As 2015 fades away, for
many becoming yet another digitally logged chapter of an ever more
cyber-merged and so unconsciously cyber-led existence, the time is
apposite to awaken the sense of self; and so the innate potential within
all.
Becoming “all you
want to be” is of course as much about the journey as the
destination; the never-ending formation of self.
Past ages revered those
wise sages who could guide the consciousness of the many as part of a desire for greater civilisation. The edicts of 'big thinking' morphed
into the everyday actions of people; the realm of philosophy then seemingly so much
more apparent than today.
Though this be true as
a consequence of our complex modern age, its demands and
distractions, efforts toward high-mindedness have resurfaced, and
increasingly disseminated amongst the increasing many, not just the
academic few, obviously thanks to the global reach of the net.
New-new-age provision
by the likes of popular thinkers ranging from the proto-Marxist
Slavoj Zizek to the Capitalism-subsumed Alain de Botton.
The former is known for
his characterful idiosyncratic manner, loquaciousness and pop-culture
allegories, but ironically given his apparent academic remoteness
offers very prescient prescriptions for life in the real world. The
latter is far more commercially attuned as the scion of a very
wealthy financier family, today seeking to expand the popularity and
'monetisation' of his 'School of Life', which offers lessons in
'being' far less insightful (than Zizek), but far more easily applied
as the 21st century version of Deepak Chopra.
[NB The irony of course
that such insights are today seemingly more palatable through a
softly-spoken WASP mouthpiece to an aspirant, increasingly
'middle-class', global audience. Others who seek to make their mark
by merging wealth, philanthropy and philosophy, perhaps best
exemplified by George Soros, might seek to emulate de Botton's
approach].
For all such good
intentions, and the positive impact of Zizek, de Botton et
al, fact is that for most the recognition of such ideals is the
simple part, far harder is demonstration of such ideals in
word and action.
With this in mind,
investment-auto-motives suggests that the beginning of becoming “all
that you can be” might stem from the advantages of simple,
unwavering personal focus; whether for purely personal, amateur or
professional reasons.
Such targeted application not only provides a central aim in life, but provides the basis for a high mindedness which in turn fosters moral fortitude.
Such targeted application not only provides a central aim in life, but provides the basis for a high mindedness which in turn fosters moral fortitude.
In the book Outliers,
Malcolm Gladwell highlighted the 10,000 hour rule; notionally the
time expended to become proficient in a specific activity. Yet whilst
nothing is gained without the time absorbed by dedication, this is
overtly simplistic; people absorb, evolve and improve at different
rates given their individual propensity and the size of the task
undertaken.
Most find it better to
be inspired by the achievements of 'the best in their field', where
names such as Tazio Nuvolari or Ayrten Senna are renowned as 'the
gods' of motor racing, whilst names such as Christiaan Barnard or
Sanjay Gupta represent the heady heights for first term medical
students.
Yet for a sense of true
dedication, the literal pain of the process, and the zen-like
qualities necessary – both absorbed and radiated – the journey of
the Prima Ballerina from childhood to zenith says it all.
Whilst Darcey Bussell raises the profile of male
dancers today, led by Carlos Acosta and others - necessary to bolster the under-populated male ranks - the highly demanding roles of classical
and contemporary ballet requires that a female dancer must physically
and mentally exert herself far harder in comparison to the male.
For her the journey to
mental and so physical strength is more tortuous, whilst men leap and
hold in accordance to their naturally stronger capabilities, women must
obtain a reach and perfectly held contorted posture that comes far less
naturally. Only achieved through far more blood, sweat and tears.
The Prima Ballerina
therefore is not simply a metaphor for personal dedication but the
living embodiment of the philosophical growth path, whereby the
conventional human condition must be overcome and directed to fulfil
its innate potential.
To this end, the personal strength required of many a teenage hopeful should be a lesson to us all.
As such, 'En Pointe' is
very much “To the Point”...of Life
