Dr. Thomas Maples

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

Nurturing Grace: The Divine Equation of Love & Preventing Burnout – A Sacred Journey: Where Myths Unfold and Potential Awakens

Are you a chronic caregiver, natural helper, or over-giver who feels like you’re running on empty? In this episode of A Sacred Journey, we dive into Dr. Thomas Maples’ insightful essay, Nurturing Grace: The Divine Equation of Love.We explore the "divine equation" from the Gospel of Mark—loving your neighbor as yourself—and why internal self-nurturance is a non-negotiable prerequisite for sustainable service. Learn why you "can't pour wine from a broken bottle," how to integrate the "holy no" to protect your boundaries, and practical ways to practice silence through Lectio Divinaand the intentional pause.

1. Nurturing Grace: The Divine Equation of Love & Preventing Burnout 18:21
2. The Chiseling of the Soul: Finding Mercy Beyond Guilt and Shame 19:04
3. Filling Your Cup: The Discipline of Loving-Kindness 20:42
4. Fill Your Glass: The Disciplined Practice of Loving-Kindness 12:07
5. The Architecture of Joy: Navigating Darkness to Find Your Light 17:28