Why Embracing a ‘Savage Mind, Soft Heart’ Philosophy is Transforming My Life
Let’s be real.
We live in a world where the lines between strength and vulnerability often get blurred. While we’re told to be ambitious, strategic, and even ruthless in our pursuits, we’re also encouraged to be kind, empathetic, and gentle in our interactions. Sounds like a paradox, right?
That’s because it is, and this paradox is powerful. I call it the ‘Savage Mind, Soft Heart’ philosophy, and it’s changing my life in ways I never anticipated.
Let me break it down for you and show you why embracing this philosophy can also be a game-changer for you.
The ‘Savage Mind’: Be Your Own Best Advocate
The truth is, “No one will care about you more than you.”
This might sound harsh, but it’s often true. The ‘Savage Mind’ aspect of this philosophy is about acknowledging that your life is your responsibility. Your goals, dreams, and well-being are yours to protect and nurture. Just like the Bible suggests to be “wise as a serpent” (Matthew 10:16), it’s crucial to be intellectually sharp, cunning, and, at times, uncompromising in your convictions.
This is not a call to be self-centered or uncaring towards others. It’s a reminder that your life is a canvas, and you are in concert with God, the artist holding the brush. Be deliberate, strategic, and sometimes, yes, be savage. Take calculated risks, set ambitious goals, and don’t settle for mediocrity.
Learn to negotiate not just in boardrooms but in every aspect of life — know your worth and demand it.
The ‘Soft Heart’: Strength in Gentleness
“Your hands are so soft…”
I used to hate that when someone would say that to me.
To this day, I don’t want to have velvety soft hands, but I do need a soft heart.
The philosophy’s ‘Soft Heart’ aspect reflects the biblical principle of being “gentle as a dove.” This is where empathy, compassion, and gentleness come into play. A savage mind may get you far, but a soft heart will make the journey worth it. It’s the key to meaningful relationships, emotional intelligence, and, most importantly, a fulfilling life. Dallas Willard once said, “You can live without Christ, but you can’t truly live without love.”
Strength does not negate the need for kindness; in fact, true strength lies in your capacity for compassion.
A soft heart listens more than it speaks.
It forgives.
It builds bridges, not walls.
Why The Paradox is Powerful: A Case Study in Balance
Navigating the landscape of modern life requires duality.
It’s not enough to be just one thing anymore. You can be business-savvy and still be compassionate. You can be ambitious and still care for others. Richard Foster said journaling helps us examine our consciousness, recognizing God’s presence even in the mundane. And in the grand tapestry of life, it’s often these seemingly contradictory threads that create the most beautiful patterns.
Eugene Peterson discussed the danger of living beneath what God has planned for us.
The ‘Savage Mind, Soft Heart’ philosophy is an excellent tool in your spiritual toolkit for a fulfilling life. It’s your personal GPS system, letting you know when to push the pedal on your ambitions and when to stop and offer a helping hand.
Conclusion
Life is not a straight path.
It’s a complex maze that demands we be both the serpent and the dove. In the words of rapper Nas, “A thug changes, and love changes, and best friends become strangers.” Life is about transitions, and having a ‘Savage Mind and Soft Heart’ equips you for these inevitable shifts.
So, as you move ahead, embrace the complexity, revel in the paradox, and remember: a well-lived life balances the savage and the soft, the mind and the heart. This is the paradox of strength, and it’s worth every effort to achieve it.
