Don’t be afraid to breathe

Fear: When I was a little boy, living in my tiny, isolated village, I was afraid of the outside world. It appeared to be an enormous hydra lurking just beyond the Pillars of Hercules (1) ready to emasculate and devour any who chanced to cross into its forbidden territory. The long and dusty road (at the time a three-hour trip) that took us to the next community was a grueling effort.

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Your most intimate and yet enigmatic friend

The other day, I had quite a shocking experience. I entered the bathroom to “jump in the shower” and was startled to realize that I was not alone: an old man was also with me. I say this, of course, ”tongue in cheek.” Still, I think it is the same for most people; life unfolds like the weaving of a tapestry or the creation of a painting. It is there to be remarked on, its various points remembered (pleasantly or not), but it is lived day by day, piece by piece. Few experience a traumatic experience that changes us forever.

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Always excellence: why not?

Why do we often not strive for excellence in our modern society? The answer is complex — societal ennui, probably. But, at its most simplistic, to attain a superior state in virtually anything requires an education and, ultimately, practice. This is Aristotle’s prescription for excellence (1) You must do an activity again and again and again — over a lengthy period, even for years — to achieve any level of proficiency. It is impossible to accomplish a task in the short term — this includes a relationship with yourself.

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To be free, spiritually, emotionally and financially is your birthright.