People Getting On

In my therapy work, as well as working out on farms and fields, I keep coming back to this theme, that it's extremely helpful for people to understand better the patterns and roles they act out in their relationships all through life.
Here's some photos I used in a talk recently about setting up an eco village, it's amazing how little people understand this and how helpful it can be...
WHEN PROJECTS STRUGGLE...
When an eco project struggles it's not usually money, time management or the weather that's the main cause, it's usually Clashing Personalities and Aims.

Try getting a consensus with this lot...

We all tend to be playing roles in our lives, usually sub-consciously, usually since we were born, or even before, as our way of getting what we need: love, friendship, food, shelter, attention etc etc. The trouble is we often think that we are our patterns and it all gets out of balance...

I know this one! Mr Helpful...

One of my own patterns is being Mr Helpful. It's great now that I realise I'm playing it and generally get some balance between giving and receiving help. However, years ago I would exhaust myself through not being able to say "no" and then feel resentful when my needs weren't met. It's a very common pattern amongst therapists.
WHAT'S YOUR MAIN PATTERN?
So whether you're working on an eco project, or in a difficult relationship at home or work, or keep coming up against the same stuff in your family or at school, have a think about your own patterns and those of the people your mixed up with... and don't forget to keep your sense of humour...
Here's a few more characters you may know, or even be sometimes:

...not always as obvious as this guy...

...the Dreamer, head in the clouds, even clouds in the head...

...the Drama Queen, oh my God! it's all going terribly wrong! SHRIEK!...

Earth Mother - always mothering...

...when you're a wrench, everything's a nut...

...show us The Way, oh great teacher...

It's a hippy!... or is it?

...I just can't make up my mind about whether I'm indecisive!...

We need many more people with the courage to stand up against the destruction of precious ancient woodlands - is there a down side to having them with you on a project?

....obey all yea the Wondrous Matriarch and heed the words of Her Religion... You just can't reason with someone about any religious views they may have.

... or smoke yourself wise...

Let's hear it for the misfits and anarchists... I'm one of those!

Why do some people always have to be right?

...I've got just TWO words to say, HA and HA!...

...Rugby players often find that the strategy of using brute force and over-bearing will to push people about often works for them in real life just as in their sport! What fun...

... and sometimes it just all gets too much...