1. Life

What does it truly mean to lead a fulfilling life? In his Essays, the 16th-century philosopher Michel de Montaigne suggested that "Learning to live ultimately involves coming to terms with our imperfections and even embracing them."

How at ease are you with imperfection in your life?

Anne Lamott once described perfectionism as "the voice of the oppressor," which can confine and drive one to madness throughout their existence. This mindset often stands as the primary barrier to personal growth and progression.

Accepting our imperfections allows us to perceive reality more clearly and concentrate on living fully. Montaigne eloquently expressed that our task is to shape our character rather than simply write books; our victories should be about achieving order and tranquility in our lives, not merely winning battles. He emphasized, "Life should serve as its own goal, a purpose unto itself."

The first video titled Michel de Montaigne - self-esteem & embracing imperfection delves deeper into these concepts, exploring how acceptance of our flaws can be liberating.

2. Death

Interestingly, reflecting on our mortality can enhance our appreciation for life. Montaigne noted, "To practice death is to practice freedom. A person who has learned to confront death has freed themselves from being a slave to fear."

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of memento mori, it may seem unusual at first. In my discussion with David Fideler, author of Breakfast with Seneca, we explored how contemplating our mortality can deepen our gratitude for life.

The Stoics advocated for the premeditation of adversity, which involves briefly envisioning potential misfortunes. This practice can reveal how much we often take for granted. By acknowledging life's uncertainties, we are compelled to make the most of our current circumstances. As Seneca advised, "The whole future lies in uncertainty: live immediately."

Montaigne similarly remarked, "I want us to be engaged in life’s tasks as long as possible. I want death to find me tending to my garden, neither fearing it nor my unfinished chores."

The second video titled How Michel de Montaigne Overcame the Fear of Death further elaborates on this notion, illustrating how accepting our mortality can enrich our daily lives.

3. Dancing

Are you setting aside time for enjoyment? Completing tasks can bring a sense of accomplishment, but do you feel the same satisfaction when you indulge in hobbies or passions? Montaigne believed that Socrates’ ability to find time for music and dance was truly remarkable and worthwhile.

In his Essays, Montaigne stated, "When I dance, I dance; when I sleep, I sleep; yes, and when I stroll through a lovely orchard, my thoughts may wander, but I always bring them back to the present moment, to the beauty of solitude, to myself."

How would dedicating more time to what you love transform your life?

It's a straightforward question, yet one worth pondering. What activities do you sacrifice when your schedule gets tight? Too often, we place our needs at the bottom of our priority list, causing many enriching experiences to go unrealized.

Montaigne’s poignant reminder, "My art and profession is to live," serves as a powerful statement. We often forget that we are more than our jobs or titles; we possess this one brief and invaluable life. By prioritizing joyful pursuits and minimizing those that detract from our happiness, we edge closer to living authentically.

How can you begin to carve out time for dancing in your life?

Thank you for engaging with these reflections; I hope you found them valuable. For more insights, feel free to listen to our podcasts or subscribe to our free weekly meditation emails.