"L'homme est une créature amphibie un être qui ne peut pas vivre dans l'eau et ne peut pas vivre en dehors de celle-ci"

This quote paints a vivid metaphor about human nature and our existence. It suggests that humans live in a constant state of duality. We're beings who can't fully immerse ourselves in one world or another. It's like we're caught between two realms, always navigating the in-between.

Historically, such a quote might come from a philosophical or psychological context, where the complexity of human nature and experience is being discussed. Perhaps it was said during a time of great change or conflict, where people felt torn between old and new ways of thinking. But let's dive into what this really means for us, here and now.

Take, for instance, the world of work and life balance. Picture a hardworking parent who's constantly juggling career demands and family responsibilities. They can't fully immerse themselves in their job without feeling guilty about neglecting their family. Conversely, they can't spend all their time with family without worrying about their work piling up. This parent is the amphibious creature—living in two worlds but never fully belonging to either.

Now, let's think practically. How do you apply this wisdom? First, acknowledge and embrace the duality. Recognize that it's okay to feel torn. You don't have to be perfect in either realm. Life is about finding harmony, not perfection. Set realistic boundaries. For example, dedicate specific hours for work and sacred family time where one doesn't bleed into the other. Create rituals that help you transition between roles—like a short walk before shifting from work mode to family mode. It’s about finding small, manageable ways to navigate both worlds.

Imagine you're an artist who also works a 9-to-5 job. You love painting, but your day job pays the bills. You struggle because you can't be a full-time artist nor can you give up your art. So, you start a ritual: every evening, after work, you spend an hour painting. It’s not much, but it’s your time to immerse in your creative world. And it helps you keep that part of you alive without overwhelming the part that needs to focus on work.

In this way, you’re learning to live as an amphibious creature. You’re finding the balance, the ebb, and flow between two important parts of your life. You’re not fully submerged in one or the other, but you’re thriving in the space between.

So, next time you feel caught between two worlds, remember it's a natural state of being. Life isn't about choosing one over the other but finding a way to navigate both. Embrace your amphibious nature. After all, humans are wonderfully complex creatures, capable of living in the in-between with grace and resilience.