Navigating Philosophy and Self-Discovery: A Reflective Journey
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Chapter 1: The Essence of Personal Philosophy
I have a fondness for being authentic with others, almost as much as I adore chocolate, my two feline companions, and watching exceptionally skilled athletes on the football pitch. They might be impressive but also quite comical—what can I say?
Recently, I’ve found myself pondering the personal philosophies that guide us daily. These philosophies shape our perspectives on what is deemed good or bad, acceptable or not, appealing or unattractive. It’s quite remarkable that I can finally articulate my values—though sticking to them? That’s a different challenge (I really should check if I can use strong language here, as I tend to be quite expressive).
Our lives resemble a canvas, an ongoing masterpiece.
I penned a brief piece on the inherent creativity of humanity. Creativity, to me, is a vital skill—one that we are meant to cultivate and expand as we shape our identities like malleable clay. One crucial aspect is embracing our vision and curating our lives accordingly. It sounds straightforward; yet, it can be simple at times and complicated at others.
I appreciate being candid with you all. I’ve been falling short—quite significantly. To clarify: I know deep down that physical activity is essential for me. When I engage in it, I genuinely enjoy myself and feel invigorated. Squatting with a barbell on my back gives me a sense of accomplishment that feels monumental. My legs have defined muscles that I take pride in (though I’m a bit shy about showing them).
Yet, I struggle to make it to the gym. I know what I aspire to achieve, yet I haven’t been able to act on it. I envision sculpting my physique akin to Nubia from Wonder Woman (though I’m aware my body type may not align, but without dreams, what do we have?).
My philosophy is deeply influenced by years of studying yoga texts, particularly the Bhagavad Gita, which serves as a profound source of wisdom and inspiration. However, I often find myself emotionally tangled in the outcomes of my efforts.
Bridging the Gap: Lessons from the Gita
The Bhagavad Gita presents a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, a prince who faces the dilemma of waging war against his own kin. Arjuna grapples with the emotional turmoil of his situation, leading to a moment of crisis. I can relate to that feeling of despair.
Arjuna's inner turmoil is palpable; he is on the brink of abandoning his duty and escaping to the wilderness. Lord Krishna, his charioteer, intervenes with wisdom to guide him back.
The narrative begins with powerful verses that set the stage, portraying the battle as a perilous river that can only be crossed with Krishna’s guidance.
This battle serves as a metaphor for our own lives. We encounter difficulties that require us to dive in and confront challenges head-on. The obstacles may take many forms, but we must navigate through them. Simply renouncing everything is not a solution; we must take action to reach our goals.
Philosophy: A Call to Action
Philosophy is meant to be lived actively, and I realize that I have not embraced that principle fully lately. I believe that taking a deliberate pace fosters self-awareness. I believe in movement, creativity, continuous learning, and the power to design my own life. I seek liberation from various constraints and aspire to do good while helping others achieve the same.
I’m making progress in some areas, but the struggle is real.
While I’m not fully satisfied with my current state, life is about creation and evolution, and we must find ways to navigate our unique challenges. Each person’s journey is different; some may use boats or build bridges, while others might seek divine guidance.
Although I have a clear vision of what I want, I haven’t yet established a solid plan for how to achieve it. I believe yoga is a close fit for me—indeed, I feel certain it is. Yoga represents transformation. Life embodies change. Yoga reflects life (a sort of proof in its own right).
My takeaway is simple:
Live.
Be open to exploration and willing to adapt. It's essential to face setbacks, reassess, and avoid falling into the trap of comfort over growth. If you find yourself in despair, seek to live and hold onto hope. The next attempt might just lead to success.
Please feel free to leave a clap or a comment; it might just bring you a bit of luck!
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