Yesterday we talked about Pascal and I promised some more discussion about his thought.http://claritytodesire.com/2015/02/21/pascal/ He spent time on big themes such as who are we; man’s relationship to the Universe. His thought is not obvious but well worth reading and meditating on.
One of Pascal’s large themes is distraction. He meant this in a deeper way than just frivolous enjoyment.
For him distraction was anything that took you away from your path. Needless to say this included things that normal people (us) might consider important. This includes work if it isn’t your path and it keeps you from it.
This is hard for us to accept. “I have to work.” “If I don’t have some down time I’ll go crazy.”
Think of the state of mind you are in when you are doing what you are supposed to be doing (who says you are, I know, but that’s for later!). There is an ease and focus that is hard to beat.
It’s kind of like the same focus a gamer has when playing or when we are in the groove in a tennis match or soccer game. The difference is that you are doing something important for you. You know it and feel it. Playing games pales after a while. No matter what they say 99% of professional athletes wouldn’t be playing if the money weren’t so good.
But the mind set of playing games is important. A playful expectation that fills you with joy; a light touch with gratitude for the fun you are having.
Following your path is like this; grimness doesn’t belong. Prizes don’t matter. It is something that resonates deep in your soul. And it is obvious to you.
You’ll be hearing more about distraction and self knowledge in future posts.
This piece was cogent, wewetlrit-ln, and pithy.