Day 238/366 days Towards Self-Mastery.
Grasping an understanding of the human condition has been a life-long interest. One thing is for certain, there seem to be innumerable ways of doing that.
As we look out through these incredible eyes we can understand ourselves in most everything we see.
What meaning does it have for us?
Once we've asked that question we begin to see ourselves and understand something more about our way of viewing and making meaning of the world around us.
Sarah this morning suggests that movies are a great way to ponder the meaning of life. I couldn't agree more, although I have to say that her imagination for movies far outstrips my own. Learning in progress.
When I choose a movie to settle down with for the evening I want to understand the human expression behind the story and images that I am feasting on. It gives me enormous insight into a world that may not be one that I have explored personally.
Comedies are favourites that lift my spirits and tickle my own sense of humour. Some of the best comedies have taught me much about life. I have so much admiration for those who can use their innate talents for humour without apology to create a comedic environment that draws us in and enables us to lose ourselves for a short period of time.
Biographies are another genre that inspires me, and I especially love feasting on those of great chefs or artisan farmers and artists who craft the alchemy of the elements, earth, fire, metal, water and wood into life's essentials.
Historic movies inform and remind me of the ground on which my forebearers crafted their lives. And sci fi gives me an insight into the ponderings of those who are imagining our future.
It's been a while since exploring life through movies and it's something I need to return to. It adds texture and liveliness to my life without which I tend to be all about getting on with the business of study and living.
Sarah suggests making lists of movie titles that interest you so that when you next have an evening free to indulge yourself in an exploration of life outside your usual dalliances you have a catalogue of choice.
All you need then is a bowl of popcorn and a cozy nook.
366 days Towards Self-Mastery
When I considered my New Year's intentions for 2020 I had just one: To allow my heart to love what it loved...and let it lead me. (If not now, then when?)
I've spent months working on integrating my life. To live life more fully with my home life, my interests, my work, my responsibilities, all coming together, all connected. I want to give each the attention that they desire and need, and still have time and energy for the others. That means living and working from the heart.
As I was clearing out my bookshelf over the Christmas break I discovered Simple Abundance. I set it aside to explore it on New Year's Day as I lazed through another delicious day of nothingness. Sarah, the author, says this book is about living in grace. Living in grace I realised, is about Self-Mastery.
My thirst for understanding the human condition has driven me all my life, and hand-in-hand with self-mastery it has been a life-long goal. And seeing as I love to write, that living in grace is about self-mastery, and I love a bit of a challenge, then if I am truly going to let my heart lead, I really don't have any other choice. So scary as it feels, I'm starting out on a daily mission of leaning into the suggestions of this daybook and making a daily post to keep me accountable. If not now, then when?
I'm Josie. You can find out a little more about me here.
Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy: by Sarah Ban Breathnach.
This book is written for the Australian and NZ market because it refers to seasonal changes. It's available on Amazon here if you'd like to follow along.
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