All at Sea (Athens)

Solar Plexus: For the leadership aspect

Throat Chakra: for inability to express

Throat chakra: for inability to Listen

Brow Chakra: Lack of Discernment

The limiting stress: When team decisions need to be made there are usually several key factors. If the team leader or, as in this story the captain, does not take charge of the situation then not everyone will be heard. If the person that would like to express himself or herself is not well spoken or can’t express what they would like to say, then often their point of view will not be taken seriously or even not heard. If the team members or, as in this story the sea crew, fail to listen then it will be hard to discern what is the best option to take.

Being able to listen and express is crucial in any team discussion. The limiting factor within the story is mostly associated to the Throat chakra, which is all about clear communication. However, some people will also connect to the lack of leadership and lack of courage by the captain and this would be associated with the Solar plexus. There is also lack of discernment by the crew and this is related to the Brow Chakra

The Story: The Story takes place around 2400 years ago when Athens is one of the most influential cities in Greece and it was at the peak of Democracy. Although the Athenians were great sailors, even the best of captains could get lost at sea when nature would unleash super storms. It was late summer when one of the Athenian ships was blown completely off course. For several days the crew battled the angry seas and winds that many have never experienced. The Captain was an experienced sailor but also a true believer of the new democratic principles. When the winds died, he did not need to tell the crew for all knew that they are lost, no land to be seen in any direction. All the crew gathered around to discuss the dilemma. Like in any group, there are individuals that will be louder than others and this sea crew was no different. It seemed like every man had an opinion on what they should do, and in which direction they should sail. Some sailors wanted to sail south while others wanted to go north. There was one man on the ship, an old navigator of the stars, and he knew exactly where they were. Only the night before he was lucky to spot the stars between the grey clouds and this was enough for him to know that they need to sail due East. However, the navigator did not have a great voice. He tried to tell the others that he saw the stars and that he knew where they need to sail. However, every time he tried to speak the other sailors would shout over the top of him, telling anyone and everyone that they need to go either South or North. The Captain was at a loss, so he decided to apply the democratic principles of Athens. So everyone voted to see which direction they should sail. Eventually it was decided that South is the democratic way to sail. The ship was found months later at sea, and all the crew had died.

Key points to remember the story

Takes place 2400 years ago in the time when Athens was at its peak of its power
Although the Athenians were great sailors a storm blows the ship off course and they are lost at sea
Athens at the time was a democracy
The Captain, a believer in democracy, allows the crew to debate what they should do
Everyone has an opinion
Only one man truly knew where they were, for he could navigate by the He knew they needed to sail East, but he was not a great orator and could not get his point across
The Captain was unsure (lack of leadership) and did not take charge, deciding they will democratically vote for which direction they should sail
They voted and the majority ruled so they sailed South
Months later the ship was found and none of the crew survived

Potential Questions for the client

What were the main reasons why the crew did not survive?
What should the captain have done?
Was the old navigator correct to go with the majority?
What does this story teach you about leadership?
What does this story teach you about communication?