All models of reality rely on a core unprovable premise, which if proven false, would cause the entire model to be revamped.  (In biology for example, the “dogma of biology” is that DNA transcribes to RNA transcribes to protein; if that were proven false, then all subsequent theories would need reworking).  

So in light of unprovable premises, the importance of structure and logic becomes clear:  Logic and structure are for navigation and guidance, not for proselytization.

The irony is that (in the beginning) we must venerate rituals and symbols in order to train focus and attention, and in the end, we must cast aside those staid tokens/regalia in order to banish the illusion that we are “separate” or “lesser.” It is during those latter stages that the fantasticality of interconnectedness begins to set. 😊

Worthy endeavors will never consistently “feel good.”  In fact, I believe that the purpose of a worthy endeavor is to stretch to that point where things are “unpleasant” then train your perspective to where that “unpleasantness” actually becomes…enjoyable.  And move on to the next thing.  And the next thing.  And in the vastness of our lives and infinity, we’ll forget we ever dreamed something so silly as “unpleasantness,” and realize that we were having fun all along. 😉

“The proper way to live?”  Honestly I have no clue.  But I DO know that we’re here for a limited time.  I take that to mean I should explore; be flexible with my identity and perspectives; in order to be whatever I need to be, whenever I need to be it…

So that I can enjoy this mystery.  This wonder.  This GIFT.  😄

I firmly believe we are more than just producers and consumers…I believe we are constantly given Easter eggs and clues to our true nature and purpose:  To explore, to love, laugh and dream, and to realize that it really IS all good in the end. 😉

All that hardass warrior stuff is great; it’s necessary to get stuff done, perform on time, push yourself, and be able to walk the walk.  But so many of us glory in its grim elitism and go no further.  IMHO that mentality is a means, not an end; it’s a tool you use with all the other tools so that you can jam with [something] that puts “warrior”—or ANY label—to shame.  

(That [something] is best understood when it remains nameless 😉 )

Over the years, the motivational phrase, “How bad do you want it?” has changed in my mind to,“How willing are you to humble yourself and expose the depths of your ignorance?”  While early results may initially be obtained by sheer desire, I believe that that approach will inevitably plateau.  To keep progressing, we must look inward and dissolve conceptual blockages and biases that, most of the time, we wouldn’t even notice if we decided not to look.

 The process is painful, but IMHO, the reward is BEYOND magnificent.  😉

Astronaut Chris Hadfield wryly points out, “people want to believe stuff, but they don’t want to try and understand it.”  There’s an important implication here:  the FUN of knowledge is in trying to understand!  When it’s relegated to blind belief then it becomes dead and dogmatic; it’s only when we pursue its never-attainable completion that we get to continuously revel in discovery. 😆

Failures are life’s riddles which, upon being solved, cause you to enter Beast Mode. 😆

Actively teach yourself, actively push yourself, actively question yourself and hold yourself accountable…be ACTIVE.  Eventually, you’ll transcend the need for a guru and the concept of “teacher” will fall away; there will only be guides, and buddies to party with.  

No bosses, no masters, no gurus, no holy people…just endless play at an endless party.  😉