According to Seneca, a peace-filled mind cannot be achieved unless one has “an unwavering and firm power of judgement.” Otherwise, we’re stuck in a cycle of acceptance and rejection based in, “... the most uncertain guide - common opinion.” (Moral Letters, 95.57b-58a)
He calls this state of mind needed to achieve tranquility, euthymia, and defines it as “... believing in yourself and trusting that you are on the right path, and not being in doubt by following the myriad footpaths of those wandering in every direction.” (De Tranquillitate Animi - On the Tranquility of the Mind)
(mindful pause)
I sat with this today, and wondered how this self-generated trust and confidence stays safe from arrogance and ego. I’m not sure it’s about that… I believe it’s more about not constantly comparing ourselves to others.
Staying the course, in this case, is more akin to resting in one’s own path. Of course there will be deviations and course corrections (it’s a live show, after all)...
… just not the kind of course corrections that see us lured toward the rocks by sirens.
I wonder, how does “staying the course” look when new data comes in? Are we obligated to change? Are we missing out on an opportunity to keep a flexible mind?
Well, yes… and no. As with most things, it’s complex.
Like a willow, the tree-example that folx use when referencing flexibility, we must bend so we don’t break, etc, etc… but, even with all the bending, the willow retains its shape and identity as a willow. It exemplifies flexibility AND a firm identity.
That is what staying the course looks like for us, the willows’ non-arboreal, Earthling cousins.
(See y’all tomorrow)
He calls this state of mind needed to achieve tranquility, euthymia, and defines it as “... believing in yourself and trusting that you are on the right path, and not being in doubt by following the myriad footpaths of those wandering in every direction.” (De Tranquillitate Animi - On the Tranquility of the Mind)
(mindful pause)
I sat with this today, and wondered how this self-generated trust and confidence stays safe from arrogance and ego. I’m not sure it’s about that… I believe it’s more about not constantly comparing ourselves to others.
Staying the course, in this case, is more akin to resting in one’s own path. Of course there will be deviations and course corrections (it’s a live show, after all)...
… just not the kind of course corrections that see us lured toward the rocks by sirens.
I wonder, how does “staying the course” look when new data comes in? Are we obligated to change? Are we missing out on an opportunity to keep a flexible mind?
Well, yes… and no. As with most things, it’s complex.
Like a willow, the tree-example that folx use when referencing flexibility, we must bend so we don’t break, etc, etc… but, even with all the bending, the willow retains its shape and identity as a willow. It exemplifies flexibility AND a firm identity.
That is what staying the course looks like for us, the willows’ non-arboreal, Earthling cousins.
(See y’all tomorrow)
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