from within outward
#131
A little known fact about me is that I own a small indie publishing press called 58 Kings. We have three novels and a book of poetry in our catalogue of books. Last week, I alluded to a new project I’m working on for the New Year. Part of the project involves getting 58 kings more “airtime.” Starting with publishing a zine for purchase on Gumroad. The zine covers the intersection of photography and poetry. Until this week, I didn’t know that there was a literary genre called photopoetry. Apparently, it’s been a thing since 1845! I love poetry, and I love photography. What could be better than a genre that celebrates them both in equal measure?
Welcome to the weekend!
Sipping coffee
embracing the calm
before the storm of the day
steam swirls from my cup
much like the thoughts
swirling in my mind
pause
take a sip
☕️ ☕️ ☕️
The ritual of morning coffee holds a deep significance for me. It's not just about the caffeine firing up my senses. It’s also about the momentary stillness it offers.
It’s a chance for me to gather my thoughts and to look inward before I step out into the world's relentless tide of demands. For me, sipping coffee is a bridge between the tranquil solitude of night and the dynamic energy of day.
In the space between sips, there's an opportunity for reflection, a moment to ponder the dreams that danced in my mind through the night and the realities that await me with the sunrise.
It's a time for setting intentions and aligning thoughts with actions. The warmth of the cup in my hands is a gentle reminder of the day's potential, of the warmth of human connections that might unfold, and of the heat of challenges that I most certainly will be faced with throughout the day.
The world outside starts to stir; the pace quickens, but the essence of this quiet moment will remain, tucked away like a secret whisper, a reminder of the calm that preceded the storm.
These moments, simple yet profound, are often overlooked in the hustle of daily life. But they hold within them a truth about existence: the importance of finding stillness amidst chaos, of cherishing the small rituals that ground us, and of embracing each day with a renewed sense of purpose and awareness. It’s in these moments that we often find clarity and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
How often do you pause to appreciate the fleeting moments of calm? Do you recognise the beauty and wisdom they offer, or do you let them slip away unnoticed?
I recently stumbled upon a thought-provoking quote by Osho: "Truth comes only to the rebellious, and to be a rebel is certainly to live dangerously." This got me thinking about the essence of being a rebel versus a free thinker. Are they the same? Or do they represent different paths to self-discovery and truth?
the rebel's path to truth
"Truth comes only to the rebellious," declares Osho, his words an irresistible call to nonconformity, a romantic vision beckoning me towards liberation. But as alluring as it seems to adopt the rebel's cloak, I pause to reflect.
Does truth reside in a defiant posture or in the stillness of an independent mind? Question assumption, yes, but must you live dangerously to be free?
How easily romantic notions seduce us—glorious visions of the righteous rebel, provocative and bold, raging against societal norms, uncovering hidden truths. But gaze deeper into the looking glass. Is it ego that drives defiance more than truth?
away from spotlight,
seething for change,
behold unheralded birds
quietly taking wing,
guided not by fury
but their inward compass
no rebels they,
only pilgrims of spirit
carving their own trail
not by resistance
but self-possession
do they slip the fetters
of convention
and we would-be rebels
enamoured of righteous revolt,
what deeper wisdom
might we uncover
by turning attention inward
before racing outward
in glorious battle?
tuning to whispering truth within -
might this humble path
reveal our calling clearer
than any banner raised skyward?
before taking Osho's word as creed,
ponder well the seeker's road
where stillness speaks louder
than shouting in the streets
truth flickers in many places
but often it is the lone bird
following inner light,
who startles us most
when she takes flight.
the silent force within
There exists a silent yet powerful force within you, often unacknowledged but ever-present. This force holds the remarkable ability to mould and transform your life into whatever shape you desire, provided you are willing to make that conscious choice. This power dwells in the subtle intricacies of the mind-body connection, manifesting through your thoughts, emotions, and empathetic responses.
Let's entertain the idea that your external reality—the tangible, physical world that surrounds you—is merely a reflection of your inner self. This idea is not new; philosophers, poets, sages, and spiritual seekers have explored and discussed it throughout history. They have all, in their unique ways, shed light on this profound truth: mastering your inner realm is the foremost, and perhaps most critical, first step in exerting control over your external world. Achieving mastery over your mind is akin to gaining mastery over the surrounding environment.
But what exactly does it mean to master your thoughts? How do you tame the wild horses of emotion and fine-tune the mind to align with the deepest truths that lead to such mastery?
Embarking on the journey towards self-mastery is to choose a less travelled path. It is a venture through the dense forests of personal fears, scaling the lofty peaks of self-doubt, and fording the vast rivers of disbelief.
This journey mirrors that of a hero, filled with myriad challenges yet abundant in opportunities for profound discovery and growth. It requires courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to self-exploration and improvement. Along this path, you learn to harness the power of your thoughts and emotions, channelling them towards positive change and greater self-awareness.
The pursuit of self-mastery extends far beyond the realms of personal benefit or self-enhancement. It's an exploration into the depths of your potential, a journey that empowers you to cultivate a life of harmony and fulfilment. This path isn't just about improving yourself in isolation; it's about the profound impact your inner transformation can have on the world around you.
By mastering your inner world—your thoughts, emotions, and attitudes—you begin to radiate positive energy that extends far beyond your personal sphere. This energy touches the lives of those you interact with, influencing your relationships in deeply meaningful ways. It can transform how you communicate, empathise, and connect with others, fostering deeper understanding and stronger bonds.
In communities, the effect of individual self-mastery can be even more pronounced. When individuals commit to personal growth and positive change, they become catalysts for collective transformation. They inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery, creating a ripple effect of positivity and growth. This collective movement can lead to more cohesive, supportive, and resilient communities where mutual respect and understanding are the norm.
Moreover, the journey to self-mastery has implications for the world at large. In a global society that often feels divided and turbulent, individuals who have mastered themselves can become beacons of stability and peace. They embody the principles of tolerance, empathy, and compassion, essential ingredients for a more harmonious global community. By contributing to the collective consciousness in this way, they play a crucial role in shaping a world that values cooperation over conflict, unity over division, and love over fear.
Ultimately, the journey to self-mastery is a universal endeavour, echoing the age-old wisdom that true change begins from within. It's about recognising that each individual has the power to effect positive change, not just in their own lives but in the wider world. This journey is not just a path to personal fulfilment; it's a commitment to creating a better world for future generations by laying the foundation for a society that values inner wisdom and personal growth as keys to global transformation.
postscript
What’s been working for you this week?
I’ve been busy delivering the last of my values and service workshops down in London. I managed to avoid the drama of the train strikes. I got into another discussion with myself about identity - actually it was about titles or labels as Kierkegaard called them: "Once you label me, you negate me." I used to support this idea, but now I'm thinking that once I label myself, I can focus on fulfilling my ambitions.
There are just 22 days left until the new year. I’m crafting my ambitions for 2024 now so I can hit the ground running. I need that label. I was going to be working in India at the start of the year, but now it seems I’ll be working in Egypt instead - specifically Cairo and Alexandria. The first free minute I have in Alexandria, I’m going straight to the Library of Alexandria, home to over 8 million books and manuscripts! I can’t wait to explore this legendary site of learning.
Be well my friend,
Clay