“First the man, then the Saint” is an age-old saying that refers to the vital importance of forming ourselves as people, as a basis upon which everything else sits. So I’m trying to do that, sharing my journey of personal growth and self-mastery here in short daily reflections.
Self-Criticism
"Don't build your own enemy." - Jordan Peterson Why are we so often our own worst enemy? Why do we sabotage our own growth, quench our own dreams, and pre-empt our own chances of happiness? I think the question as to why is less important than the decision to stop...
Dive In
“You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” - Tina Fey I stood there, backwards, at the very end of the diving board, paralyzed with fear. I knew in my head the motion my body had to follow,...
Suffering and Depth
One must really have suffered oneself to help others. - Mother Teresa Suffering is the burning question that haunts generation after generation, trying to make sense of how senseless it feels. Everyone has something; no one is exempt. Millions and millions of people...
Simplify
There are more distractions around us now than have ever existed in history. But distraction doesn't just come from negative things, like vices or addictions. Good things can also distract. Anything can overshadow our existence and take the front place, if we let...
Deep Roots
“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost;The old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring;Renewed shall be blade that was broken;...
Exodus 90 starts tomorrow
Tomorrow morning I'm embarking on a journey, with several of my friends and relatives, called Exodus90. It's a 90 day period, ending on Holy Saturday, of prayer, asceticism, and community. Thousands of men across the world are doing the same. While it is primarily...
Something Wild
Wildness is not something that is seen as positive, in our society. But I think wildness rises in the core of every man, at some basic level. Not wildness in the sense of crazy or devoid of direction. Intentional wildness. Striving, conquering, exploring,...
Peace
Pax tranquilitas ordinis. - St. Augustine "Peace is the tranquility of order." These wise words of St. Augustine sum up a central theme of Christian life. Peace is the reward of a well-ordered life; understanding our relationship to God, our relationship to others,...
Dangerous Harmlessness
“A harmless man is not a good man. A good man is a very dangerous man who has that under voluntary control.” -Jordan Peterson If I’m not strong enough to do what needs to be done to protect and provide for my family, then I’m not a good man. Physically,...
Game Plan
There are three parts to personal growth. Body, mind, and soul. In order to accomplish anything in any of these areas, it will take a specific plan. So for each one, I'm going to need to set a goal, and a first step to move in that direction, and then do them. 1. Body...