“The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.”
― Jack London
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Just watched the new James Bond movie. Don’t watch it unless you have nearly 3 hours to park your bum. It’s entertaining for sure (it’s Bond!), but by crikey, does it require some bladder stamina.
Without spoiling anything, the above quote appears in the film – and it’s right up my alley.
The whole philosophy of “Shine bright – burn out, don’t fade away” tickles my fancy on a deep, deep level.
You see, we all have the potential to live extraordinary lives.
Maybe not lives that meet our culture’s norm of what success may be – but lives that are full and rich and successful according to the very person that lives that life … you, me, us.
We have everything we need to do this, already.
Some time to reflect and remind you what is truly valuable in your life, a touch of guidance, some useful tools to go inward and ease the journey forward, quality company amongst those who inspire and support you and remind you not to take a single thing too seriously …
All these help extraordinarily, but you already are what you seek; you already are what you need.
You don’t need to wait to begin. Start. Show up, ask questions along the way, and don’t quit. Dan John, a weightlifting coach said that. He stated that was all that’s needed to be better at anything in life. And he’s right. Don’t wait. Get going.
It’s the prioritising and remembering not to waste life that lights my fire. Of not letting life just tick by; of making the most of whatever time we have.
You see, more of whatever you want from life is on the table.
You get to decide what that more might be, but I’ve had my material share of more. And the good things of life are good because they are good. There’s no denying how marvellous cool stuff like trips and tech and clothes and meals and experiences and other shiny things are.
But there’s more to life than just the blind pursuit of material more.
None of it will truly satisfy unless you can be mindful and complete in any given moment, regardless of how your external life and world looks.
Your soul counts; don’t discount it.
Everything comes from there – appreciation, gratitude, love, compassion, wisdom, courage, clarity, calm … everything that is truly valuable to you, everything that allows you to make the most of your external world, everything that makes a life worth living … everything comes from within.
Prioritise your inner journey.
Don’t delay!
You’ll find deeper and deeper richness, more and more absolute security and certainty in this rapidly changing world, more and more Flow and freedom and ease in living a life you love.
Don’t delay. Just begin. Ask questions. Don’t quit.
Epictetus is an old Stoic – I love him precisely because he doesn’t mess around. He never minces his words, so given the straight up nature of this, here’s a slice of him to finish this:
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"Now is the time to get serious about living your ideals. How long can you afford to put off who you really want to be? Your nobler self cannot wait any longer.
Put your principles into practice – now. Stop the excuses and the procrastination. This is your life! You aren’t a child anymore. The sooner you set yourself to your spiritual program, the happier you will be. The longer you wait, the more you’ll be vulnerable to mediocrity and feel filled with shame and regret, because you know you are capable of better.
From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do – now."
— Epictetus
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Juicy, huh?
Go well. Let me know how I may assist in this journey of yours.
Arjuna
PS.
So I write these longer bits every Wednesday. But I also endeavour to write shorter bits most week days.
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The next Ascension meditation courses:
8-10 April
8-10 July
Latest book:
“Chasing More and Finding Enough – How Being is the Greatest Foundation for Everything You Do.”