November 18th, 2011 by rob white
Before beginning my story, I want to let you know that Mind Adventure Inc. will be at the Miami International Book Fair where we will be introducing a new title by Jk Allen, Driven to Learn, Learning to Win. You probably know Jk from his popular website, hustlersnotebook.com. Nick (the Mind Adventure Art Director), Jk, and I will be flying into Miami on Thursday and not returning until Monday. We will also be exhibiting a special pre-publication edition of my forthcoming book, Marvelous Denials & Wonderful Obsessions. I am not bringing my laptop (yes, life can be lived without a laptop). Therefore, I will not respond to your comments until I return. Please do share a comment, nonetheless.
This week’s post is going to be a story about a lost duckling that I encountered at my favorite pond. Most folks love stories because stories appeal to our heart-mind, where our feelings dwell. Stories also appeal to the subconscious level of the mind, where we think in pictures. The subconscious loves to visualize rather than intellectualize. It’s little wonder that metaphors, stories and allegories are powerful communication tools. Jesus loved using them – what a great teacher he was.
My story … The Lost Duckling
I walk around a lovely pond every day. One day, this summer, while making my daily walk with Shakespeare on my shoulder (my pet parrot), I noticed a small abandoned duckling that was desperately trying to find its mom. I watched the tiny duckling swim frantically up to a giant swan that gently pushed him/her away. The duckling then swam to a mother goose with three young ones. The goose hissed, flapped its wings and scared the duckling away. The duckling saw a seagull, and thinking this is mom, he anxiously swam around it, only to be ignored.
It occurred to me that because the tiny duckling did not know what kind of bird he was, because he wasn’t mature enough to look into his own nature, he did not discern a difference between him and any of the other birds on the pond. He thought, perhaps he was a swan, a goose, or a seagull. All of these misidentifications brought him grief.
Within a few moments a lone male duck swam up to the duckling. I swear that it whispered in that tiny duckling’s ear. I believe it told the duckling, “Well, you have learned all the kinds of birds that you are not … so now it is time to look deeper inside of yourself and allow your real nature to reveal itself.”
The male duck swam away, and within a few moments, the duckling began swimming more calmly. I followed it as it swam around a large fallen tree that landed in the pond – and there was MOM! The duckling was HOME once again.
Dare’st you ask … “What does this story have to do with me?” If you ask, you will learn something powerfully knew. What labels must you drop; what limitations must you let go of, in order to recognize your true nature and experience your authentic self … in order to be HOME once again?
Please do share. What you have to say is valuable. Your viewpoint produces right feelings in others. Thank you and blessings
“Best Comment of the Week.” This weeks best comments come from Jamey Burrell of Life as an Experiment and Irving the Vizier of Han of Harmony. Thank you both for your honest, heartfelt sharing. See their comments here.
Illustrations by nick
Tags: Belief, Labels, Limit, Miami Book Fair
Rob Christian Anderson, a storyteller, nice Rob, and a well crafted message too. I think we all live labels that we’re not, my most critical being influenced that I had to be ‘normal’. How can any of us extraordinary examples of creation with all the fusions of power we naturally possess within us ever be classed as normal? It took me decades to realise that this was merely a word definition tagged to me and I could discard it any time I desired. No more the pond, the sky awaits. Have a memorable Miami, you’ve got a helluva crew!!
hi John. I hope you are using your blessing well; are you writing a book of poetic thoughts? Your words reveal profound knowledge of human nature. If you actualize them in your daily matters – imagine the life that will unfold for you! blessings
Hi Rob,
Wonderful story, to recognize our true and authentic nature, we have to let go of the labels that we imposed on ourselves since childhood, face our fears and realize that we are here to WIN. Once we create faith in ourselves, we can start winning at life.
At my old job, one of my colleague who makes around $5000 a month used to say “What do you think money grows on trees?” when I used to say that I want to make around $250,000 a year. Statements like “this is impossible to achieve or you are dreaming if you think you can make this money” were common. I never believed and will never believe in these limiting statements. I love winning at life Rob.
Wow, what a wonderful group you have Rob. I wish all of you fun and happy times at the Book Fair. Thanks for sharing my friend
Hi Dia. YES, there are so many common-term statements that will deny us our right to be extraordinary. ‘Money not growing on trees’ is one such statement. Of course, ‘money DOES grow on trees’ … money is made of paper and we make paper from trees. Your right action is so natural to you, Dia, that you need take no time to think about it. Have you noticed that? blessings
This is a great post Rob and I really enjoyed reading it. I can relate to how the Duck needed to regain its composure and remember who it really is. Next thing that the duck realized it was safely back home with its Mom.
Hi Justin. We can all experience being a ‘lost duckling’… can’t we. It’s scary. when we stop identifying with misfitting labels, we find our way home to our unlimited self … don’t we. Thank you
Sometimes we hold ourselves back because of what we “should” be, or “should” do. Rather than “shoulding” all over ourselves, we have the choice to spread our wings and fly!
