The end of a month is exciting for it represents a time of transition, the chance to review days gone by and make changes for personal growth in the days that lay ahead. The rubric for February looks something like a daily check-list and is presented in no particular order. This will become daily practice for the month until it is mastered . . . if nothing prevents me:
- ASK: "What would _____ do?"
"Cherish some man of high character, and keep him ever before your eyes, living as if he were watching you, and ordering all your actions as if he beheld them." (Epicurius)
- PREPARE: "What could go wrong?"
Think ahead, plan for contingencies. Don't let yourself be ambushed, taken by surprise.
- TRAIN: Practice voluntary discomfort.
Skip a meal, take a cold shower, "forget" your coat. Get out of your comfort zone.
- RESOLVE: "If nothing prevents me . . ."
The new "to do" list.
Accept what is outside your control and love it.
Infuse every opportunity with virtue
Let go. Nothing is yours, only borrowed.
Don't hoard or acquire what you will not use. Learn to use what you have.
People don't know what they are doing.
Stay calm, buy tranquility.
Daily Practice is the Philosophy