The 4 directions: ancient wisdom for a more powerful life
This week’s show is with teacher, consultant and change management expert Patrick O’Neill, author of “The Only Certain Freedom: The Transformative Journey of the Entrepreneur,” an unconventional and highly-acclaimed business book that draws its teachings from the wisdom of the Hero’s Journey, and what modern entrepreneurs can learn from the ancient myths of heroes like Hercules and Odysseus.
Patrick certainly has the expertise to back this up: he is a nationally renowned consultant and teacher, specializing in organizational dynamics and conflict resolution. His company, Extraordinary Conversations Inc, has clients across the world, advising corporations in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific; townships of South Africa; and even the peace process in the Middle East. His insights on leadership are regularly featured in national newspapers such as the Globe and Mail.
In this conversation, we spoke about the four archetypes: the Leader, Healer, Visionary and Teacher. Each archetype corresponds to a cardinal direction: North, South, East and West – and each direction contains a set of practices synthesized from worldwide shamanic traditions.
I loved this show – it has so much depth and also practical, applicable wisdom.
I’d love to know what YOU think about this week’s show. Let’s carry on the conversation… please leave a comment below.
What you’ll learn from this episode:
Each direction has something to show us: the North is where the Leader resides, The south is the Leader, the east is the Visionary and the west, the Teacher.
Allowing each direction to have a place in your life will give you the guidance and principles to be in right relationship to the world around you.
I loved what Patrick said about slowing down, to look at our position, to look at the impact of our actions and to allow our natural altered state to come through and teach us.
Resources and stuff that we spoke about:
Thank you for listening!
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Thank you!
Lian & Jonathan