I’ve been wrestling with a profound insight: sometimes, doing less is the key to achieving more. It might sound counterintuitive, but simplifying can be a powerful strategy for clarity and effectiveness.
When complexity entangles our thoughts, the solution is often to strip things down to their essence. While it’s true that some nuanced topics require intricate understanding, simplicity offers a more practical approach. Complex systems can trap us in endless mental gymnastics, whereas a simplified perspective allows for clearer thinking and action.
Do less complexity and more simplicity
Simplification doesn’t mean being reductive—it means being strategic. By cutting away unnecessary elements that don’t add value, we create space for what truly matters. Think of it like sculpting: removing the excess reveals the beautiful form underneath.
This doesn’t mean discarding beauty or depth. Instead, seek elegance in simplicity. Find the golden ratio between straightforward understanding and necessary complexity—perhaps around 60-40, where simplicity leads and nuance supports.
The result? Clarity emerges like muddy water settling, making it easier to set targets and chart a clear direction. By embracing simplification, we can transform overwhelming complexity into manageable, actionable insights. It’s very simple: Simplicity is not about being simplistic. It’s about finding the most direct path to understanding and effectiveness.
What is one thing you would change about yourself?
I’m a work in progress, just like everyone else. I’m happy with who I am, flaws and all. Sure, I procrastinate sometimes, and I could be fitter. But when I really want something, I make it happen.
We all have limitations, and some things are harder to change than others. No amount of effort will turn someone with a broad frame into a supermodel. So, if you can’t change something, embrace it! Find the humor in it or simply make the best of it. Self-acceptance and self-care bring more joy than constant striving.
My philosophy is simple: if you want to change, set your intention, build new habits, and be patient. Change takes time and effort. If you can’t change something, accept it and find a way to turn it into a strength.
Here’s a powerful tool that works both ways: visualization. When you want to change, visualize your goal as if it’s already achieved. This will energize you and propel you forward. If you can’t change something, visualize it positively. Your imagination is limitless. Don’t dwell on what you lack; instead, focus on what you want. Visualization can shift your mindset and make it easier to accept your circumstances.
A cat visualizing the wish to be a dog, chasing after the milk delivery man by Bing image creator
So, I urge you: stop chasing after what you don’t have. Either make a plan to change or accept yourself. The key to happiness in both scenarios is the power of visualization. A cat cannot become a dog but they can visualize it!
What’s the first impression you want to give people?
Greet with confidence irrespective of appearances.
I’ve come to realize that first impressions aren’t about making a perfect image or adhering to societal norms. They’re about connecting with another soul on a deeper level. When I meet someone new, my aim is to create a space where they feel seen, heard, and valued.
I strive to approach each encounter with an open heart and a genuine spirit. I seek to acknowledge the unique spark within each individual, recognizing their potential for growth and transformation. By embracing their imperfections and celebrating their strengths, I hope to inspire them to step into their full power.
I believe that true connection happens when we’re willing to be vulnerable and authentic. By sharing my own experiences and struggles, I aim to create a sense of empathy and understanding. I want others to know that it’s okay to be imperfect, that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that it’s okay to seek help. It’s also ok to be proud and acknowledge achievements. It’s ok to be you, no more and no less.
Ultimately, I hope that my interactions leave a lasting impression, not because of my outward appearance or polished demeanor, but because of the positive energy and genuine care that I bring to each encounter. By fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance, I aim to create a world where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves.
The runes, ancient symbols of Norse culture, offer a profound path to personal growth and transformation. Each practitioner’s journey is unique, guided by their individual goals and aspirations. Some seek to develop extraordinary abilities, while others aim for self-improvement or the manifestation of specific life circumstances.
Yesterday, we delved into Kummer’s method, emphasizing the importance of visualization as a tool for personal growth. By visualizing our ideal self and combining this with the IS posture, we can imprint desired qualities onto our subconscious, fostering positive change.
