The Heart Is a Muscle
(Gang of Youths)
I could argue that the focus is on creating an existence where mirrors go unused. Because there is a stark contrast between the Mason that looks into a mirror and repeats and believes “I am a great person. I am a kind person. I radiate a gentle light.” and the alternate who doesn’t even think to look at all.
And by any account, does that not define contentedness? Does that not suggest a world more fulfilling, more provoking? Can we aim to live without aiming, but with purpose-less experiences, so vivid and wholesome that questions are lacking and answers are ever-present? It is clear that those childlike days of bliss are reattainable. That wide focus is available, while not off of a store shelf but if it were, it wouldn’t be from a particularly high shelf, at all.
Now, how can we achieve this?
Primarily, we could— and I’d argue should— drop uncertainty at the door. I commit to feeling good and I commit to growing. I know this moment will pass; I will learn from this experience. I acknowledge that the fear I feel wash over me in waves is here, and it is welcome— but it doesn’t have to drag me down. I can walk all over its crumbling surface, I can rise above, I can see the horizon. I choose to wield control of my destiny. I am here, now.
I need a manifesto.
This is a topic that I have had heavy in my head from Gretchen Rubin’s great work in concentrating lists¹ and Tony Robbin’s List of Moving-Towards Values². So here goes:
◊ Rest is an important part of the process. Learn to use it well. Follow these steps in descending order of ability.
Activity (productivity in its easiest-to-name form)
Creative Work/Self-Betterment Reading
Relaxation in its Least-Productive Form, i.e. reading for pleasure
◊ Better > Feeling Better
Does this make me better or does it just make me feel better?
Feeling better will come from being better, and when it does, it will feel better
◊ How Can I Enjoy the Process While I Do What Must Be Done?
or what can I learn from this experience?
◊ “I don’t know, but I’m willing to find out.”³
If it’s scary, it’s probably worth walking towards.
◊ Be Here. From Now.
The past is written, now is now. Don’t make up for past errors. Craft memorable experiences.
◊ Radiate a Gentle Light
This road is for humanity. Better Mason, better life. But always remember that this growth is for everyone.
◊ I KNEW I WOULD BE CHANGED IF I DID NOT GO TO IT
The Destiny is the natural way
It’s not about developing my morals. That’s abstract, that’s hard to grasp and even harder to visualize. No, this is about developing the person of whom those belong.
BE → DO → HAVE
“I will not hurt like this forever,
I’m responding to the call,
While there's speakers in the outfield
Blasting out my favourite song.”
¹Gretchen’s 12 Commandments
²Tony’s Awaken the Giant Within
³Julien Smith’s TED Talk, the Adaptation Imperative
