Aristotle says 'One Swallow does not make a Summer' and this has become a phrase we often use to remind us that it is not easy to learn any new skill which requires patience and repeated attempts to practice it before the skill becomes a part of us.  The same is true whether the skill is an external one, as in learning a craft, or an internal one, as in learning about ourselves.  The phrase was first used by Aristotle(384-322BC) in his writings about ethics.  Although Aristotle lived a very long time ago his advice seems very relevant to us in today's world.

With regard to our inner journey - where we are forever learning about ourselves - 'one swallow does not make a summer' is particularly true.  As a psychotherapist I often see people delighted when they get some insight that frees them from an unhelpful belief about themselves.  It is not uncommon to hear the same people express frustration or disappointment when they get caught up again in an old pattern of behaviour that they thought they had left behind.  At times it can be like playing snakes and ladders - when we make big gains with some moves, and slide back - almost to the start with others.

The key here is action.  When we learn something new and helpful about ourselves, whether with the support of a psychotherapist or not, the next step is to identify what action supports the healthier way of being.  For example, if a person discovers that watching television makes them stressed and nervous, that discovery is only as useful as what they do with it.  Continuing to watch TV will change nothing and the helpful insight alone will likely make no difference.  Working out a strategy to reduce or eliminate TV will likely make a big difference for that person.  However as they practice making changes, some days will work out better than others.

On the more difficult days Aristotle's advice that 'One Swallow does not make a Summer,' can be very helpful.   It reminds us that the work is not complete after our first successful attempt.  We must repeat what is helpful until it becomes habitual - until doing the right thing for us subsequently becomes a natural or an automatic choice.  So remember it is important not to give up at the first hurdle.  Maybe treat yourself to a game of snakes and ladders just to remind you how it goes and see the simple game as a useful metaphor for life's challenges - where sometimes we move forward and at other times we slide right back!

In response to my enthusiasm for the study of Aristotle's ethics I have set up Virtue Ethics Ireland to offer individual personal support to whoever is interested.

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