Years ago, when I first started teaching people how to understand their dreams and use them to develop and grow, I was gripped with insecurity. “What if I don’t know enough?” was a question that plagued me. And for good reason – I had my dream teacher to look up to! One day I emptied out this bag of worries to a friend who is a 10th level black belt in Karate and is a renowned champion and teacher of the discipline. He said to me that when he achieved his 3rd level black belt his master teacher told him it was time for him to start teaching. He responded similarly : “But I can’t! I don’t know enough! I’m only a 3rd level black belt!” His teacher replied “3rd level black belts know more than 1st level black belts”.
Pause.
Rabbi Tarfon (2nd century) has a blessing prayer that goes something like this : Thank you for creating in all creatures a lack so that in addressing this lack each creature is asked to move toward, and work with, the other and thus to grow in themselves.
In other words, the 3rd level black belt knows more than the 1st level. And we are all, each of us, both 3rd level somewhere in our lives and 1st level in other places in our lives. AND, it is by 3rd levels teaching 1st levels that we develop ourselves, others, and create relationships.
So the question of the day is : What talent are you holding back from contributing to the world because you think you aren’t good enough yet?
How often we wait for our lives to “get started”! For that right moment when we “know enough”, “have enough courage”, “lack fear”?
Have any of you heard the story of Moses? That bearded guy who confronted the Pharoah of Egypt again and again and led all the Jews out of slavery and into freedom? That very guy begged and pleaded with God to not be the one to do the job. Why? Because he had a speech impediment and didn’t think he was good enough. How could he, he thought, be the spokesperson of a people in front of the most powerful guy in the world when he couldn’t even speak right? Well we know how history played out. Thankfully, God did not accept his resignation.
Challenge : Spend a week thinking about where you are holding back and where you are contributing your talents. What are some ways you can develop your talents by contributing them? What changes in your life when you begin to step forward with what you can contribute?
Happy Dreaming!
