The phrase "I once was lost, but now am found" originates from the Christian hymn "Amazing Grace," penned by John Newton in 1772. This line reflects Newton's personal transformation from a life of moral and spiritual confusion to one of enlightenment and redemption.

In the Bible, the motif of being "lost" and subsequently "found" is prominent, especially in the Gospel of Luke. Parables such as the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son illustrate the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. For instance, Luke 15:10 states, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

While these narratives aim to convey themes of redemption and divine love, some interpretations can have adverse psychological effects. The concept of being "lost" until one conforms to specific religious beliefs may lead to feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression among individuals who do not share those beliefs. This internal conflict can result in identity crises and emotional distress, as individuals grapple with the fear of eternal punishment or ostracism. Such experiences are often referred to as religious trauma, encompassing the psychological impact of harmful religious teachings or practices.

Revising the phrase to "We are lost until we are sound" shifts the focus from external validation to internal well-being. Achieving a 'sound' state emphasizes personal mental and emotional stability, suggesting that individuals find their way through self-awareness and inner harmony rather than external affirmation.

Sources:

1. Understanding Religious Trauma and Its Impact on Mental Health
   
   

2. Healing From Religious Trauma
   
   

3. Spirituality, Religiousness, and Mental Health: A Review of the Current Literature
   
   

Academic research has extensively explored the intricate relationship between chaos and creativity, highlighting how transformation emerges from this interplay.

Chaos and Creativity

Studies indicate that highly creative individuals often navigate between order and chaos, utilizing this dynamic tension to foster innovative ideas. This balance allows for the spontaneous reorganization of thoughts, leading to creative insights. Neuroimaging research supports this, showing that during restful states, the brain's association cortices are active, suggesting a self-organizing system at work.

Transformation Through Creativity

The process of transformation is closely linked to creativity. Engaging in creative activities can lead to personal growth and change, as it involves exploring new possibilities and perspectives. This transformative experience is often facilitated by embracing uncertainty and disorder, which can lead to novel solutions and personal development. 

Effortless Transformation and Commitment to Creativity

While creativity can lead to transformation, the notion that this process is entirely effortless and requires no energy or action is not fully supported by academic research. Creative endeavors often demand significant mental effort, time, and persistence. However, a strong commitment to creative practice can make the process more engaging and intrinsically motivated, potentially reducing the perception of effort. The key lies in the balance between challenge and skill, where individuals may experience a state of 'flow,' characterized by deep immersion and enjoyment in the activity. 

References

1. A Journey into Chaos: Creativity and the Unconscious. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3115302/
   
   

2. The Order–Chaos Dynamic of Creativity. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328890717_The_Order-Chaos_Dynamic_of_Creativity
   
   

3. Creativity. University of Rochester. https://www.rochester.edu/warner/lida/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/creativity-by-mihaly-csikszentmihalyi.pdf
   
   

Chronic wiseness challenges the notion that wisdom emerges only in hindsight. It recognizes that transformation is not a singular event but an ongoing process—one that unfolds not after suffering has been resolved, but in the belly of it. It is wisdom that does not wait for relief but exists in the tension between pain and insight, between loss and profound understanding.

Defining Chronic Wiseness

Chronic wiseness is:

• Persistent – It doesn’t fade when the crisis ends but remains an ever-present undercurrent in one’s way of being.

• Embodied – More than intellectual insight, it is felt in the body, influencing how one moves through the world.

• Nuanced – It resists simple narratives of victory, recognizing the coexistence of pain and transformation.

• Rooted in Presence – Unlike post-traumatic growth, which looks back on suffering from a distance, chronic wiseness exists within the ongoing experience.

This kind of wisdom often arises from defining life events such as chronic illness, prolonged grief, or deep betrayal. It manifests as a profound shift in perception—one that does not seek to “return to normal” but instead embraces a new way of seeing, being, and relating.

The Growth That Happens Inside the Suffering

While mainstream psychological frameworks often suggest that meaning is found after hardship, there is growing evidence that meaning-making happens within suffering itself. This contradicts the linear model of trauma recovery and instead supports a simultaneous process of pain and transformation.

For example:

• Illness as a Teacher – Studies on chronic illness suggest that those experiencing long-term health conditions develop existential resilience, learning to live in paradox—hope and grief, strength and fragility, limitation and possibility.

• The Role of Embodiment – Research on somatic psychology indicates that bodily suffering itself can be a site of wisdom, where pain is not merely endured but listened to.

• Neuroscience of Meaning-Making – Neuroplasticity studies show that the brain doesn’t just “bounce back” after trauma but actively rewires itself during ongoing adversity, creating new pathways for insight and adaptability.

Academic Research on Growth Within Suffering

1. Tedeschi & Calhoun (2004) – The architects of post-traumatic growth theory recognize that growth is not simply a byproduct of suffering but an active process occurring during distress.

2. Frankl (1946) – In Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl documents how meaning is not discovered after suffering but can be created within it.

3. Neimeyer (2019) – Work on grief and meaning-making suggests that individuals reconstruct their worldviews in real-time, not just retrospectively.

4. Merleau-Ponty (1962) – Phenomenology of the body highlights how suffering is not only experienced mentally but also held and processed somatically.

