Odysseus' journey can be seen as a metaphor for the souls progress towards wisdom. At a stage where we can still be distracted from our purpose in life, it can be necessary to tie ourselves to the mast - but that is not the ultimate solution. Our task is to find our purpose and to learn to stay focused.
"hurry to yourself. As you progress, strive above all to be consistent with yourself. If ever you want to find out whether anything has been achieved, observe whether your intentions are the same today as they were yesterday. A change of intention shows that the mind is at sea, drifting here and there as carried by the wind. A thing that is well grounded does not move about. That is how it is for the completely wise person, and also to some extent for the one who is making progress toward wisdom. What is the difference, then? The progressor moves, but does not shift position; he merely bobs in place. The wise person does not move at all".
the visual of the mast brings such vivid imagery to an issue i’ve been grappling with. it is a beautiful reminder that struggling to steer clear of our impulses and finding creative ways to at least wait for a dispassioned, clearer state of mind has been a pursuit since the very beginning. thank you!
Meditation does not provide a blank slate mind, but allows you a chance to try to be present while thoughts creep in. I find that after I meditate, if I journal on the thoughts that creep into my consciousness during my meditation sessions I'll find interesting insights that chart courses for future action.
This is such a timely essay with great insight. I love how you related it to Odysseus and his run-in with the sirens. I'm currently trying to cut down on scroll time as well for my mental well-being. I have a copy of Thoreau's Walden by me to turn to when I get the urge to open a social media app.
So glad it was helpful! Thanks for letting me know.
Yeah, voids tend to get filled and having something good to fill it with can be helpful. But there's something powerful about a "via negativa" approach to wayfinding in our life.
Andrew, your exploration of holding back, of consciously assessing our initial reactions before giving in, is incredibly timely and practical. Love how you use 'The Mast' as a deliberate restraint to pause and reflect. Thank you for sharing these insights and practical strategies for navigating life's sirens without succumbing to their call.
Great read. It’s wild how in meditation you can just observe your thoughts bouncing on autopilot and realize you’re not as in control as you thought.
Odysseus' journey can be seen as a metaphor for the souls progress towards wisdom. At a stage where we can still be distracted from our purpose in life, it can be necessary to tie ourselves to the mast - but that is not the ultimate solution. Our task is to find our purpose and to learn to stay focused.
"hurry to yourself. As you progress, strive above all to be consistent with yourself. If ever you want to find out whether anything has been achieved, observe whether your intentions are the same today as they were yesterday. A change of intention shows that the mind is at sea, drifting here and there as carried by the wind. A thing that is well grounded does not move about. That is how it is for the completely wise person, and also to some extent for the one who is making progress toward wisdom. What is the difference, then? The progressor moves, but does not shift position; he merely bobs in place. The wise person does not move at all".
- Seneca, Letters, 35.4.
the visual of the mast brings such vivid imagery to an issue i’ve been grappling with. it is a beautiful reminder that struggling to steer clear of our impulses and finding creative ways to at least wait for a dispassioned, clearer state of mind has been a pursuit since the very beginning. thank you!
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
Needed this today. Thank you. Gonna download that Freedom App.
Awesome. I'd love to hear if it's helpful.
Meditation does not provide a blank slate mind, but allows you a chance to try to be present while thoughts creep in. I find that after I meditate, if I journal on the thoughts that creep into my consciousness during my meditation sessions I'll find interesting insights that chart courses for future action.
Agreed. I can't tell you how many "problems," I've solved while meditating, or in the aftermath as I return to life.
This is such a timely essay with great insight. I love how you related it to Odysseus and his run-in with the sirens. I'm currently trying to cut down on scroll time as well for my mental well-being. I have a copy of Thoreau's Walden by me to turn to when I get the urge to open a social media app.
So glad it was helpful! Thanks for letting me know.
Yeah, voids tend to get filled and having something good to fill it with can be helpful. But there's something powerful about a "via negativa" approach to wayfinding in our life.
Andrew, your exploration of holding back, of consciously assessing our initial reactions before giving in, is incredibly timely and practical. Love how you use 'The Mast' as a deliberate restraint to pause and reflect. Thank you for sharing these insights and practical strategies for navigating life's sirens without succumbing to their call.
So glad it was helpful! Thanks for letting me know that you got something out of my writing.