Despite every society boasting of its evolution through technological, structural, or cultural achievements, this is nothing but a smokescreen. A smokescreen so dense that it has led us to believe that, as a species, we have genuinely evolved. However, each of us carries an instinct that, if not mastered, will ultimately end up mastering us.
In the previous writing, we concluded by warning about the various types of "Pirates of Dreams," how they ruthlessly influence those around them, and how, instead of encapsulating ourselves in a protective bubble, we must face them with a straightforward approach. However, it's important to note that this reflection is not limited to the Pirates of Dreams but extends to the "Monarchs of the Shadows" and their "Marlaria of Mediocrity."
We have encountered characters that make up or influence us throughout this journey, but we have yet to name ourselves. This is because, to reach the end, we must first begin, and to begin, we must finish.
One of the nicknames given to the Warrior in a Garden is the "Shape Shifter." This is because every Warrior must know themselves and understand their environment and those around them to willingly transform into the most suitable form to face the battle at hand. However, this change mustn't alter their essence as long as that essence is good.
But is this not being false? Is it not acting with double standards?
Not at all. This is valid as long as we truly know who we are and remain true to that.
It is important to note that there are two ways to be a shape-shifter: those who use this ability to improve themselves and their surroundings and those who employ it to become Pirates of Dreams. The latter represents the risk we all face, as our essence is constantly transforming throughout our lives. Therefore, it is crucial that our "garden" is of good quality, for only then will we have an equally valuable essence.
When our environment turns hostile, and we change our form to survive, we risk trying other essences and becoming intoxicated by them, forgetting who we are. The longer we remain in this state of intoxication, the harder it becomes to escape, and the more damage is done to our essence.
That is why being a shape-shifter requires intelligence, discernment, and authenticity.
What type of shape-shifter are you?
This concept can be complex, especially with shape-shifters without essence being outlaws of this life—Pirates of Dreams. In contrast, the Warrior known as the Shape-shifter adapts to the circumstance but always maintains their essence intact.
The Shape-shifter of Shadows
Imagine a person who, in their work, constantly adapts to the needs and opinions of their colleagues, but not in a genuine way. They present themselves as a loyal and collaborative friend, but in reality, they are more interested in taking advantage of the opportunities presented. In a work meeting, they always agree with what is said, smiling and showing enthusiasm, even if their opinions do not align with others. They always have a kind word and are willing to help, but behind their friendly façade, their true goal is to gain the trust of others to obtain favors, such as access to crucial information or being the first to receive a promotion.
This person changes their behavior and opinions depending on the group or situation, seeking what benefits them most, regardless of the impact on others. They lack a true essence but hide behind a mask of charm and falsehood, willing to sacrifice others to achieve their goals.
The Warrior Shape-shifter
Now, imagine a professional who works in a diverse team. This person is highly respected for their ability to adapt to different situations and connect deeply with others without losing their true self. When they enter a meeting with colleagues from different cultures, they do not change their essence, but they adapt to understand the perspectives and concerns of others. If the situation requires a more assertive approach or empathy, they adjust their behavior to facilitate communication and collaboration, guided by emotional and intellectual reasoning. However, when faced with a situation that challenges them morally, such as a proposal that goes against their values, they prefer to remain true to themselves, even if it means being marginalized or losing the opportunity.
Instead of compromising their authenticity, they withdraw from the situation and choose to maintain their integrity. Thus, while they adapt to circumstances, they always do so from a place of awareness and authenticity, never losing their true self.
"It's a Grandfather's Advice"
We could say that being a Warrior Shape-shifter is grounded in what Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527) mentions in The Prince when he states: "You must know that there are two ways to defend yourself: one with laws and the other with force. The first is suited to men; the second belongs essentially to animals, but, as it often is not enough, the second must be used. It is, therefore, essential for a prince to know how to use both fully together. This is what ancient authors subtly taught princes when they wrote: many from antiquity, particularly Achilles, were entrusted in their youth to the centaur Chiron to be raised and educated under his discipline. This allegory means nothing other than that they had a teacher who was half beast and half man; that is, a prince needs to know how to use both natures simultaneously, and one could not last without the other.
Since a prince is required to know how to act according to the nature of beasts, the ones he must imitate are both the fox and the lion entirely together. The example of the lion alone is not enough because it cannot avoid traps, and the fox alone is insufficient because it cannot defend itself from wolves. Therefore, it is necessary to be a fox to recognize traps and a lion to scare away wolves, but those who only take the lion as a model do not understand their own interests."
This subject is far from having an end if such an end exists. Ultimately, everything will depend on how we define ourselves and our lives. This is achieved by comprehensively understanding ourselves and what surrounds us, no matter how changeable, as all knowledge is transversal. That is why being a Warrior Shape-shifter allows us to see and act without compromising our authenticity. Let us understand that we are eternal learners in this life, which is why the T.E.A. methodology has no expiration date or a single way of being applied.
Satoricha ~
Referencias
Nicolas Maquiavelo. (n.d.). El Príncipe. El Príncipe | Biblioteca Virtual Miguel de Cervantes. Retrieved November 17, 2024, from https://www.cervantesvirtual.com/obra-visor/el-principe--1/html/0005364a-82b2-11df-acc7-002185ce6064_88.html#I_0_
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