Chronic depression debilitates. Divorce busts down your door. Hopelessness alienates us from the Divine.

The effort below the line is to get healthy. Then stay there.

This is the world of doctors and therapists.

There is another world above the line.

It is the domain of professional athletes setting new records.

It is the feeling of equanimity and grace. It is recognition by others that you are a valued contributor in the community. It is bearing witness to everyday miracles.

This is the domain of coaches and mentors. It is the exploration of reaching your fullest potential.

We all have the opportunity, but few pursue the adventure above the line. Because we are too distracted with issues below the horizon.

Assess which side of the line you spend most of your day.

Is your desire for freedom for autonomy? To do your best work on your own terms? You are below the line.

Or is your desire for freedom for altruism? To leave this world better than when you entered it. You are above the line.

Are you working on your resume? Or are you working on your eulogy?

Are you reacting to unforeseen circumstances? Or are you cultivating opportunities?

Below the line is inwardly focused. Above the line is externally focused.

Living below the line is not a bad thing. It’s just not the only thing.

We face challenges in this three-dimensional world. The flu, the traffic, and the flat tire are real inconveniences.

Our ego leaps into action when we didn’t get what we expected. At work and at home.

This is a natural part of living in the natural world.

The goal is have a solid foundation below the line to reach above the line.

If you don’t take care of business below the line, you will not sustain success above the line.

Below the line is maintenance.  Above the line is the race. You cannot lap the track without air in the tires.

For those who aspire to have all of their time above the line, take heed.

You will be interrupted. You will be weighed down. You will lose the feeling of weightlessness at the top of the trampoline bounce.

The measure of success is not whether you lose altitude.

The measure of success is how quickly you leverage gravity from the decent to bounce back.

And how long you hover above the line. Above just being functional. Of becoming exceptional.

The practice is to notice. Then adjust.

The practice is to cultivate your unique gifts.

This is the story of the hero’s journey.

Forced to leave the comfortable and the familiar, the hero meets external challenges which really reveal internal challenges. Overcome the one in order to overcome the other.

But the hero is never alone.

Perseus had Athena and Hermes. Luke Skywalker had Obi-wan and Yoda. And Harry Potter had Dumbledore and Hagrid.

Each hero was encouraged by powerful beings appearing as the humbled, the old, or the beleaguered. Ones that most people disregard.

These coaches are not just archetypes in a far away land. They are real. And they are professional.

When you are ready to explore what is above the for yourself, find a coach.

They are there to help you find your strength within.

To leave the comfortable and the familiar for the unknown. They are there to cheer you on as you do the necessary work.

Their reward is watching you become the very best version of you.