In a perfect world, people would feel at liberty just being themselves.
Fear would be the name of a new sprinkle candy-coated topping that went divinely over southern-styled butter pecan ice cream.
And words like, limitations and boundaries, would be overpowering force fills you could purchase, meant only to keep out the likes of mosquitoes, gnats, and flies – or your money back guaranteed.
That would be only the tip of where “the perfect world” would begin for me, but this isn’t a perfect world… is it?
Life has taught me that the liberty to be who I truly am has to be taken; it’s never given — it’s earned by force. Fear has to be conquered and overcome by discovering the courage to face it. And limitations and boundaries must be realized that they were adopted, that they are in place, and then mastered – instead of them mastering you.
In today’s society, we are constantly being told that who we are right now, isn’t enough, and that we should purchase “this” or “that” in order for us to be better.
Rarely does anyone ever sell us on the two forms of mastery, which will get us as close to perfection, than we humans are capable of obtaining.
- Personal Mastery: Mastering one’s personal power.
- Professional Mastery: Mastering one’s craft or vocation (your purpose).
If able to put up the invisible blinders on what professed to buy into, then there’s the risk of losing the other battle; this one occurs more so from within. It’s the battle being fought against one’s own thoughts.
Therein is where fear, limitations, and boundaries set up shop and cause a lifetime of misery for people who are imprisoned by trying to correct the past or either become so hypnotized with creating the “perfect” future.
Why do so many put themselves through this kind of suffering?
Usually, they have fallen victim to the enemies of mastery.
The Enemies of Mastery
Mastery demands every individual that seeks it to be accountable and responsible for themselves, their actions, and the consequences of those actions.
There are six immediate dangers to mastery, regardless of the skills one may seek to master
They are:
- The Blame Game
- Being Controlled by “Stinking Thinking“
- Falling victim to the Illusion of Defeat
- Not able to put Trust in the Process
- Steering clear of Pain or Resistence
- Stagnation or Remaining anywhere other than in the Present Moment
Susan Elkin had this to say in her “The Year of Mastery” comment, “We can only own our lives if we act like a leader rather than a victim… stop complaining and become proactive.”
Having once seen myself as “a victim” of this type of behavior, I can relate to what she meant.
In my case, I was a slave to my mind and thoughts, because I didn’t know there was any other way one could live. I would only adopt this unaware way of thinking, because it was prevalent in my environment. Rarely, does an individual escape an impoverish mindset, if it’s the only pattern they’ve become accustomed to experiencing.
However, there are those who refuse to remain where they’ve been taught to exist. They are the “cycle-breakers.” They set out to make a new mark on their life path, a mark to do things differently; to become someone they’ve been told statistically was impossible for them to be.
How does one become a “cycle-breaker?”
- Acknowledging a cycle does exist.
- Exposure to new ways of being.
- Preparation, Learning, and Unlearning
Preparation is the way to mastery, but one must master time in order to be truly prepared. (Tweet this.)
Choose to be Patience the Virtue of Mastery
Most won’t invest the time and effort that’s needed to reach the level of mastery. Usually, they are the ones that say it’s not possible.
However, if an individual apply themselves to learning “how” and become proficient not only in their craft, but also most importantly, at waiting; they can become masters.
Judy Martin made a most excellent point in her comment when she stated this: “Hands down, self-mastery especially of time, relationships, the way we manage stress are crucial to success. When we take control of our own journey, it’s easier to also master our true vocation… mastery of choice in every moment.”
As Judy mentioned, every choice made is a determining factor of an individual’s mastery. No one else is to blame or can be held responsible for their decisions. The choice is a personal one to make.
So choose them wisely and masterfully.
Over to you,
Do you have any Enemies of Mastery to add to the list above? Do you agree that patience is one of the Virtues of mastery? Please share your thoughts, insights, or any personal experiences you might have in the section provided below. You never know if what you have to contribute will help someone else on their journey.
Thank you in advance.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Deone,
Yes I do have a few enemies of mastery, particularly the blame game and procrastination.
Patience is a virtue? Totally. Ask me, a guitar player and I can tell you how important it is. You gotta have tons of patience playing the right notes and chords and when starting out, you’ll definitely mess up things because of course no one’s perfect, they need second chances. So that is where patience is a must.
After having gone through a major depression, I learnt how to control my thinking, not totally but I do have a major say and I must admit you have been very helpful in that aspect.
Illusion of defeat and steering away from pain? No chance, too busy putting my head down and working hard and a bit of lucid dreaming in there as well.
Lastly, I have enough love and trust in myself to make sure that working hard alone will steer me to mastery.
Superb post, some of your lines were mesmerizing! Loved it, awesome!
Aditya
Aditya recently posted this awesomeness..Do You Give Yourself a Second Chance?
