Develop a routine - Don't Be A Wage Slave

Did you make your bed this morning? (1) This question is often received with astonishment — what an intimate yet seemingly nonsensical query. The average person may look at you and ask, “Why do you care? What does it matter?” I care as a citizen of the world; to echo Socrates, (2) I seek the betterment of society. And it matters because discipline and routine are essential attributes of a successful life.

It is fair to note that the average person is not so different from me. What differentiates me is my discipline, my conduct, my way of living — my routine, if you will. This is something each of us has the capacity to learn and nurture; it is not an innate characteristic of man. We are naturally inclined toward leisure and excess far more than toward work and self-control. Yet nothing meaningful in life can be achieved without these higher qualities.

If we wish to discover our mission and bring it to fruition, we must plan deliberately and shape our desires with care. The question quickly arises: how do I develop such a plan? At times, the dream seems impossible and the vision insurmountable. But it all comes back to making the complex simple. One commences, quite literally and figuratively, by placing one foot in front of the other — by simply beginning.

If, for example, you want to become a self-employed businessman, you must first gain experience. This may begin with education — acquiring a theoretical understanding of money — followed by practical work to develop real-world skills. Throughout this process, you must never permit your gaze to drift from your goal. When the proper idea or opportunity presents itself, you must act. It is important to remember that most businesses fail; therefore, you have to be prepared for a long and difficult struggle before achieving the stable, flourishing enterprise you seek.

Creating a routine to enhance your life can be broken into three general areas: the physical, the spiritual, and the philosophical.

On the physical level, your day begins the moment you awaken. You make your bed, as mentioned earlier. You wash, dress, write in your notebook, say your prayers, and prepare for the day. These small, consistent actions — performed daily — form the foundation of discipline.

The spiritual dimension is more nuanced. Many in the modern Western world claim to be “spiritual but not religious.” (3) This is, in many cases, a vague and unexamined position. It often means, quite simply, “I do not know, because I have not truly contemplated the matter.” To move through life in this state is a form of quiet ignorance. Escapism does not bring peace. Our society is lonelier and more confused than ever. (4) A more fruitful path is to develop a system of metaphysical inquiry. This may include attending a church, synagogue, or temple, or participating in a study group with like-minded individuals. It is not a subject that can remain unexplored if one truly seeks growth. (5)

If the spiritual concerns what lies beyond our physical existence, then the philosophical must address our daily lives. We are obligated to become lifelong learners, actively pursuing knowledge through books. In short, we must read — and read again. To achieve this, it is necessary to distance ourselves from the more corrosive aspects of social media and the Internet. The mind requires solitude and reflection to grow. (6) We need individual serenity. Marcus Aurelius leaves us with a thought: You must plan your life, one action at a time, and be content if each acquires its own end as best it can; and that it should acquire its end, no one can prevent you. Meditations, Book 8:32 (7)

A closing thought: What of the larger question: how, then, do we achieve world peace? This is a lofty examination, one that invites many complex and highly intellectual answers. Yet the truth is simpler than it appears. The harmony of society begins with the individual. When I strive to become a more peaceful human being, the world begins to reflect that change. This cannot be accomplished without each person developing a self-realized routine of discovery and discipline. (8)

There is no one like me. There never has been, and there never will be. I do not wish to be sacrificed to causes driven by ideologies that benefit the few at the expense of the many. While just wars (9) may exist, they are rare. At our core, we are naturally peaceful beings. Our mission, then, is to discover and live by a routine that brings not only ourselves, but all of mankind, closer to understanding. Begin by making your bed and then building your life.

To sum up: This week, we spoke about developing a routine

To be noted: From Gandhi: If we are to teach real peace in this world … we shall have to begin with the children.

Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFul90BFjGc

For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHz3aYZIn-0

This week, on your routine walk, please reflect on what discipline means to your productive life.

Every day, look for something magical and beautiful.

Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!