Perseverance: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Perseverance and the Need for Inner Courage

I have always loved the story of The Hare and Tortoise. It is one of my favorite of Aesop’s fables. But what lessons does it teach, other than the age-old idiom slow and steady wins the race?

When I read this story, I cannot help but think of two primary virtues: Perseverance and the will to engage our inner courage. Psyche, the element of the soul that lies within our inner depths, will show us that two opposing forces are present. Like the soul’s opposite, the spirit, we find a battle at the heart of this tale, one between the ego and the Self. This battle is readily apparent in the imagery present, where the hare allows his self-assured nature to coax him into taking a nap. This decision will ultimately fail him when the Self-assured tortoise knows he needs to keep one foot in front of the other to reach his destination.

To persevere, we must create inroads toward self-assured knowledge about the beauty of our gifts. But we must also heed not to let ego distractions sway us from the destination of a Self-realized state, for it is in this higher construct that we create meaning in life. Remember, even Lao Tzu stated, “a Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Put one foot in front of the other, and maybe the journey leads to that destination once only held in the confines of your dreams.

With blessings, my friends. May your journey unfold with health, wealth, and happiness as you advance confidently in the direction of your dreams. Goodbye for now.

A Sacred Journey Podcast

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"You cannot pour from an empty cup." Dr. Thomas Maples joins us to discuss why loving-kindness is more than just a feeling—it's a powerful tool for spiritual development.Learn how to shift your perspective away from despair using mindfulness and faith. We dive deep into the psychology of self-compassion, the necessity of facing our internal darkness, and how to cultivate a lasting sense of hope. If you're looking to bridge the gap between psychology and spirituality, this episode is your roadmap to authentic joy.

Dr. Thomas Maples