In Create! I noted that Seneca said… “As each day arises, welcome it as the very best day of all, and make it your own possession. We must seize what flees.”
Tomorrow is a milestone birthday for me; my 65th. I truly have no idea what such an arbitrary number and sense of time that means. I guess it means that I have had some 23,725 Days (not including Leap Days) to seize the Day, lol.
Some Days I have done that better than others. That said, in What Are You Thinking? I offered that “I certainly do not see see myself as over some proverbial hill but I do see myself as ever climbing the beautiful mountain that is Life. Onwards.” So, I get to do it all again, starting tomorrow. Insh’allah.
And that said, on the Eve of 6-5, I find myself centering on “We must seize what flees.” Tomorrow, I also am attending the funeral of a wonderful woman, who I choose to Honor. And, it reinforces thought on “seize what flees”. So, what is the meaning of Life; or at least my own?
This pic is of me at 18 months. Indeed what was I thinking? I know that look because it speaks to an inherent and robust Curiosity that I have forever held. Some 63+ years later, it still burns within. But what am I curious about forward? If I hold Curiosity as part of my spiritual DNA, where is that Curiosity leading me as meaning for my Life; as my seizing what is fleeing? What is the trail that has most meaning for me to curiously follow?
With dear and wise Elizabeth in mind and heart, I am reflecting on what matters most to me. I am a Baha’i by much discerned choice. I am a student of Stoicism as well. I have forever seen myself as a Terran; a world citizen. Newfoundland and Labrador is my cherished Neighbourhood, Canada is my loved Village, and the World is my adored Country.
Developing commUNITY is a Curiosity. The exploration of Character and Purpose in getting there is too. Humans Together Strong is my Just Cause. I believe in my Baha’i principles. I still see myself as an Educator, Speaker, Coach, Writer, Creator … advancing Character Leadership and Education … to move forward together, stronger … engaging change. But where is my Curiosity taking me?
As I prayerfully discern and decide around that question, as I consider my recent 5 Card Spread for the Year, here is what is bubbling up.
Dignity and Wisdom.
In my Just Cause, in my work and Service, and in my speaking, teaching, training, facilitating, coaching, mentoring, writing, blogging, vlogging, singing, dancing, boxing, aiming and creating… what do Dignity and Wisdom look like in consistent practice? I am not talking of “stuffiness” nor “guruism”. I believe in neither. But, what do Dignity and Wisdom look like in humble countenance and gait?
I think of the Mandalorian, lol. I think of “The Way”. I think upon what being fierce and fortified in my own “Way” might look like. I think upon what Dignity and Wisdom would look like in how I carry myself as an Educator, Entrepreneur and Creator. I think upon what Dignity and Wisdom might look like in practice at home, school, work, business, play and community.
And, I am curious.
It intrigues me.
It composes me.
It brings a deeper Confidence.
It forges a higher level of Congruence.
I guess what I am suggesting is that focusing on the manifestation and practice of consciously chosen and desired Virtues, can be a focus of Curiosity and craft. It is less about what we do and who we serve, but how… in countenance and gait. Yes, noble aims are important. But the journey is the destination. If I explore and advance on my own sense of Dignity and Wisdom, The Way becomes ever more clear.
A thought for any of us today… is two fold. “Seize what flees” and make this Life count. And, choose two Virtues as your consistent footsteps to explore and advance and learn from, each Day.
For me, on the Eve of 6-5, with Elizabeth in mind and heart, I am curious about the countenance and gait of Dignity and Wisdom. I am intrigued to explore how they might govern my path forward in Life. I am curious to explore what getting up each Day with those two Virtues to explore … might look like and where they could take me.
What would they do for reputation?
What would they do for what I bring to the world and how I carry it?
What would they do for my own sense of Compassion, and Principle and Intention? And, I am curious as to how I would cultivate same.
I have long thought that I will not change the world, but I will be the 900 pound gorilla who has the backs of those who will. I think Dignity and Wisdom (see within), humbly practiced, will be part of sharpening the blades on being that.
So, I leave you with 3 Questions…
- What matters most to you?
- Who matters most to you?
- What two Virtues, curiously explored and developed, would help you serve them better?
… and this little ditty… you can adapt and adopt for yourself maybe, lol.
- This “old man”,
- he plays free,
- he’s got more ahead yessirree.
- With a dream pack, gladly packed,
- give this “Dog” his own…
- this “old man” keeps rollin’ on.
“Seize what flees” and bring it each Day.
Barry Lewis Green, The Unity Guy with Epic Engage.
CONSIDER
Developing Leadership Character – Ivey Business Journal
“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
“Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness. People are just people, and all people have faults and shortcomings, but all of us are born with a basic goodness.” ― Anne Frank
“Waste no more time arguing over what a good man should be. Be one.” — Marcus Aurelius
“The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct.” — Baha’u’llah