Delve into increasing levels of complexity, and with each instance, reiterate that complexity into simplicity that anyone can understand.  

Now you’re a genius.

I like to trick myself into thinking that the things I work on are important:  my body, my mind, my writing, etc…but I know these will all fade into dust, so that’s where I cultivate an unrestrained enjoyment of applying myself to deeper principles.  It all disappears, so I must train myself to revel in the transient, and then let it pass.  

That’s how you keep the party going.  😉

People like to declare themselves worthy of man/womanhood and want to be treated accordingly.  But I say demonstrate through your actions that you have no holes in your game, and others will come around.  No need to beat your chest or bray it for the world to hear—I’ve met too many people who demand my gravest and most serious consideration on how much ass they’re going to kick…then never follow through.  And that’s okay, because that’s a lesson in how to be tolerant to others while driving myself mercilessly.  Use all of it.

There’s massive power in that improvisational, unstructured free-flow.  But ironically, in order to truly take advantage of it, one’s inner self must be INCREDIBLY structured/disciplined.  Take for example Miyamoto Musashi, who used people’s attachment to convention as a weapon to unbalance them—Outwardly:  Stupid hair (for the era), unbathed, habitually late, and disrespectful.

Inwardly:  Completely the opposite.

Despite all appearances to the contrary, the profound is in the mundane.  There’s also love within the misery.

Realizing that right there determines whether life becomes drudgery or adventure.

I believe that everything works.  Everything.

The question then becomes:  What works best in the limited time that we have?

Hold yourself accountable and scrutinize every action and every thought; that way, when someone attempts to ensnare you, they’ll have nothing to hold.

You’ll have worked out the escapes long beforehand.

In the service of what you know to be right, lie/cheat/steal—as long as you have held yourself truly accountable and are acting with the truest, highest intent.  Then you’re covered.

“The greatest measure of the Nineteenth Century. Passed by corruption, aided and abetted by the purest man in America.”  —Thaddeus Stevens speaking about Lincoln passing the Thirteenth Amendment

Sometimes, becoming stronger entails purposefully becoming worse so you can set aside talents and struggle to conquer weakness.  Focus is shifted from successful comfort to audacious evolution.

In this way, an inner pilgrimage can be made without outwardly having to take a single step.

Acquiring a rare ability is as simple and difficult as making yourself fall in love with it.