Rivalry

Rivalry provokes new heights of mastery in sports, business, art, and life. Mature competitors, who understand that the call to excel is ultimately within the self, can benefit from the reflection, inspiration, and camaraderie the other provides. When the world is perceived as an endless fight for limited resources, the promise of self-improvement gives way to fear of aggression. Everybody loses.

 

Rivalry often includes an element of “fear aggression.” Suppose you’re worried that someone else’s power or prosperity will interfere with your well-being. In that case, you’ll feel compelled to openly challenge or covertly undermine the perceived competitor in many ways.

 

Check your self-esteem if you find yourself drawn into some form of Rivalry. How does this person threaten you? If she initiated the conflict by acting aggressively toward you, what fear or insecurity might you trigger in her? Becoming curious about the dynamic, rather than figuring out ways to undermine the other, can lead to greater self-knowledge and empowerment.

 

Suppose you face the rivalry impulse in yourself without taking it out on the peer who triggered it. In that case, you’ll shine a light on those dark corners of your soul that feel undeveloped, unappreciated, or lacking in some significant way. And if your rival is open to honestly exploring the impulse, you may find mutual respect and the potential for a strong friendship underneath the initial pain and mistrust.  

Way of the Horse Oracle Cards