Alex
Hi Alex. AH, the curse of ‘SHOULD’. Indeed, when we ‘SHOULD all over ourselves’, we operate from our compulsive nature (which is the eerie side of our psychic adventure). One’s relationship with life (be it peaceful or discordant), is the same as one’s relationship with ‘self’. Thank you
D’aawwwwwwwwww… this is a great story, Rob, and like so many stories that work through metaphor, it speaks directly to my heart.
It can be SO hard to remember (let alone figure out) who and what we truly are sometimes. If we’re really lucky, then like the duckling in this story, someone who can gently remind us will come along at just the right moment. But even if they don’t, sometimes stopping, calming the voice of panic, and investigating our own reflection – comparing it to others not in a ‘better or worse’ judgemental way, but simply a ‘this is me, this is others, here are the differences’ way of noticing – can help us to understand ourselves better.
Thanks for making me smile!
Blessings – TANJA
Hi Tanja. Yes, we can forget who we re sometimes. When we misidentify with wrong labels, we are lost … and there is a deep yearning inside of us to find our way home. You’ve experienced that, haven’t you. blessings
Rob,
What a wonderful and touching story. I really felt concerned about little duckling until he/she found mom. I guess we all need “mom” or “parent” figure while we are learning to trust in our own ability!
How is your book fair going? If you’re in northern california, do let me know! I will come say hi. Take care.
Preeti
Hi Preeti. When we invite right answers, as did the lost duckling … someone comes along to help us. Life is so kind that way! Blessings to you.
Very powerful story, Rob.
I can truly relate and honestly say that I have laid down the labels that I once carried as though it was a crown. I thought that the label was mine to carry and didn’t know that I had the power to not believe them.
Much like the lost duckling, I went most of my life searching for a life to belong too. Nothing ever fit! And trust me, I tried a few things to fill the void. What I was looking for was within me the entire time.
We have to be comfortable and accept ourselves when it seems that we don’t fit anywhere else. Once we do this, I think the Universe conspires to send us exactly what we’re in need of. We must find peace within us, and I believe then we’ll be able to better see where we need to be. A lot of the time where we want most to be isn’t exactly where we need to be. Awesome post! Thanks for sharing!
I also hope you guys had a blast in Miami, and wishing you all safe travels back. All the best.
Hi Deeone. Your comment is a perfect explanation of this post. You sooo get it! What does inward success depend upon? It depends upon the willingness to trust in oneself when it comes to getting real answers that make a difference in one’s life. You are very familiar with this journey. Thank you.
Hi Rob. I Love this one! It feels like a mini vacation compared to the challenges you’ve been throwing at me lately!
This my journey every day and every week. Bumping around and seeing all the things that I’m not and don’t want to be. I’m so hyper aware these days of just doing everything I can to float around as the Authentic Kara. The one who loves life and is steadfastly improving at my own pace. I am zig zaging like a Duck on the pond but I’m staying awake to who I am. Nature has such great lessons that way. My limitations are slowly melting away as I realize what I want to do and am in more in touch with Why I want to do it. The ego lesson was a big one for me!
I love the “I’m zig-zagging like a duck on the pond, but staying awake to who I am” statement, Kara. I wish I’d have thought of that one! That’s great. it beings clarity to the journey. Thank you
Rob,
I love the story you have shared. And it IS making me think about the labels that are part of what define me (and if there are some that are really no longer part of who I am). I am actually thinking much about this – and your timing is perfect with this article – as some thoughts have been swirling around in my head (and heart) over the last couple of days. It’s time to look deeper, and to see what really is within… (which can be challenging to do…)
Have fun at the book fair (and with Jk – very cool!)!!
Hi lance. An exhausted self is a ‘self’ that is not living its true dreams and aspirations. We all experience an exhausted self at times in our lives, and it is then that we must look deep within. How do we do this? We ask, “How can I see myself differently?” We ask this question again and again. The answers come if we persist. Thank you for sharing your self-work with us. Blessings
I think being authentic is one of the great challenges of life. Exposing ourselves as we truly are permits naked judgment of our true character. By pretending to be what we are not, we maintain a scapegoat that can fall on the sword should we not live to realize our full potential. Should we fail, we are the victim of society’s maliciousness rather than the culprit who destroyed our own dreams.
But should we accept who we are, taking ownership of our lives, we run the risk of failing on our own merits. Tis a frightening course to follow. But, as the story of duckling proves, being honest with ourselves about who we are is the only way we’ll ever find our home home, our way to true happiness.
