The energy, the spark, the force that completes the equation. YUGENING is not a twist in the story; it’s the story itself—a continuous quest of becoming. To truly step into YUGENING, you must cross your own Devil’s Bridge of Torcello—a real bridge in Venice, known for its mysterious charm and lack of railings. This absence of barriers symbolizes the vulnerability and courage required to face your inner darkness. According to legend, the bridge was built with the help of the devil, representing the metaphorical ‘pact’ we often make with our fears, trauma, and the parts of ourselves we hide. Crossing this bridge isn’t about recklessness; it’s about walking forward with full awareness of your shadows, trusting in your inner balance despite the lack of external support. It stands as a powerful symbol of transformation: letting go of control, embracing uncertainty, and stepping into your true, unapologetic self.
When you don’t just carry your heavy cross but become grateful for it, everything shifts. Your wounds become wisdom. Your shadows become authenticity. The world isn’t waiting for another copy of a celebrity or the latest trend. It’s waiting for you—your purest, most honest form.
Once you cross your bridge, you don’t just know who you are. You begin to speak YUGENING. Because self-acceptance isn’t just about peace with your past—it’s the profound realization of your unique power in the universe.YUGENING is both YUGEN and YU. It’s an ongoing process, a never-ending quest of becoming the most unique YU.
PHOTO: Devil’s Bridge of Torcello, Venice. Bieke Machiels, principal school Freinet op Stelten, Diepenbeek, Nov. 7, 02024