Preface.
Not too long ago I began participating in a weekly writing group —in order to flex this developing creative muscle. I’ve been reluctant to share my writings, as I’ve never considered myself a “writer.” Today, I step outside my comfort zone and share a writing from today’s group. (Which so happens to keep in step with the contemplation I decided to share —trust. I am trusting you, and by doing so, I am vulnerable.)
How the group works is we begin with a prompt and write — just write, embracing the “wild mind” and allowing it to take the pen wherever it wants, for an allotted amount of time (usually ten minutes). No editing. No spell check. No re-writes. Then, we share with the group. It is an exercise in creativity, yes — but also one of trust, for we trust the other members of the group with secrets, deep contemplations, creativity and revelations.
I love writing with a pen, by the way. There is something about the paper absorbing the ink that is tacitly pleasing, more so than typing on a keyboard.
The Prompt: Trust as Alchemy
Trust — such a simple word on the surface, often thrown around in conversation without real understanding of the meaning or comprehension of the depth of its power. To truly trust is actually truly scary.
I recently saw a demonstrative analogy of a romantic relationship to performing continual trust falls with each other. This is very poignant and perfectly illustrates the hard truth that without the alchemy of relationship + trust, the former is surely doomed. I would even go so far as to say it applies to all relationships, not just romantic ones.
Let’s unpack the word TRUST. What is it made of? Surely vulnerability is a big part of trust. For one to truly trust, one must be vulnerable —must be willing to not be caught in the trust fall. Faith absolutely plays a part, for a trust fall is blind.
Often, we do not trust without proof. But, can it really be called trust if proof is required? Proof acts as a safety net. Falling backwards, blindly trusting, yet knowing we will not get hurt because of the net negates vulnerability and faith.
Proof destroys trust.
Trust as alchemy is an interesting phrase, and I’m not quite sure how to unpack it. Surely, when mixed with love or compassion or understanding, trust falls naturally into place and is a comforting, feel-good word. I trust you holds as much power as I love you. (Another word/phrase we use without real comprehension…) And I would argue are interchangeable. To truly love, you must trust. And to truly trust, you must love.
Trust without this illustrated alchemy is like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. When mixed with idol worship, religion, or politics, trust takes on a very different feel —even becomes dangerous. Blind followers who do not think for themselves or question authority, fame, wealth or piety easily turn into sheep… and mobs.
Interesting how a word, notion, feeling we use so often and so flippantly can have such depth, such meaning, such power and within it contain the very dichotomy of human nature.
I love your musings and I love you in them. Please continue speaking and letting that pen guide you to your own infinity “in-folding”. You have so much to say 🙏🏼💕😘
I want to hear more...thank you for trusting and sharing your thoughts.