There’s a timeless theme in Stoic philosophy on the “inner citadel” and focusing on what you can control. In keeping with this theme, I came across an incredible quote by Gandhi that is very much along these lines: “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet” A related quote of his is: “Nobody can hurt me without my permission” Stated similarly by Marcus Aurelius way before him: “All disturbance comes from within” Sentiments like these... Read more
The amount of wisdom found in Marcus never ceases to amaze me. To continue upon my previous post Marcus Aurelius on the Way, we have a key theme found in Marcus (and Stoic philosophy in general) on the dichotomy of control. With the adversities we face in life, we chose our attitudes and responses and whether or not we can turn them into opportunities – the power lying in focusing on what we can control. Along these lines, there is the... Read more
A truth bomb on stillness, presence, and gratefulness from Seneca: “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so, wants nothing.” Sage advice from a central figure in Stoic philosophy, it shares wisdom found in many religious and philosophical traditions. It’s not just a philosophical or religious assertion that mindfulness represents... Read more
Not just deep, but epoch – and also very complex. “Hurry boy, she’s waiting there for you” “It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you” “There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do” What may ring as a love song about someone (with references to Africa) at the surface level, upon deeper inspection it’s actually about love of Africa itself – and a critical choice. Band member and co-songwriter David Paich went to Catholic... Read more
Not the best Rocky movie; but a very deep scene from Rocky Balboa (6th installment of the Rocky movie franchise). Keeping with theme of Stoic wisdom of Marcus Aurelius on The Way and disturbance coming from within, we’re reminded character is defined by how we respond to adversity. In this scene, Rocky’s son is embarrassed by his father’s decision to come out of retirement – and how all the exposure will embarrass him. In essence, the center of his concern is... Read more
Another Stoic gem from Marcus on the dichotomy of control: “Our actions may be impeded by them, but there can be no impeding our intentions or dispositions. Because we can accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 5.20) From the dichotomy of control, we have important psychological/spiritual consequences when adversity comes knocking. As Massimo... Read more
In keeping with The Karate Kid and “everything is Kung Fu” theme, here’s a gem from the original, the “Rowboat Scene”, which represents the “everything is Karate” theme by way of the “so I don’t have to fight” revelation. You may remember that Daniel is practicing his form, while balancing on the Mr. Miyagi’s boat, eager to learn how to punch. Mr. Miyagi again intercepts Daniel’s eagerness to learn how to punch with a reply found in bushido, the samurai... Read more
Life; a bittersweet symphony – this song had to make the deep song breakdown. No punches pulled, right into the dilemma we go: ‘Cause it’s a bittersweet symphony, that’s life Tryna make ends meet, you’re a slave to money then you die This is not just existential assertion, but a very real biography about lead singer and song writer Richard Ashcroft’s father who worked a job as an office clerk and died suddenly of a brain hemorrhage when Richard was eleven.... Read more
How do you follow the genius of Ordinary World? Another soul-calling mic drop from Duran Duran; enter “Come Undone”, another epoch with a profoundly deep message. Let’s jump right into the song opening: Mine, immaculate dream made breath and skin I’ve been waiting for you Signed with a home tattoo “Happy birthday to you” was created for you Immaculate dream, breath, skin, waiting for you, happy birthday created for you… incredibly deep lyrically. So haunting and deep that it’s made... Read more
Episode 9 is here! This episode features a conversation with Daniele Bolelli. Daniele is a writer, martial artist, university professor, and podcaster. He was born in Italy and currently lives in Los Angeles. After graduating from UCLA with a B.A. in Anthropology and earning graduate degrees in American Indian Studies and History at UCLA and Cal State Long Beach, he began teaching at several colleges in Southern California. He’s lectured on a wide range of subjects including American Indian history... Read more
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