Hey Aditya,
Thanks for stopping by, mate.
Excellent addition to the “enemies of master.” Procrastination will certainly slow down the process.
I also enjoyed what you shared about patience and how it assisted you with becoming a better guitar player. In being more forgiving of yourself in the training process, you were able to keep going and improving along the way. It’s so very important for us to make both, patience and self-forgiveness, apart of our practice to mastery.
I’m sure they were essential for you, along with controlling your thinking during the period of depression. I know they were for me. I’m humbled and grateful that I have been of assistance in that way for you. Thank you for letting me know. I hope I can be of further encouragement to you and others in the future.
Keep up the awesome work, my friend. You are an inspiration to me as well. It’s gratifying for me to have connected with a young man who aspires for greatness in spite of the odds you’ve had to face. I am very appreciative for your friendship.
Glad you enjoyed the post, mate.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..Can a Day Without Power Offer a Life Lesson?
Deone, thank you for including my comment in your post. Your concept of being a cycle-breaker is so critical. We have to keep taking steps forward to get out of our cycles when they are bringing us down. One step at a time will get us to a better place, even if it’s a baby step. This is far better than staying with our shadow-comforts of TV watching, internet addiction, etc.
Susan Ekins recently posted this awesomeness..Life is an Adventure: Ann
You’re very welcome, Susan!
I so agree with you. So many times we get into the habit of thinking we should be moving faster, or we should be further in the process. I have fallen into this way of thinking a lot myself. I have to constantly remind myself that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and that as long as I am making progress, actively working towards my goals, and using my time wisely; I will accomplish what I want in my life when it’s time for me to do so. Excellent point, beloved! Thank you for sharing that awesomeness with us! 
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..The “#MasterLife” Self-Mastery Series – Part 2: Sharpened
Hi Deone, I’m a bit late, but better than never. Fear, I feel, as you’ve pointed out, is our biggest enemy. Fear is a state of mind. Mind is operated with thoughts. If we can control or regulate our thoughts, we can be fearless. If we’re fearless, we can adventure in the unknown terrains within ourselves and know our true self. You’re right – you’ve to face the fear, put it through critical analysis, find its root thought and pluck it out. When you believe in yourself then there are no limitations or boundaries. True, being not in the present is a misery, and an enemy of mastery.
Susan’s quote is so right. We need to understand that we all are born leaders – if not manifest, we need to do that. And, we can only do that if we act as leaders and practice mindfulness. Of course, breaking the cycle is so important. It will happen is one wills, and it happens gradually. Patience and perseverance, both are must.
Sometimes, we become our own enemies. And, you’ve rightly pointed out that in those cases we need to unlearn, and then learn again. Preparation goes on continuously; our choices steer the direction and our purpose propels us forward.
Harleena Singh recently posted this awesomeness..The Father Who Had No Time
You’re never late, Harleena! Your thoughts are always timely and appreciated.
I was working on my book project over the last couple of days, and I noticed that in many of my past experiences, I used my fears as somewhat of a guide. For example, I have always had a fear of heights (or, thought I had a fear of heights). Yet, many of my careers have resulted in me having to face the fear of heights. I don’t know anyone else who fears heights, who would apply to become a flight attendant.
In most cases, like you said, our fears are only a state of mind. They are thoughts we have fabricated for whatever reason, maybe a past unpleasant experience or something, and allowed the thought to manifest into a fear. Yes, critical analysis, finding the root, and facing the truth are great ways of overcoming them.
Working along with ourselves, not against ourselves, we get to where we need to be on this journey a bit faster, for sure.
Thanks for your contribution to the discussion, beloved. You always inspire and engage me to consider the topics here further.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..The “#MasterLife” Self-Mastery Series – Part 1: Mastery
I would say my biggest enemy is time management, so I guess that would be #6 of not fully being in the present moment. I totally love your points here — I am the only one who can say, “yes, let me do this right now” or “no, this can wait until later.” You have reminded me that I hold that key and I need to start using it! ~Thanks so much — definitely a releasing moment!!
MELISASource recently posted this awesomeness..A Visual Reminder From Alicia Keys: Value Your Quiet Time [VIDEO]
Of course, you already know how I feel about “releasing moments.” I’m glad this post loaned you one of your very own.
While I may have gotten a lot better with the enemy you’ve listed here, I too, have much work that is in need of me doing to better use my time. Nonetheless, you’re absolutely right, we do hold the key to correcting the misuse of it. We can only improve, right. As long as we are improving, that’s all that really matters. Keep on making it happen, beloved. I’m rooting in your corner; as I know you are doing in mine. Blessings.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..The “#MasterLife” Self-Mastery Series – Finale: Mastering Gratitude