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Minimalism VI
According to ancient Greek myth, the half-divine hero Heracles consulted the Oracle of Delphi for guidance. He was assigned to perform 12 daunting feats, most of which modern people would regard as unethical, like killing and stealing. There was one labor that encouraged integrity, though. Heracles had to clean the stables where over a thousand divine cattle lived. The place hadn’t been scrubbed in 30 years! As I meditated on your hero’s journey in the coming months, Libra, I concluded that you’d be wise to begin with a less grandiose version of Heracles’ work in the stables. Have fun as you cheerfully tidy up everything in your life! By doing so, you will earn the power to experience many deep and colorful adventures in the coming months. -Rob Brezsny
Five Reflections
- Reflect upon how the food has come before you—how the food might have been grown, how it was prepared, and how it was brought to you as your meal.
- Reflect upon your virtues and conduct. Are you worthy of the meal?
- Focus only on the meal in front of you without rushing through it and without thinking any other thoughts.
- Eat not from a gourmet perspective, weighing whether the meal is tasty, but simply to support your life.
- Eat so you are able to pursue the objectives that you would like to achieve.
Five Remembrances
- I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.
- I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape having ill health.
- I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.
- All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them.
- My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.