Trifecta’d

Thinking triangularly has been my jam this week. 

It brings about understanding in a way that’s simple and essential, connected and controlled.  And because the triangle is such a prevalent shape in our human'd world (not so many triangles in nature), there are subtle reminders ALL OVER THE PLACE of the balance required to achieve greatness and sustain goodness.  

I was first introduced to the sacredness of the triangle this past fall while studying Hawaiian healing (Lomi Lomi) on the far-too-beautiful-to-really-comprehend island of Kauai.  The triangle, Lokahi is a very significant and culturally integrated symbol reminding the Hawaiian people of the 3 essential components to a balanced and harmonious life.  The three lines of the triangle represent: ‘Aina (connection to the land, mother earth), ‘Ohana (connection to family, community, our fellow people), and Akua (connection to spirit and our ancestors).  If there’s a disconnect in Lokahi because of a broken or lacking link, it is of Hawaiian wisdom that one will experience pain on all levels - mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  The more disconnected from the fundamentals, the deeper and more damaging the suffering.  It’s through identifying the areas of separation that appropriate healing can transpire. 

The triangle has been used to symbolize countless associations, some of the more common being:

In my triangular research, I came across a rather detailed diagram about Love that felt quite useful… As we can always benefit from some Love-Ed (if you feel me):

In another recent discussion with my roomy Mel about “best practice” relationships for productivity’s sake (aka seeking and fulfilling our life missions), there was a lightening bolt moment as she described a triangular configuration, emerging from the pits of my sub-conscious, to the joyful forefront of my thinking.  

It goes as such: 

Peers: Collaborating with those who have a similar skill/passion level, and are generally in a comparable place in their life process.  This doesn’t mean that our peers share our skill set (nah, cuz that would be boring) but rather have complimentary intelligences around a common goal that allows for a much more dynamic outcome then what we can accomplish on our own.

Mentors: A mentor is defined by their experience, resources, and knowledge + a willingness to pass that on to those who are fresher in their process.  A mentor cannot be greedy about what they have acquired over their years of trial and error and instead thrilled to support someone on a similar journey.  A mentor sees great value in passing on the torch, continuing their noble mission through the efforts of others.  A great mentor not only supports, but also really challenges growth, pushing the mentee beyond what’s comfortable and into territory that will make them smarter, stronger, and better equipped for the task at hand.

Mentees:  And then at all phases of our learning, we are going to have insight and knowledge that someone with less experience would love to have as well, even if that person is a 6 year old.  We don’t raise consciousness by feeling insecure about not knowing enough, or by hoarding what we learn through fear that someone is going to steal our ideas.  Giving is, without question, the ultimate means to receiving.  Giving will show you who you are.     

And the wonderful part about it is that we can learn as much from our peers and mentees, as we can from our mentors – as it’s the different kinds of learning that allow for our deepest and fullest growing.  

So yep, the triangle yo!   so deep, so powerful, so simple. 

And if you’re still not convinced of it’s mightiness… here's one last kick of proof:  

And as always, I invite you to share any sweet triangular wisdom.

Illustrations by Dante Cureton.  A crazy-talented peer who gets down BY HAND, bringing LIFE to the ideas that get us closer to our dreamsà(signs, logos, posters, portraits, books, blog posts… whatever you need drawn, he’s got you). 

dante.cureton3@gmail.com