My new character, Merman Aqueerius, is based on the yogic concept of the throat chakra, an energy center that's all about communication.
Communication is hard. And while finding the courage to articulate oneself can be important work, I'm focusing on another thing. Listening.
“God gave us two ears and one mouth”- my Mom used to say. I'm finding listening takes courage too. Are we willing to really listen? Are we willing to really hear?
Rumi said, “Since in order to speak, one must first listen, learn to speak by listening.” I like that and I've been thinking about it this week. It's shocking how quickly I tune out what I'm not expecting. Shocking how I can morph what they're saying. If you listen with no attachments and just hear what is being said, you may find conversations getting better, and better. It made a good impact on my conversations with my business partner, Doug, and also my friends who have been helping me with KidderCo Studio stuff. As an entrepreneur in a startup I really need to hear the whole of what's being said and not filter everything through my fatty ego.
So, to remind myself (and all you die-hard KidderCo fans out there) that listening is the first part of communication, I'm changing my character design. I'm adding fin-shaped ears to Aqueerius. They are flesh toned and fade into blue tips. I just painted them and am super pleased. They draw on a classic aquatic appeal and remind me that in the world of communication it's sink or swim without very open ears.
Check out his new look in Instagram @jonathankidder and YouTube.com/kiddercostudio.
Thanks for listening-
Jonafin Kidder
"All the better to hear you with."
Merman Aqueerius...coming to a bathtub near you!