Psych Saturday: The Crucible

I remember my first introduction to a crucible in my high school chemistry class. Mr. Smith had a knack for engaging adolescent boys. The element of danger, heightened by his repeated warnings to wear protective gear and tuck away our ties to avoid catching fire, was all we needed to be captivated.

I have no recollection of the specific experiments we conducted in those labs, only vivid memories of molten metals and superheated reactions. What stuck with me was the idea that dramatic change often requires intense energy, and sometimes, it takes extreme heat to spark transformation. I was also fascinated by the crucible’s ability to contain and support those powerful reactions.

I’m certain everyone has experienced the real-life version of, “When it rains, it pours.” Challenges in life rarely come one at a time. Often, they pile on, leaving us feeling stressed, exhausted, and overwhelmed. These moments, with their intense alchemical reactions, are the very essence of life and growth.

So, here’s my question for you today: Do you have a crucible to support you during these moments of intensity and transformation? Who or what surrounds you, helping to protect and contain you as you navigate the seeming chaos of growth? For me, I am eternally grateful to my family, my horses, and my team at Riding Far for being my crucible. ~ Paul

PC – @eringilmorephotography

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