Living Archery

Archery. Another one of these beautiful analogies on how to do business, relationships, or life in general. Life is like shooting an arrow. To succeed we first have to get the right equipment. A bow that we are strong enough to pull, the fitting arrows, some gear to protect ourselves, and the target we want to aim for. Then we need to find an instructor. Someone that knows how to shoot a bow and arrow. In life, you might call him a teacher, role model, or mentor. With his guidance, we can prepare the shot. Preparing the shot mindfully is important. Meaning putting the arrow on the bow, looking at your target, and pulling the arrow back. When aiming at your target you consider distance, wind, and even the rhythm of your breath until eventually there comes a point where you have to let go. You have to surrender. There is this time or distance between letting go of the arrow and the arrow landing on its target.  If you are inexperienced, you might even miss the target. All you can do then is not give up and start over again, taking in the feedback that you've just received from your previous shot. You pick up the next arrow and you take into account everything that you've just learned. Was your shot too high? Was it too low? Was it too far to the left or right? You keep practicing one shot at a time. Don’t just practice the shooting! Practice trying your best every single time and surrendering to letting the arrow go! Every arrow should be released with the right intentions.