When we use the runes to transform ourselves, we empower our minds and spirits to manifest wisdom and well-being. This transformation extends beyond personal desires, aligning our circumstances with our evolving inner selves.
This concept resonates with the ancient Norse belief in wyrd. Unlike a fixed or rigid fate, wyrd was seen as a complex web of interconnected events and choices. By aligning ourselves with our inner selves, we can tap into the flow of wyrd, allowing life’s forces to work in harmony with our personal growth.
Instead of resisting the changes and challenges that life throws at us, we can learn to navigate and align ourselves with these forces. The HAGAL rune, representing the interconnectedness of everything, echoes this idea. By embracing HAGAL, we can find harmony and balance even in the midst of chaos and change.
The best skill I learned is the runic magnetic stare. Kummer was my first introduction to the Armanen runes. His method had an immense impact on me and when I return to basics for me it is a return to the first two lessons of his curriculum.
It’s important to note that Kummer represents a method that is well designed as a system where each element amplifies the process.
Kummer’s method leads the rune practitioner to a powerful and persuasive presence that gives an inner confidence . His teachings are a highly effective means for self-development and self-mastery. In essence the initial method consists of rune posture, breathing, visualization, affirmation and ethics progressively mastered until all can be put into practice as a whole.
I will paraphrase Kummer’s method in my own words according to my own experience. For Kummer’s words, I suggest you go and read his book: Rune Might.
His method consists of the following basic steps:
1) Stand in the IS-posture, focusing on the whole upright being, present as an antenna for cosmic vibrations. Do so until you can achieve 10 minutes in the IS posture. It’s worth reviewing the meaning of the IS rune before doing the exercise in terms of the inner man that is the centre of all experience.
2) Add a breathing, an affirmation and visualization.
Breathing: Do deep neutral breathing, seven counts, each on both the inhale and exhale with no pauses between the inhale and exhale.
The affirmation: “I am your supervisor, you have to obey me fully and completely. All muscle twitches are eliminated, starting today. You have to submit to me now I want you to stand in front of your superior, your Ich” This affirmation is important because it asserts your dominance over your own body and mind, which is an essential first step in developing your magnetic presence.
The vizualization: Vizualize with all your senses the ideal man…the “master within” until you become totally unaware of your own body. I use the description of the Norse hero Siegfried in the Volsunga Saga for this vizualization. Master the posture, breathing, affirmation and visualization for ten minutes.
3) Develop a magnetic gaze by staring at the centre of the Hagal rune without twitching your eyes. As you stare at the centre of the HAGAL rune, focus on the essence of the rune’s meaning and its connection to your inner power and presence. Master this for seven minutes. (See the importance of the first exercises to be able to do this exercise. Draw from the vizualization to accomplish this. Also note the coincidence of seven minutes, seven counts and the seventh rune). It’s worth reviewing the meaning of HAGAL before doing the practice in terms of the outer world manifesting in the outer world of man.
4) Practise the same look, no muscle twitching of the eyes, by looking into a mirror and focusing on the bridge of your nose between the eyebrows. Kummer calls this “the organ of personality” (Achieve seven minutes of this practice) You might perceive the HAGAL rune forming at that point of focus between the eyebrows. Practice speaking with a deep calm voice that reflects the inner calm achieved by these exercises.
The HAGAL rune as point of focus
5) Apply the magnetic stare achieved and the calm voice when speaking to other people. This will empower your Runic presence.
6) Practice with a clear ethical ethos by completing the practice with this affirmation: “I am full of health and power, the magnetism in me is growing and strengthening, ever more and more, for my thoughts are noble and good; I will to the best of my knowledge and ability, help assist and protect my brothers and sisters, with this magnetic force which this becoming ever stronger in me.”
I hope this short overview of the key elements of Kummer’s approach explains the skill I value highly…the runic magnetic stare. There is much more to consider but the above should suffice as an introduction to Kummer’s method.
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