ROCK ROSE relates to the soul qualities of Courage and Steadfastness.

A person who approaches risk with proactivity, self-direction, self-awareness, Spiritual Guidance, motivation and devotion typifies a positive Rock Rose attitude. They have knowingly made a choice to accept risk for the potential of providing a magnitude of constructive contribution. They know that they may fail yet are confident that by doing their best they have the abilities and resources necessary to be successful. When too much is happening at once for their attention, they make efforts to center their focus and reduce their distractions. They may --

• breathe steadily, strongly, and calmly;
• move with flow, force, and certainty;
• repeat memorized reaction phrases;
• repeat positive affirmations;
• access Spiritual Guidance.

The Rock Rose state is often brought into action when a person is faced with immediate demands for abilities and knowledge which seem beyond their capability. Accidents, sudden illnesses, natural disasters, and economic and political reversals place great demands upon the role of authority and responsibility that has been taken on by the person. Others are counting on the individual to perform with excellence in a new situation perhaps planned for but yet to be experienced. Failure appears certain and almost immediate and the danger of projection threatens to sabotage one through fear into a reality of the intense shame of rejection from trust and promises broken and duty not upheld.

The ability to carry on and take action through this point of crisis and opportunity for self-expression and innovation is a feature of the positive Rock Rose state. Such a person has carefully and fully considered the potential for risk beforehand and minimized it before accepting it. It has been their own decision and not the act of being volunteered by others and passively accepting. Responsibility has NOT been accepted with an expectation of fame, fortune, and privilege with the hope that the participation of others will minimize the risk to oneself. There is a recognition that there is no reason to expect others to take the risks involved and do their part if oneself does not do one's own part. "Ask not of others what you are not prepared to do yourself," is their self-actualization.

Extreme fear, panic, paralysing confusion and anxiety, projective failure, and the threat of both horrid shame and total loss of identity are qualities of the negative Rock Rose type. They may have volunteered for duty for the continued acknowledgement and attention of parents, associates, peers, or powerful authorities. They may have volunteered out of a desire to identify themselves with the privilege of position held by others. Whether expected by others or desired by themselves, their involvement has been insincere. They have not planned adequately. They have not trained thoroughly enough. They have avoiding joining in to a level of true commitment. They do not share either an empathy or a sensitivity for those for whom they are risking their own freedoms or resources.