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 metaphorical Devil’s Bridge of Torcello.
The Devil's bridge is a real bridge in Venice, known for its mysterious charm and lack of railings. The 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 carry your heavy cross and become grateful for it too, 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 YU: your purest, most honest form.
Once YU cross your bridge, you don’t just know who YU 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