Intergenerational Wisdom

The transmission of wisdom across generations has been shown to offer significant benefits for both younger and older individuals. Programs designed to facilitate intergenerational interactions, such as the Building a Community Legacy Together (BCLT) initiative, have demonstrated that structured wisdom-sharing activities enhance adolescents' social-emotional development and provide older adults with a sense of purpose. Empirical studies reveal that these exchanges foster mutual respect, improve communication skills, and bridge generational divides, thereby enriching community cohesion and individual well-being. 

Intergenerational Innovation

Collaborative efforts that harness the diverse perspectives of multiple generations have been found to drive innovation within organizations. Research indicates that intergenerational teams, which combine the technological proficiency of younger members with the experiential knowledge of older members, are more adept at problem-solving and generating creative solutions. This synergy leverages the strengths of each age group, leading to enhanced organizational performance and a more dynamic approach to addressing complex challenges. 

Intergenerational Vision

Developing a shared vision that encompasses the aspirations of different generations is crucial for sustainable organizational leadership. Studies suggest that intergenerational leadership models, which integrate the values and insights of both emerging and established leaders, promote resilience and adaptability in the face of change. Such models encourage mentorship, continuous learning, and the alignment of long-term strategic goals with the evolving needs of the workforce, thereby fostering a culture of inclusivity and sustained growth. 

Sources:

1. Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma Effects: Putative Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms
   
   

2. Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma: The Mediating Effects of Family Health
   
   

3. The Benefits of Intergenerational Wisdom-Sharing: A Randomized Controlled Study
   
   

4. Importance of Intergenerational Leadership in Organizations
   
   

Symbolism and Meaning

Tiwaz (ᛏ) is the rune associated with Týr, the Norse god of war, justice, and sacrifice. It represents themes of honor, discipline, courage, and self-sacrifice—all qualities exemplified by Týr, who sacrificed his hand to the wolf Fenrir to uphold cosmic order. As the warrior’s rune, Tiwaz signifies both physical and moral strength, as well as the pursuit of justice, even at personal cost.

The rune is often linked to leadership, law, and victory, but unlike the brute force of battle, its victory comes through strategy, integrity, and righteous action. It is considered a rune of guidance and self-discipline, often appearing in contexts that demand perseverance, ethical choices, and the willingness to endure hardship for a greater cause.

Historical and Cultural Context

1. Elder Futhark (2nd–8th century CE)
   
   

   • In the Elder Futhark, Tiwaz was primarily associated with divine justice and warrior ethos. The rune was inscribed on weapons and amulets to invoke protection and strength in battle.

2. Younger Futhark and Anglo-Saxon Futhorc (8th–11th century CE)
   
   

   • The rune evolved in later runic alphabets, but its association with Týr and justice remained strong. In the Anglo-Saxon rune poem, Tiwaz is linked to the guiding star (likely referring to Polaris), reinforcing its role as a symbol of steadfastness and divine order.

3. Runic Inscriptions
   
   

   • Tiwaz appears frequently in Viking Age inscriptions, often in contexts of war, oaths, or rulership. Some runestones feature Tiwaz to invoke divine favor or signify a warrior’s dedication to higher principles.

Modern Interpretations

• Psychological Perspective: Tiwaz is sometimes seen as the rune of personal discipline and resilience, representing the ability to make tough choices and endure difficulties for long-term gain.

• Esoteric and Spiritual Uses: In contemporary rune readings, Tiwaz often appears when one is called to act with integrity, take a leadership role, or commit to a demanding but necessary path.

• Legal and Ethical Symbolism: Due to its connection with Týr, Tiwaz is also associated with law, contracts, and justice, making it relevant in discussions of ethics and responsibility.

Academic Findings and Scholarly Perspectives

1. Runology and Linguistics
   
   

   • R.I. Page, in Runes and Runic Inscriptions, discusses the role of Tiwaz in Norse and Anglo-Saxon societies, noting its presence in inscriptions related to leadership and military matters.

   • Looijenga (2003) in Texts and Contexts of the Oldest Runic Inscriptions highlights how Tiwaz appears in early inscriptions that may be linked to ritualistic or legal functions.

2. Comparative Mythology and Religious Studies
   
   

   • Simek (2007) in Dictionary of Northern Mythology explores the sacrificial aspect of Tiwaz, linking it to Indo-European traditions of divine justice and warrior codes.

   • Paul Johnsen (2019) examines how Tiwaz may have served as a symbol of divine kingship, drawing parallels between Týr’s justice and medieval Nordic rulership ideals.

3. Archaeological Findings
   
   

   • Various Viking Age weapons, amulets, and runestones bear the Tiwaz rune, suggesting it was commonly used in ritual and martial contexts.

   • A famous example is the Kylver Stone (5th century CE, Sweden), which contains the Elder Futhark sequence, including Tiwaz, possibly indicating ritualistic or commemorative uses.

We believe, you will land in the right house, and the right event at the right time, regardless of how you get there. We believe everything is occurring in good order, meaning if you land in a house whether it feels 'right' or not, it is the house meant for your right now. Each house is determined by characteristics, concepts, values and beliefs and an overall vision. If the vision fits you, then you fit the house and if it doesn't, if something becomes alive in you, it may be exactly what you need in that moment.