7 minute read
The Symbolic Power of the Number 8 for Business Women
Regular contributor to Business Fit Magazine, Prof. Dr. Irmela Neu, explains the importance of the number 8 in our lives, an ancient traditional symbol it represents constant movement, development and change.
The number 8 is an old, traditional symbol which represents the eternal flow. All is interlinked and in communication. Humankind and nature, human beings and animals, plants etc. are connected one with the other like a huge network. We do not always perceive it, because our senses do not detect it so easily, or because this aspect of life is not really in our main focus.
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In our western culture, we are more used to concentrating on details or aspects we can isolate and investigate following the criterias of what we call “modern science“. Traditional knowledge is based on holistic researches of phenomenons.
The number 8 symbolises the philosophy – based upon concrete observations of nature - that life expresses itself as being in constant movement, development, change, following a certain inherent rythm. Constant communication allows this dynamic. We can observe it in our own body: the cells renew themselves, we become older, the cycle of life finds its own expression; on the other hand, we influence this natural process with our lifestyle and the values we put into practice. The more we are well balanced, the more we bring the natural conditions of life and our lifestyle together. The real art consists of finding a good balance, to be equilibrated in whatever we are doing. We are not the centre of the world! Going for our interconnection with broader dimensions, with others, with me, and finding an equilibrium, that‘s it! By entering more into the detail of the symbolic dimension of the 8, we discover the message beyond. Let‘s start with a short look into the old teachings of wisdom transmitted by the so called “Tarot Cards“, the “Rider Tarot“ from Arthur Edward Waite. They transmit in a symbolic way, advising of happiness, wellbeing and joy. Concerning the “Magical 8“, three cards are of special interest in our context.
The first card: “The Magician“
The lying 8 is floating over his head. By stretching his arm and the baton in his hand in the direction of the sky, he connects himself with the Universe.
The 8 symbolises the constant flow of energies which broaden his perspectives and give him inner strength. His message is to widen our capacity of receiving the impulses we could never have found alone. If we persist in our limited position, viewpoint or strategy, we are stuck fast on a narrow minded, limited path. This happens when conflicts impede constructive solutions, then, we want to “win“, to be right without aiming at the best outcome for a target or a group. “To be connected“ means to be able to create a distance regarding our own judgments. It opens a space for a real dialogue, listening and referring to each other. The “field of possibilities“ needs an open heart combined with the willingness to go for a constructive outcome. The flow between ourself and an open space enables us to be creative – creating first a distance from ourselves, reconnecting at another level.
In nature and in the universe, the 8 is a frequent geometrical structure of being interlinked. There is in the centre a point, where both waves come together and join each other. The dynamic needs this point of stillness to be equilibrated. We need it too! A lot of exercices coming from eastern practices like yoga, martial arts, tai chi, chi gong etc. and, of course, meditation aim at reaching - at least partially – this point of stillness; it creates a distance to our perception of things, of the way we perceive the world. Overmore, it opens us to new, fresh impulses and perspectives. Then, the flow is continuing... thanks to this point of stillness.
One of the pre-conditions is not to judge inmediatelly! Let‘s try an exercice: Observe yourself, how often you judge – for example in the street watching people; or in your workplace or anywhere. The corresponding emotion is very often rejection, anger etc. Make your own list! Then transform it into feelings which bring you acceptance, understanding and even joy. This does not mean you accept all that happens, on the contrary. It helps you to transform compulsary reactions with sometimes boring consequences – a real transformation. Then, values like respect, tolerance and humility become rooted in your personality. The “Me“ is no longer the main focus of interest; it is ready to receive a “you“, or even more, to elaborate a new “WE“ – as a result of talking in creative communication.
The second card: “Two of coins“
The two coins are interlinked by a person who is balancing them in a dynamic way with movement of the wave. It shows we are requested to handle our income and outcome, what we give and what we receive in our material world, in a smooth, flexible way. Mindfulness and flexiblitiy create a balance. Therefore, we need to be emotionally balanced. But how can we live the above mentioned values as long as we are slaves of emotions like greed, hate, jealousy or attitudes of narcissism?
How can we handle them? First of all, they are part of us, and it would not help to push them aside, or to replace them by emotions like shame or bad conscious. Just accept them and find out ways of transforming them. There is no “good“ or “bad“ in them. They just show us where we are stuck and need to create a flow. The deeper reason of such attitudes is very often an inferiority complex which creates a need to constantly prove that “I am the best“. Just allow humour, good feelings and joy to flow. Little by little, you will feel a liberating happiness.
The card reminds us that we are powerful when we harmonise our energy of giving and receiving, of being active by doing and oberving in stillness or just resting. The message is: be balanced, plan your day in order that you are relaxed. Even better: give yourself the space and time to be balanced, in harmony of your needs. No, there is no duality of work and life suggested by the expression “Work Life Balance“. Work is an essential part of life, life is work in action. Let‘s bring such flow into it, that you enjoy the flow of being creative in life in general, including your business. Both are interlinked like an 8.
Third Tarot Card: “The Power“
The card shows a woman opening widely the muzzle of a lion. The lying 8 floating over her head shows she is able to do it, thanks to her mental and physical strength. She has integrated her emotions and developed a balanced link to her mental forces. Overmore, the double harmonisation allows her to act in a courageous way overcoming fears or judgments like: “a woman can‘t do it".
In terms of eastern teachings of wisdom and corresponding practices, she has combined the three energetical centres we have: the vital one in our belly, the heart centre as the point of stillness and door to new possibilities, our mind and third eye for consciousness. Our physical, mental and spiritual dimension is in harmony, so we can easily combine our intellectual, emotional and spiritual power. Brain, belly, intuition and action all go hand in hand.
Businesswomen should play an important role in implementing the main message of the “magical 8“ symbolised by these three Tarot cards: To be balanced and to promote processes which allow us to overcome the duality of “Me“ and “You“, creating a powerful “WE“. This has, of course, concrete repercussions on the style of thinking, feeling, acting, talking. Therefore, you may need to find out the adequate tool to exercise it. For example the “Non Violent Communication“ (M. Rosenberg), yoga, meditation, martial arts including Tai Chi etc. Overmore, some physical exercices based on the 8 coordinate our yin/yang energies like brain and emotions, active/passive etc. I recommend you one wonderful exercise you can easily apply wherever you are: “The swinging 8“.
Cross your stretched out arms, clasp your fingers. Swing a great 8 with your arms up and down, the whole body cooperates. Inhale upwards, exhale downwards. The changing point is at the level of your heart.
Make the same movement sidewards, starting with the left side upwards, inhaling, turning to the other side, same movement downwards exhaling.
Combine and enjoy the two aspects of this exerice as long as you wish. You may do it with music or sing swinging. You will feel refreshed and powerful – even more by visualising the balance and harmony transported by the “Magical 8“. Just go for it!
Prof. Dr. Irmela Neu , from the University of Applied Sciences, Munich/ Germany, specialised in Intercultural Communication in Spain and Latin America and has been published in this field. She has worked with UNESCO in the field of Education. She focuses on seminars in Mindful Communication and in body-based teachings to open our heart, combined with Mindful Communication. Her message: Life is lovely. www.Irmela-neu.de 15
