At 20 or so, the awareness that I am alive and conscious is a startling realization, for most. It comes with a host of additional revelations — the capacity to think freely, the ability to make plans, and the acceptance of myself as a being in the world are but a few. I then, abruptly, comprehend that I may be cognizant, but I am undeveloped, unsophisticated, and lacking in a sense of direction.
I have, however, stumbled upon one of the great understandings of existence: life is exhilarating. By being alive, I am filled with a great sense of adventure and enthusiasm for my own unique life. What it will become is contained totally within me, given my givens. (1) The eventual success or failure of my life, as I see it, resides with me alone. There is no one to blame for my life, but me. This statement flies in the face of the ubiquitous victimization now seen in the West. (2) My life is 100% my fault — how exciting!
That said, any extraordinary odyssey, if it is to have any chance of a positive outcome, must be prepared, figuratively, with maps and plans and provisions to give me a sense of direction and to boost my energy — both physically and spiritually. I cannot hope to triumph unless I prepared for the vagaries of life and the arduousness of the trek.
So how do I begin? The very first thing that I must say to myself is that I am worthy of the journey. I have something to discover and then something to say. This is idealized in Joseph Campbell’s concept of the Monomyth. (3) Next, I need training. I need an education. This is not an education for some position hidden in the future from which I may receive an income. This is the tutoring that teaches me the skills to learn how to learn and acquire knowledge leading to a form of wisdom.
Finally, I must find an accommodation with God, Gaia, Jehovah, or the Universe. It is of necessity that I unlock my spiritual door. Douglas Murray has directly related the decline of the West (4) to a lack of any identification with our religious roots. Make peace with God as you see him.
And then, push your boat off the quay — begin. Many armchair philosophers and adventurers (5) never leave port. They eventually descend into the bitterness so associated with old age and the unrequited life. Don’t join their ranks — fill your sails and sally forth. Life must be filled with action, this produces risk. Here you will discover the joy of being alive.
The great stoic, Marcus Aurelius (6) leaves us with a thought: When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.
A closing thought: Nothing begins without a beginning. Take yourself seriously and get on with the development of your life. To fail in the development of you is great folly. Always excellence: why not?
To sum up: This week, we spoke of the discovery that I am alive.
To be noted: From Winston Churchill (7) — Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.
Just for fun:
For reflection:
This week, on your thoughtful walk, please ponder the excitement of your own life.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: Strive for excellence in your daily actions.
Footnotes:
2) How To Deal with the “Victim Mentality” in Others
4) The Death of Europe, with Douglas Murray
6) www.youtubThe Meditations – Audiobook by Marcus Aurelius
7) Darkest Hour (2017) – We Shall Fight on the Beaches Scene (10/10) | Movieclips