Hi Jamey. You write well. Your wisdom shows. You have something to say. I’m glad you are saying it, because it helps all of us better understand the challenges we face. It’s all a matter of achieving inner success before we can truly achieve worldly success. Thank you
Hey Brother man. Nature has so much to teach us if we tune in. It really contains all the answers if we just learn to listen. Thats what I love about my pets. They never forget who they are and never compromise with their true nature. If I ever get down I can just look at my dog who is slobbering away without a care in the world. It’s a daily struggle in this mad world to return home again. I have to make it a habit to ‘come home’ again like 5 times a day because we can loose so quickly. I kid you not. I actually stop what I am doing and take just 5 mindful breaths and feel as fresh as a daisy. To me turning inward toward mindfulness and love just makes me pause and see the beauty of nature and the universe. I call it returning to my buddah-nature.
Hi Rus. Yes, we can learn so much from our pets. They may be ruled buy instincts, but they are also free of societal pressures that turn us into robots. Thank you for that reminder. blessings
Hi Rob, hope everything went well in miami. Sounds like fun. This actually makes me think of how my father took me under his wing and passed down skills as craftsman. This is not totally rose colored and positive in my eyes though. I realize he passed down a lot of limits and bad habits that I’ve carried through to. I think the big change in me is that I no longer begrudge or blame him. I’ve let a lot of my anger and resentment go and traded it in for appreciation (you taught me that!). Instead of carrying anger and limits now I’m really working on getting in touch with the authentic me. When I feel most at home is when I’m just blissfully working away with the confidence my father taught, ironically when I most NOT at home is when I am repeating the same bad habits he taught me! Maybe thats the ying/yang of life as they say.
Hi Roger. Many parents unwittingly pass bad habits down to their children. This is referred to as the sins of the father being passed onto the children of the seventh generation. Where do we think they got those habits? From their parents! Yikes! We are able to change things when we can see this, and become the transformational one in our family lineage. Thank you
Mine is having a few things wrong health wise and avoiding becoming them. I could list all the things wrong with me (as could others) or I could list all the things right with me, as could others too. And instead of becoming the one with this problem or that problem I could just be me.
Instead of being someone who is prevented from moving forward by health issues and fears I could move forward in spite of them…like the duck. Quack!
Hi pea. ‘Like the duck – QUACK!’ That’s funny. When we identify with our problems we vibrate yes to more of the same. When we identify with our authentic nature (the problem solver), we vibrate yes to breakthroughs in health and wealth. QUACK! Blessings
> the tiny duckling did not know what kind of bird he was
Beautiful point!
I used to try to fit myself into jobs, not because I didn’t know what kind of duck I was, but because I had the belief that I can turn around any situation and make the most of it. For me, any challenge … was just that … a challenge. That served me well in a lot of cases, but in others it did not.
Eventually, I found that, while I can learn and grow in jobs that aren’t a great fit, I can grow faster and unleash more of my unique strengths, in jobs that suit me well.
Now I drive from living my values, and playing to my strengths, and giving my best where I have my best to give. While it’s tough to find the ideal job, it’s easier to be the ideal you, and reshape the jobs or find better fits.
Geeez, J.D. you nailed it! I cannot add to what you’ve said because it is a complete conversation by itself (and an enlightening one). How can we stop evading what we must face (our unlimited nature)? We must live by those values that impress us deeply, so we honestly and healthily contribute to our sense of self-wholeness. Thank you
My problem is all mixed up and can’t pin down what can of bird I am!
My friend think I’m an odd duck for sure. I’ll be the first to admit I’m kind of all over the map with what I’m up to. My parents have one plan for my life and all I have is vague notion of ANYTHING BUT THAT! Ha. Well, I guess that’s the first step. Maybe that’s why they say you cant’ go home again… they mean you can’t go back to the way your parents want you to be. But I do believe there is a higher home for me. One that transcends those old limits. I’m just trying to figure out if I want to be a goose or a swan or what. An eagle would be nice!
WOW, Alan … believing there is a higher home for you (one that transcends self-limit),that’s huge. You are writing like a true spiritual warrior. You have no apologetic spirit with this kind of thinking. blessings
Home for me is up on stage just hanging it out there. That’s when I can shake off the labels and the limits of the world. It’s like I spend all week collecting all this garbage and detritus and one good session or set just shakes it all off. Just like a duck shaking off that water. I think the Duck is a perfect metaphor because they are waterproof. The water just beads and rolls off the back of a duck. I want to be able to go through my days just like that – let all the crap roll off while I go on my merry way!
Hi John. I like your metaphor (Ducks are waterproof from negative emotions – they roll of their backs). Imagine being waterproof from negative emotions. That’s what you get while on stage. I like it. blessings
Hi Rob,
I love stories! I especially love historical epics! This is probably what guided my choice to pick up Herodotus over Thucydides recently. Herodotus is a better story teller. I will turn to Thucydides later. But whether the story is simple or complex, it is the message that counts. And in truth, the message for simple stories can be stronger because there is less to obscure it.
