Alchemy: Creating Gold Under Pressure

“Real Gold Does Not Fear the Furnace.”-Chinese Proverb

Fire tests gold, purifies it, and makes it brighter. You are gold, and alchemy is

consciousness itself.

Metaphors are alchemy. We can observe children and what they say and do through a metaphorical lens to help us connect with our own inner child and the truth of ourselves as powerful creators. Children remember, and when we listen, we can hear them reminding us. They are alchemists, just as we were and are, organically transforming unconsciousness into consciousness, the illusion of separateness into connection, and fear into love. To support them, we can:

–remove potential barriers and connect with supportive, expansive spaces;

–clear the path for them to dis-cover and be who they are;

–support them in their navigations of unloving or limiting programs, and

–cultivate energies within our families and communities that are accepting, supportive, and nurturing.

The first step in all of this, as with everything, is to feel our own feelings, embody self-acceptance, and have the courage to embrace the integration path. Until we do this, we may be unable to peel away the myriad layers of the Construct, as we will not see the Construct itself, will not see the unloving programs and dysfunctions, and will not see the projections of our own wounds onto our children. Equally important is the deep knowing and loving acceptance that we, as caregivers and parents, are peeling back our own layers, too. We can embrace ourselves in that space and suspend judgment for past behaviors, actions, or unconscious perspectives. We can embrace patience for ourselves as we practice embodying our deep knowing, sometimes in the face of intense personal challenges, external and internal resistance, and misunderstandings.

Driving home from nature camp many years ago, my then-6-year-old said, “Hey, Mom. I want to tell you about the rock in my shoe!”

Me: “Tell me.”

Owen: “I found this cool rock, and I’m going to bury it for 50 years. After 50 years, it will turn into a diamond!”

Me: “That’s awesome! How come it's in your shoe?”

Owen: “I don’t have pockets.”

Me: “Wow! Your shoe is a great idea. Was it uncomfortable to walk and play all day with a rock in your shoe?”

Owen: “A little bit. But it’s worth it!”

Me: “Totally. You’re an alchemist!”

Owen: “Yup. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.”

My 6-year-old (at the time) walked around the entire day with a rock in his shoe. And look at the size of the rock:

Owen's Gold

What metaphors can you draw from this story? How can you apply this story to your own life?

Lots of Love,

Michelle