For a time yesterday I was standing on one of lifeâs several summits, looking back across the landscape already crossed. I was the oldest person at lunch with a small group of friends, each of them climbing over their own landscapes a decade back or more. I remember crossing similar terrain, though by a different path: caring for a small child, or a newly minted teen, being midway upon a career, or struggling a bit in a land where I sometimes didnât feel like I belonged. Itâs so much easier now. Like coming through wind and clouds to arrive at some unexpected very high peak. The route ahead looks to go downward now, away from these mountains of adulthood and parenthood and career, and the deep responsibilities these important roles entail. Downward and away from the wind and the snow, towards what looks like green valleys and winding streams. I do see some dark places up ahead, bends where the shadows grow deep and long. And thereâs what seems like nighttime in the further distance, no stars, no moon, no light. Maybe now I get to begin walking down. Maybe now the big climb is finally done. And thereâs Yumiko on the trail ahead, waiting with the dogs for our evening stroll. Down we go now into the warmer air. The quieter valley. The peaceful walk together to the end.
âď¸ THE GOOD LIFE CREED âď¸
The Good Life Meditation serves as a daily compass, orienting me towards personal objectives and principles essential for a purposeful existence within an indifferent universe. Further your understanding of The Good Life by visiting my website, GoingAlone.org, or delve into my book Going Aloneâhardcover recommended. Get a signed copy here. đâď¸
đŻ OBJECTIVES: 1. Be Always Ready to Die â ď¸ 2. Make Good Use of Time and Resources âłđ ď¸ 3. Develop Good and Sound Life Principles đđŚ 4. Cultivate Good Emotional Reactions đđĄ 5. Perform Good Actions đ¤â 6. Recognize True Limits and Opportunity đŞđ 7. One Thing Slowly đ˘đ§ââď¸
8. Maintain Balance âď¸
đ PRINCIPLES: 1. Principle of War âď¸ 2. Principle of Reason đ§ 3. Homunculus đ¤ 4. Anchorhold â 5. Home of Good and Evil đđ 6. Principle of Purpose đŻ 7. Atomic Principle âď¸ 8. Principle of Nature đł 9. The Pirate Ride đ´ââ ď¸ 10. Principle of Maturity đąâĄď¸đł 11. Social Principle đ¤
12. Principle of Family đ¨âđŠâđ§ 13. Public Speaking đŁď¸ 14. Temperance đˇâĄď¸đ§ 15. Life Will Not Go Well âď¸ 16. The Horror Show đđą 17. That Which Must Be Borne đ 18. The Feast of Offal đď¸đ˝ď¸ 19. Distraction đľ 20. Agency and The Great Indifference âď¸đ 21. The Best Seat in the House đď¸ 22. The Restless Man đŁ 23. The Path of Wildness đ˛đ¤ď¸ 24. The Great Life Adventure đşď¸ 25. The Risk of Avoiding Risk đ˛ 26. Sin and Damnation đđĽ 27. Complete Oblivion đłď¸ 28. The Season of Philosophy đ
29. Scriptwriting đď¸đ 30. Bullseye Aim đŻ 31. The Uphill Climb â°ď¸ 32. Arena and Utility đď¸đ§ 33. Nothing IS enough 0ď¸âŁ 34. The Principle of Fun đ
35. Being Ready đ
đđđśââď¸ Kurt Bell is a passionate explorer, dedicated family man, and author of books such as "Going Alone" and "No More Looking Out For Number One." Born in America in 1964, he integrates Stoic philosophy into his physical and philosophical journeys. Today's venture on The Path of Wildness embodies this harmonious blend of exploration and mindful living. While Kurt savors these moments and looks forward to future adventures, he remains ever prepared for life's end, ready to depart without a single backwards glance.
đ Website: https://goingalone.org
âśď¸ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/softypapa
đ§ Email: dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com
đ Support my endeavors on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/softypapa
My name is Kurt Bell
Learn more about The Good Life in my book Going Alone
Be safe... But not too safe.