Tag Archives: awareness

by - 2 Comments


The Interwoven Threads of Awareness, Wisdom, and Integrity is my vision for  2025.

2025 vision board

This vision board, with its rich Norse imagery, serves as a potent reminder of the interconnectedness of awareness, wisdom, and integrity. These three virtues, like the threads of a woven carpet, weave together to form the foundation of a meaningful and purposeful life. The bind rune ᛁᚮᛆ (IS, OS, AR), composed of the runes IS, OS, and AR, further illuminates the interplay of these virtues.


Awareness: The Rooted Self (IS)


The image of Yggdrasil, the mighty world tree, immediately draws our attention. Its roots, exposed and reaching deep into the earth, symbolize the importance of awareness. Awareness is the foundation upon which all other virtues are built. It is the ability to be present in the moment, to observe our thoughts, feelings, and actions without judgment. Like a tree’s roots anchoring it firmly to the ground, awareness provides us with stability and grounding. It allows us to understand our strengths and weaknesses, our values and beliefs, and the impact of our choices on ourselves and the world around us. The rune IS, associated with the tree, represents the “rooted self,” signifying the grounding of one’s being, the deep connection to ancestral wisdom, and the earth’s energy. The ice aspect signifies the stillness and clarity needed for introspection and tapping into intuition.


Wisdom: The Flowing Stream of Knowledge (OS)


The image of the stream, representing the Well of Mimir, speaks to the importance of wisdom. Wisdom is not merely knowledge, but the ability to apply knowledge with discernment and understanding. It is the ability to see the bigger picture, to connect the dots, and to make sound judgments. Like the flowing stream, wisdom is dynamic and ever-changing. It is gained through experience, reflection, and a continuous thirst for learning. It is the ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience, drawing upon a deep well of understanding and insight. The rune OS, connected to the well of wisdom, represents the “flow of knowledge and understanding.” It signifies the power of communication, both internal and external, and the thirst for wisdom that drives personal growth. The mouth aspect symbolizes the receptive and expressive nature of wisdom.


Integrity: The Bridge Between Worlds (AR)


The image of Heimdallr, the vigilant guardian of the Bifrost bridge, embodies the virtue of integrity. Integrity is about acting with honesty and authenticity in all our dealings. It is about aligning our actions with our values, even when it is difficult to do so. Like the bridge connecting different realms, integrity bridges the gap between our inner world and our outer actions. It is about being true to ourselves and our commitments, and living with a sense of purpose and honor. The rune AR, linked to the bridge between worlds, represents the “journey of transformation.” It symbolizes the courage to cross thresholds, embrace change, and navigate the unknown. The sea aspect signifies the vastness of possibilities and the fluidity of transformation.


The Interplay of Virtues and the Bind Rune ᛁᚮᛆ:


The vision board beautifully illustrates the interplay between these three virtues. Awareness (IS), provides the foundation, allowing us to observe our thoughts and actions with clarity. Wisdom (OS) guides us in navigating the complexities of life and making sound decisions. And integrity (AR) ensures that our actions align with our values, creating a bridge between our inner world and our outer reality. The bind rune ᛁᚮᛆ represents the “journey of self-discovery through wisdom and transformation.” It symbolizes the individual (IS) seeking deeper understanding (OS) and embarking on a transformative journey (AR). The tree provides grounding and clarity, the well offers wisdom and guidance, and the bridge facilitates the passage to a new state of being.


In conclusion, the vision board serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultivating awareness, wisdom, and integrity in our lives. By nurturing these virtues, we can create a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling. We can become more grounded, more discerning, and more authentic. And we can build a bridge to a future where our actions reflect our true selves. The bind rune ᛁᚮᛆ serves as a potent symbol of this journey, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2025

by - 0 comments

~ Loss as a Teacher: Embracing the Pain ~

~ Loss as a Teacher: Embracing the Pain ~


Loss is an inevitable part of life. It can strip away our sense of security and leave us feeling profoundly alone. But loss, as painful as it is, can also be a powerful teacher. It can teach us about impermanence, about the preciousness of what we have, and about the importance of letting go.


The idea that loss can be a teacher is rooted in the concept of non-attachment. Non-attachment doesn’t mean that we don’t care about the people and things in our lives. It simply means that we don’t cling to them so tightly that we are devastated when they are gone.


When we experience loss, it can force us to confront our attachments. It can make us realize how much we have been clinging to a person, a place, or a situation. This realization can be painful, but it can also be liberating.


By understanding that loss is a natural part of life, we can begin to let go of our attachments. This doesn’t mean that we forget about the people or things we have lost. It simply means that we allow ourselves to grieve without being consumed by grief.


Letting go of our attachments can also help us to reconnect with our universal intelligence. This intelligence, whatever you choose to call it, is the source of all life and love. When we are attached to things outside ourselves, we can lose sight of this connection. But when we let go, we open ourselves up to the possibility of a deeper connection with something larger than ourselves, a connection to the vast and mysterious cosmos.


This cosmic intelligence can be a source of strength, solace, and awe during times of loss. It can remind us that we are not alone, and that even in the midst of pain, there is still love and light. Our awareness of this mysterious presence, of love, light and connection, increases as we turn within, in silence to listen.


Of course, intellectual understanding doesn’t erase the pain of loss. There is no shortcut through grief. We simply have to work our way through it, one day at a time. But by allowing ourselves to feel the pain, and by learning the lessons that loss has to teach us, we can eventually emerge from the darkness stronger and more whole.


When we turn within, in silence, to listen, we are opening ourselves up to the possibility of reconnecting with our universal intelligence. This intelligence can be a source of strength, solace, and awe during times of loss. It can remind us that we are not alone, and that even in the midst of pain, there is still love and light.


There is no one right way to turn within. Some people find it helpful to meditate, while others prefer to pray or spend time in nature. The important thing is to find a practice that allows you to quiet your mind and connect with your inner wisdom.


As you turn within, you may experience a sense of peace, love, or connection. You may also receive insights or guidance about how to cope with your loss. Trust your intuition and be open to whatever arises.


By turning within, you can begin to heal the pain of loss and reconnect with your universal intelligence. This can be a powerful source of strength and comfort during difficult times.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2024

by - 1 Comment

Changing towards purpose

Misfortune is the messenger calling on each of us to live with greater awareness, creativity and more purpose. I have found time and time again that when problems strike at the very core of our being, that provides opportunity. Often misfortune is not haphazard but it is something that happens because I have lacked awareness or missed something important. I am human and as a human mistakes are unavoidable. However I do not have to accept mistakes without questioning it’s causes and origin. When we do look at our mistakes with a learning attitude we are bound to improve our lives and make better mistakes than in the past. Yes, better mistakes, because we will realise the error of past mistakes. In order to progress I have learned the importance of making time for a positive discourse with myself. Time to look at who I am, who I want to be and what I would like to achieve. Rather than sitting idly in the morning traffic, I will sit and review my objectives. Not a mere day dreaming but a good inherently positive conversation in my mind between me and myself. Keeping this internal discussion positive is essential. Repetition is conditioning and we must set the pathways in place that we want to travel frequently in our mind. The best pathway will be the most likely route our thoughts will travel. If I do not maintain the most desirable pathways purposefully then those pathways will become disused. So the essential message for me today is to set purposeful time aside for a regular positive conversation with self. This time is dedicated to noble ideal and thoughts that are uplifting and inspirational.