I was speaking with a colleague yesterday and somehow the conversation turned to our time and travels throughout Asia and some of the interesting culturally-inspired life lessons we've learned.
One was about the phrase, "run amuck" or "run a-muck" which has its origins in southeast Asia. The history of it varies a bit from country to country, but mostly its foundation is a bit of a dark one from Malaysia, but has grown into something rather unique and positive.
Historically, and technically, the work "amuk", "amuck" or "amuco" meant "a murderous frenzy or rage." This derived from the state of mind of the Amuco - a class of "death or glory" warriors who were employed in local power struggles in Java and Malaysia. Their belief was that fallen warriers became favourites of the gods, whereas failed missions were punished by dishonour and death. Unsurprisingly, the Amuco warriers had little to lose and their attacks were maniacal and frenzied. (Source: www.phrases.org.uk)
My colleague then filled in the rest of the picture for me.
As many Asian cultures feel that it is appropriate to suppress various emotional states at various times and for various reasons, but also recognise that we need a release or venting opportunity from time to time, the phrase "run amuck" has grown into an acceptable habit of "letting it all out and going a bit crazy" about once every six months.
Although people aren't going out for murderous rampages on the streets (very thankful for that!), they are acknowledging that controlling and dominating our emotions is not sustainable 100% of the time, and sometimes, we just need to let loose a little - to really feel life fully - and allow ourselves the opportunity to fully express who we are.
So, I have been very intrigued by this and searched the net for information (which isn't that easy to find) and came across various more modern and urban definitions of "run amuck", many of which are focused on letting go and having FUN!
Now there's an idea I'm fully in support of!
I trust you have found today's blog topic interesting (and maybe a bit controversial?), and therefore I think you may also find the following questions of value to explore.
Enjoy, and run amuck!
Coaching Exercises
1. What does running amuck mean to you?
2. When was the last time you did it?
3. How did you feel when you did?
4. What are your thoughts about "a bit of mischief" as fun, and/or where is the boundary before it becomes "wrong"?
5. If you don't find a way to release pent up emotions every now and then, what is the impact on you?
6. If you need to run amuck now, even for just a few moments, what do you need to be doing to feel better?
7. What are you committing to?
As always, if you need any further personal support in response to any of these coaching exercies, please consider using the askacoach.com service.
All the best,
Noel
Noel Posus - Master Coach
www.askacoach.com
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