Dr. Thomas Maples

Inspiration

The Philosopher’s Corner

A wise man, well, Forest Gump, once said, “life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” There is such beauty in the simplicity of this quote, wouldn’t you agree. If we break it down, there is some real developmental kernals of truth to both these quotes, as it relates to the meandering nature of psychological ascent without the foundation of descent present. Let us explore.

The true mark of life is the tests it gives to the person engaged in its unfolding. We all face elements of time, a fall into consciousness, some of us out of consciousness, and all the while, we strive, strive, and strive forward, but to what end. In our quote for the day, Victor Hugo reminds us that falling from such a height is rarely a linear process. While physically, the body may fall straight down, emotionally, spiritually, even psychologically, this is never the case.

Life unfolds as a series of events. These events test our tenacity, creating the means by which the creation of our dreams is measured by the sum amplitude of the work we put in to attain their means. Failure is common, even welcomed during this time. It is the mark of the test present. How bad do you want it? That is yet to be determined. Can you last with what you are doing for a day, a week, a month, a year, a decade, a lifetime? While the last may seem absurd, especially when we view it from a perspective of reward based psychology, that is exactly the perspective that occurs when a General burns the boats to conquer an island. There is no way back. Only through commitment to perseverance, will the dreamer become the embodied representative of the vision committed to at the center of the dream.

When we are faced with a down time, go inside. What kernels of truth are in the pile of ash yet to be sifted through. It is there that you will find those glowing embers of the soul’s calling as you move to advance confidently in the direction of your dreams. Namaste my friends.

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