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7/20/2020 Reconnecting With NatureHop on social media and you can find a endless amount of accounts pumping out stoic quotes.  If you follow sports, celebrities, or the many self proclaimed gurus and experts on social media you’ll hear many talk about being stoic. I have heard MMA great Connor McGregor talk about developing the “stoic mindset” quite often the past few years that he’s been in the spotlight. What does it mean to have a stoic mindset? According to many web sources, Stoicism is a philosophy that was started in the 3rd century BC by Zeno of Citium in Athens. This is the definition of “OLD SCHOOL”. I have been reading and studying about the Stoic philosophers for a while now and applying their core principles to my own experience and I love it. Unfortunately many of the people out there who are preaching Stoicism and a Stoic mindset, etc., are not really practicing the philosophy. Reading information and not applying it or twisting the context seems to be a regular practice of a lot of the resources I've found. The Stoics had some core principles that they believed would help a man live the “GOOD LIFE”. While the perception of “GOOD LIFE” has probably changed over the last 2300 years or so — the principles are still as relevant today. Over the next several days my blog will be dedicated to some of the stoic principles as I’ve come to apply and understand them. Live In agreement with natureThe first Stoic principle I’d like to share with you is to "Live In Agreement with nature". “For what is Man? A rational animal, subject to death. At once we ask, from what does the rational element distinguish us? From wild beasts. And from what else? From sheep and the like. Look to it then that you do nothing like a wild beast, else you destroy the Man in you and fail to fulfil his promise. See that you do not act like a sheep, or else again the Man in you perishes. While humans stand out from every other animal and in may ways that separate us from all other species, the truth is we are not separate from nature, instead, we are nature. Many tend to think of nature as something separate from themselves, we hear it in every day conversation and counsel. “Get out and connect with nature” is a common piece of advice for the tired and stressed. “I can’t wait to get out and connect with nature again” a common statement for someone about to head out of the city for a few weeks of vacation in 'nature'. A lot of my clients, especially busy professionals, tend to feel disconnected from nature. I submit that you are nature — so if you feel separated from nature you are actually feeling separated from your true self. And if that’s the case a week in the mountains or at the beach will have no more than a short term positive impact at best. To reconnect with nature we must first reconnect with our true being. Remember we are human beings not human doings. To reconnect with yourself, you must get to a true understanding of the disconnects. To overcome anything first requires a full understating of that which we seek to overcome. What Disconnects Us From Our True Selves?Let's look at a short and very incomplete list of some common things that keep us disconnected from our true selves.
The list could go on but these are a handful of the primary reasons for one being disconnected from self and from nature. what’s the solution?If we want to not merely survive but thrive in this lifetime — If we want to live a life of purpose and fulfillment you must reconnect with nature by first reconnecting with our authentic self. Think of it like a restoration project. First step is to identify the disconnects and seek to truly understand them. When we understand something we can overcome it, master it, utilize it and change it. Next , we must learn the flexibility and adaptability skills needed to thrive in this ever-changing world we live in. Too many people think education and schooling are the same thing. Wrong! Yes schooling can be part of your education even though it usually isn’t (topic for another day), but true education is gained through self study, application, and experience. Most tend to believe education stops when schooling stops. This thinking makes people stagnant in their growth. The first couple steps above are great start, now it’s time to dig deep and find your unique genius. Everyone has Michael Jordan level talent at something and that something is your unique genius. It’s in your unique genius you will discover your purpose and that’s when you begin to live a truly fulfilling life. Finally for today, if you want to reconnect with your true self, live a fulfilling life, find your unique genius, overcome the things stopping you then you must get around other growth minded people. Notice I didn’t say like minded — another common term used that can really keep you stuck. I don’t seek to be around like minded people. Like minded people won’t make me think beyond were I am at. Growth minded associations give us the opportunity to be challenged and learn from people further along the path than you. It also gives you the opportunity to pay it forward for those walking the path behind you. “We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them” SummaryIn summary reconnecting with nature as a means to find, serenity, inner peace, and harmony starts with reconnecting with our true selves — since we are nature. The feeling of disconnect from nature is a feeling of disconnect from ourselves. Opportunity: If you think you are ready to start your personally restoration project and reconnect with your authentic self consider the “Redemption Experience” Hosted by my coach James Arthur Ray. I’ll be attending and arming myself with the mindset, flexibility, adaptability and emotional intelligence to reconnect with myself and thrive in what ever chapter our amazing planet encounters next. The world is changing with or without you — Are you ready to THRIVE and change your reality? Learn more and reserve your seat using the link below — http://www.mikecalderwood.me/blog/redemption-experience Comments are closed.
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