Spirit-ful Inspiration: the matter of Trust relates not just to what is “real” out in the world, but also to the construction of a trust-ful reality by the two of us. As Leslie Brothers (2001) has noted, we tend to create our reality at any one moment in time in relationship with other people—especially those we Trust. The reality we create with another person, in turn, allows for both disappointment and change. We create joint narratives that are founded on a clear sense of self (for both of us). This narrative, in turn, builds on and is inspired by a shared sense that there is something of greater importance and purpose than the two of us—Martin Buber’s I/Thou (Buber, 1958).
It doesn’t interest me
if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear
the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.
Soul-ful Inspiration: the challenges we face in our life (common under conditions of VUCA-Plus) are made less overwhelming if we can share them with other people in a trusting relationship. Trust, in turn, is increased if we can find and reliably count on the support and shared appreciation of another person. Together, we can be inspired to support and nurture those who are more vulnerable (fragile) to these challenging conditions:
I want to know
if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes.”