I think many of us can identify with the lost duckling. It is a process we have to go through in life and often it may not always be a pleasant one depending on the kind of people we meet and seek advice from.
The irony of life is that others are searching for their own identity just like us. And the answers they find might work well for them because it suits their nature, but it may not work for us because we are different. On the one hand, we should be open to advice and pointers because it can give us insights into our quest to find our true nature and authentic self. But on the other hand, we must form our own conclusions and not blindly follow the conclusions of others. We have to carefully sift through and weigh everything we hear and see in the light of our own experiences.
Only when we have reflected deeply and taken responsibility for our own lives and journey will we be able to find our way home.
Thank you for sharing this lovely story with us!
Irving the Vizier
Hi Irving. You are a man of integrity. This is apparent to me. It is a supreme state that is irreplaceable. It is such a gift to all that do business of any kind with you. Thank you.
That’s a good question. I almost feel like I spent all my life “trying to come home” but not knowing that was what I was doing. It’s more like I was just doing what it was I supposed to be doing while only having some vague, underlying sense that there was more to it. I think if I had been more philosophical and aware about what I was doing I would changed direction. My journey home has been a long one to be certain. I suppose that is all part of the journey. One can be shocked awake or like me can be awakened little by little. There is no right or wrong way just as long as we are headed in that direction… and I dare say that I am going in the right direction.
The journey home is as long as we want it to be, Georgie. What is the connection between earthy frustration and the journey home? The journey makes our earthly endeavors spiritual experiences. You are learning this. blessings
Hi Rob. This story reminds me of my great aunt – we actually called her auntie Bird… almost like a Duck! Anyway she was a real sophisticated lady from Chicago and we would go visit her from Wisconsin. Whenever we dined or visited she made darn sure we practiced proper manners. She really instilled in me that if you want the best out of life you must demand the best from others. She would not let anything slip with her eye for detail. I remember she scolded me for staking plates and said it was a “detestable slavish gesture!” It’s a bit extreme but it really taught me that if you want to be a ‘Have’ rather than a ‘Have not’ you have to pay attention to everything.
Your aunt was a wise duck, wasn’t she, Carol Anne. Our failure to value the valuable is foolish. You value your aunt. That’s wise. blessings
What a powerful story, Rob! And no better person to share it than the great story teller himself!
I think most of us are lost to some degree and at some time. That discovery of what lies within, who we truly are, is the most important discovery we can make. Once we find out who we truly are, that we are limitless, that infinity is our natural condition, that boundlessness is our natural habitat, once we make that discovery, the world changes, our universe changes, life is forever opened, lidless, a creative adventure of opportunity.
Thanks for the inspiration, my friend! There is always such a contagious zest for life in your writing and I deeply appreciate it every time!
Hi Ken. You understand yourself and life; this is why you understand me. Your comments bring a lighted lamp into a semi-dark room. You being more clarity to the conversation. Thank you for your contribution.
Hi Rob,
This story of the lost duckling reminded me of a story book we read to our children at bedtime once in a while. It’s about a duck inheriting a large crocodile egg and treated it like her own. All the other birds laughed at her for choosing the ‘wrong’ egg. Yet when the crocodile hatched, it immediately called the duck ‘mommy’.
Wrong identity? You bet. The innocence of youth can sometimes blind our own identity. The inner need of the child seeks the fundamentals of a secure life first and foremost. Until a discerning and wise person comes along to offer enlightenment of the souls, the identities of youth may never be truly revealed. Hence, unfulfilled potential.
I like the part the adult duck played in your story. In our lives we often come across wiser people and their words. Will we heed their advice? It seems that animals do this much better. For us, the signs could all be there but enlightenment could be galaxy away. I hope this inspire more new identities
Hi Jimmy. You could have written this story. How do I know. Your comment ‘is the story’ … with more depth. Give us something to correct our thinking. You help correct our thinking. Thank you
YO what up ROBBY??!! I bet you guys BLEW SHIZ up in MIAMI!!! Miami is Dope I was there for Spring Break in college. Don’t ask me to remember the details BWHAHAHHAHAH! I wann be there with the MindADventure Team next year! YOu wait. We got some big things that are gonna start rollin, son! I like this story too. I know mad dudes who feel like ugly Ducks ALL THE TIME. I may be a good looking dude, but I’ll be the first to tell anyone that hooking up has NOTHING to do with looks. It’s all about the confidence and KNOWING WHO YOU ARE. In fact one of my friends is totallie goof ball weirdo but he keeps it MAD REAL 24/7 and can pull chicks whenever he wants. Straight up – a man’s got to know himself in this world or everyone else will tell him what he is!!!!
Hi Magic. A chief barrier to acquiring personal inner strength is the wish to appear strong in public. What does that have to do with you? Thank you.