“A heart to resolve, a head to contrive and a hand to execute.” ~ Edward Gibbon
This lovely phrase is the basis upon which mountains are moved. Whatever your intent, when your heart, head and hand are unified in purpose and functioning in harmony, the likelihood that you will achieve your aims improves significantly. Internal disagreement frustrates the efforts and progress of many; a house divided against itself cannot stand.
I imagine that you have a busy week ahead of you, full of opportunities and obstacles. You have a finite amount of time in which to accomplish those aims as well as a limited amount of energy to propel your forward movement. To the degree that you employ both time and energy wisely, you will be able to say at the end of the week, “my goodness, I got a lot done this week!” To the degree that you indulge in wasteful pursuits, you’ll likely feel that you could have done better and promise yourself that it will be different next week.
When I was younger, I recall hearing people twice and thrice my age saying how much more they valued their time and energy as they grew older. Whether it was a recognition that – especially in retrospect – we have very little time on earth to accomplish that which we hope to achieve or if it was due to a regret for not having gotten down to business earlier, the point was clear: if you are neither clear in your purpose nor focused in your efforts, you risk wasting precious time.
The most fulfilling moments in life are experienced when you express the highest and finest of which you are capable. Little fulfillment comes from the accomplishment of nefarious or destructive aims, no matter how grand in scale they may have been, so there is wisdom in investing time and energy in those matters which have blessing at their core. By centering in blessing you open the floodgates of joy and happiness, regardless of the scope of the tasks you might face this week.
I chose the mantra “onward and upward” for this blog long ago as it encapsulates two vital principles. The first, “onward,” points to the necessity to move forward, to release attachments to the past and to value advancement over the status quo. The second, “upward,” highlights the vector which leads to happiness. Wallowing in the past or sinking to new lows in the present invariably poison your future. On the contrary, concentrating the mind on the present moment and relentlessly requiring of yourself the absolute best that you can give ensure that your heart, head and hands will be ready to make best use of the blessings of your tomorrows.
“All that is human must retrograde if it does not advance.” ~ Edward Gibbon
Gregory Hake 
onward and upward it is 😉
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Love it!
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Really great, practical points on how to have a fulfilling, successful day every day.
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A house divided will most definitely fall! The internal struggle ravages the seeds of that which was to come. I have seen evidence of this in my life and even in our current political climate. What a different world we would have if blessing was truly the central concern behind our actions. Life is precious and fragile,why waste another moment segregated from ourselves. I look forward to the blessing that may be brought through me this week. Thanks for the tips!
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The first time I read your blog the words onward an upward caught my attention. I thought that’s the direction I’m going. You wrote today, “The most fulfilling moments in life are experienced when you express the highest and finest of which you are capable. Little fulfillment comes from the accomplishment of nefarious or destructive aims, no matter how grand in scale they may have been, so there is wisdom in investing time and energy in those matters which have blessing at their core.” This could be the mantra for rededicating the purpose of social media. With so many blogs, faces, spaces and tweets, most wanting the attention of others with the charge of new or intetesting information, I find many are the same blatherings we’re pestered with when people talk on their cell phones in public places, but others are interested in sharing their creative expertise, talents and love for their fellowman. I guess I’m thinking of this particularly as we begin a new school year. Thanks Gregg, your blog is a fine example for those wanting to use this life and this outlet for inspiring and nourishing their dear readers.
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It is apparent through your bloggIng is that you never “settle” but rather are always looking to move onward and upward. You are consistently true to your tag line. I enjoy the no-nonsense but passionate approach to right living.
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Thanks for the daily nourishment!
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Onward & upward!
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Timely – thank you – I find your daily writing an inspiration and breath of fresh air from all the drama and negativity in the world.
Onward & Upward!
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The last quote really summed up the danger that is present if you do not take your advice. People think that things can just stay the same as they are right now, but unfortunately that is impossible. Things change, they must change, and we can either fight that every step of the way and waste our time, or we can do our best to be in position so that the changes that we make are pushing us both onward and upward.
You are moving somewhere, and if you are not moving onward and upward you are moving backward or downward.
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Well said. To find resolve is a matter of the heart, and this has to be fully engaged with the mental discipline required to stay focused in a sea of competing attractions and distractions. To focus on blessing helps take the stress away of merely ‘having to get things done’ myopically where the things getting done are for the ultimate achievement of what truly is driving you, and thus your ultimate lasting joy and happiness. Good zen on the heres and nows for the greater tomorrows!
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I do have a week filled with promise. Your post is the perfect inspiration as I begin. Thank you!
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Awesomeness!
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