The reflexive answer is “I do, of course!” But do you really? How much of our behavior is unthinking, unanalyzed routine? Goalless habit? Or simply being emotionally reactive to outside events? How many times have we found ourselves seemingly in the grip of forces that feel outside ourselves, beyond our control?
The mind that is not in control of itself is a slave to others, to random occurrences, adrift on the sea of life, buffeted by winds and currents, on a rudderless and meaningless path. You can regulate your mind, you can direct and control your thoughts and through them, your emotions. BUT it is far from an easy task. Self-Mastery is a lifelong pursuit requiring much effort, study, and discipline as well as ongoing self-awareness (Journal! Conduct daily AARs: After Action Reviews).
Closing Quotes:
“I am, indeed, a king, because I know how to rule myself.” – Pietro Aretino, 1492-1556
“One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself.” – Leonardo da Vinci, 1452-1519
“Those who will not govern themselves are condemned to find masters to govern over them.” – Steven Pressfield
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.” – Lao Tzu, 6th Century BC
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier