I have a distinct memory of riding the L Train in Brooklyn on my way to a substitute teaching gig in the dead of winter. My hands were ice cold, and my ears, accustomed to Los Angeles sun, were itchy and burning up from the winter chill. My body was being so dramatic about the whole thing, I might as well as have been in the freggin' artic.
Of course, during the seemingly glacial experience of walking from the train to the school where I was to teach, a precious book was clutched firmly in my right hand. I never leave home without at least one book. I have always been a sucker for absorbing knowledge, especially the kind of knowledge that holds the potential for practical implementation with a mystical undertone! [insert nerd emoticon here ;]. I was reviewing a chapter in a numerology book on the vibration of the number 6 and the constant search for perfection embedded within this psychological type. There was a line in the book that left me as softly still then as it does now. Recalling the gifts and challenges associated with the 6 type can make my imaginative mental acrobatics stop dead in their tracks. The perspective is quite simple, and it goes somethin' like this (I'm paraphrasing here):
"The 6 individual needs to remember that a constant search for perfection in the human form will only propagate stress. A 6 person should emphasize progress over perfection, recalling that there is an inherent perfection in the feeling of progress."
I've been reflecting on the process of perfection and self-mastery in the human form. Years ago, for me, self-mastery looked like the discipline and concentrated force of Bruce Lee and FloJo. Conjuring up images of such unbelievably powerful human beings ushered in other questions - could I be as fast as FloJo or as divinely in the moment as Bruce? I'd watch video after video to open up my mind.
I've been reflecting on the process of perfection and self-mastery in the human form. Years ago, for me, self-mastery looked like the discipline and concentrated force of Bruce Lee and FloJo. Conjuring up images of such unbelievably powerful human beings ushered in other questions - could I be as fast as FloJo or as divinely in the moment as Bruce? I'd watch video after video to open up my mind.
I have been arriving closer to my purpose while dwelling here among these tricky human realms. In my mind's eye, I stand affirmatively, the heels of my yellow patent leather tacones digging into the crevices of uneven, worn-out concrete. In front of me, there is a green door; it reads "you just have to keep doing it." The words flicker in and out of view. And then, recently, it hit me - Bruce and FloJo did not waste their time talking about perfection, and yet some would argue that they indeed achieved it. What they often discussed, though, was a commitment to waking up everyday, and "doing it." They knew about prioritizing progress. They knew about pure-hearted, unglamorous effort with very little fanfare at 4:30 a.m. cheering them on as they "just did" their thing. When we focus on progress, we learn how to stay in the moment so as to occupy the next moment precisely as we want and need.
If you have a strong influence of the number 6 in your life (start paying attention, or, sit with me!) you tend to deeply crave harmony, beauty, and healthy patterns. Nutrition, exercise and art are all central to your feelings of happiness, wellness and stability. You really want to do well, to achieve a state of inner-purity in your mind and body, which is where the inclination for valuing this concept of "perfection" may stem from. The number 6 is also associated with effort and the capacity to try, and try again. If you observe yourself going a little "off the deep end" with personal expectations that accent perfection over progress, reel yourself back in, and repeat a rendition of the mantra below:
"Progress is my focus, perfecting my technique will come with time and practice. Progress is the key to my success."
For 6 energies, the need for "exactness" can be overwhelming, bringing about feelings of isolation, and doubt. In turn, this self-doubt prevents the individual from tapping into their tremendous well of cleverness and creativity that is virtually endless. Striving for perfection can result in debilitating self-judgment that shows up as emotional rigidity, and oddly enough - as arrogance (the arrogance is a fleeting and distorted attempt to see themselves as worthy as they truly are).
Similar to the feeling of icy weather burning up the edges of my ears on the L train in Brooklyn - thoughts can make us feel immovable, casting rigid and gloomy weather in our mind. 6's must remember that an honest effort is always more valiant than abandoning ourselves half way. Close your eyes and envision yourself completing that mile run, screenplay, or big job for your client - there is an inherent perfection in progress, stick to it!
