Thank you Rea. Epictetus would break it down to what is within our control and what is not. The beauty of difficult situations is they also have a way of simplify less difficult situations and reminding us of this truth. Thank you for reading.
It is interesting that we, humans invent these missions and others, humans volunteer for these and many other, some not as intense, missions. There is incredible satisfaction in missions accomplished. I’m sure there are many other drivers besides satisfaction; to each his own.
I completely agree. There is something satisfying and maybe crucial for each minor moment of life to be a mission. Something to dedicate ourselves to entirely. Thanks Barry.
A beautiful portrait of the great project of “self-mastery”, which is a beautiful thing. Well done, Sam!
A good quote for you on this topic:
No other thing do I know that brings such harm as a mind that is untamed, unguarded, unprotected and uncontrolled. Such a mind truly brings harm. No other thing do I know that brings so much benefit as a mind that is tamed, guarded, protected and controlled. Such a mind truly brings great benefit. — Gautama Siddhartha (Buddha)
(If you’re interested, check out my essay “Minding Your Mind” which is all about that, and includes a nod to our mutual friend Epictetus!)
Epic quote. Siddhartha would drop that bomb. Also Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha is one of my favorite novels of all time, I have an essay on standby for one aspect of it.
Oh yeah, Hesse’s Siddhartha! I read that when I was 20. Stayed up half the night to finish it, and had my first glimpse of “enlightenment” that I’ve been building on ever since! ☀️
It's interesting because I appreciate that level of discipline and attention to detail. Yet my day to day job is getting people to do the bare semblance of that. There's such a vast difference between what you describe and how chaotic people live.
I’m in the same boat. I do believe it is possible to merge the two, but there are so many variables it is hard to know why most people don’t. Danger is a serious aspect, but so is intention.
My life has never depended on an air bubble. But at least I face challenges, even invite them, rather than hide from them. Any other life is mere existence.
This was a tense read! Well written. I agree, we are responsible for our actions and the consequences.
Thank you Rea. Epictetus would break it down to what is within our control and what is not. The beauty of difficult situations is they also have a way of simplify less difficult situations and reminding us of this truth. Thank you for reading.
It is interesting that we, humans invent these missions and others, humans volunteer for these and many other, some not as intense, missions. There is incredible satisfaction in missions accomplished. I’m sure there are many other drivers besides satisfaction; to each his own.
I completely agree. There is something satisfying and maybe crucial for each minor moment of life to be a mission. Something to dedicate ourselves to entirely. Thanks Barry.
Still one of my favorites! Thanks for sharing again — always worth another read.
Rock on, Scott, thank you!
A beautiful portrait of the great project of “self-mastery”, which is a beautiful thing. Well done, Sam!
A good quote for you on this topic:
No other thing do I know that brings such harm as a mind that is untamed, unguarded, unprotected and uncontrolled. Such a mind truly brings harm. No other thing do I know that brings so much benefit as a mind that is tamed, guarded, protected and controlled. Such a mind truly brings great benefit. — Gautama Siddhartha (Buddha)
(If you’re interested, check out my essay “Minding Your Mind” which is all about that, and includes a nod to our mutual friend Epictetus!)
Epic quote. Siddhartha would drop that bomb. Also Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha is one of my favorite novels of all time, I have an essay on standby for one aspect of it.
I’ll check out your piece!
Oh yeah, Hesse’s Siddhartha! I read that when I was 20. Stayed up half the night to finish it, and had my first glimpse of “enlightenment” that I’ve been building on ever since! ☀️
It's interesting because I appreciate that level of discipline and attention to detail. Yet my day to day job is getting people to do the bare semblance of that. There's such a vast difference between what you describe and how chaotic people live.
I’m in the same boat. I do believe it is possible to merge the two, but there are so many variables it is hard to know why most people don’t. Danger is a serious aspect, but so is intention.
My life has never depended on an air bubble. But at least I face challenges, even invite them, rather than hide from them. Any other life is mere existence.
Merely existence indeed. What is each challenge worth if it’s not treated like a bubble? Drift.