“The man who has no refuge in himself, who lives, so to speak, in his front rooms, in the outer whirlwind of things and opinions, is not properly a personality at all. He floats with the current, who does not guide himself according to higher principles, who has no ideal, no convictions–such a man is a mere article of furniture–a thing moved, instead of a living and moving being–an echo, not a voice. The man who has no inner life is the slave of his surroundings, as the barometer is the obedient servant of the air at rest, and the weathercock the humble servant of the air in motion.” ~ Henri Frederic Amiel
While scanning my Facebook News Feed last night I had to wonder how much this popular means of communication has improved the inner life of men, women and children everywhere. I know from my own experience that my participation in that forum relates more to the “front rooms” than my inner life, which, at the end of the day, matters more than what you like, where you are, who you’re with or what you’re doing.
If you’ve never taken the time to write down those higher principles, ideals and convictions you hold dearest, it can be an interesting and thought-provoking exercise.
The next step, of course, is to square your daily function to that list. How well do you stack up? What areas need shoring up? Which elements have you mastered? You are wise to consider your strengths as well as your shortcomings, for the former, when held at the forefront of your consciousness, can help you do the necessary work to improve upon the latter.
If you go about your life without having a clear idea of what higher principles you hold dearest, you are likely to be governed by general and possibly conflicting values. I’ve known many people whose belief systems were little more than a jumbled and tangled mess of contradictory beliefs. It’s no wonder that people feel frustrated, under siege and unable to escape the tension that comes up whenever circumstances force them to choose between two contradictory beliefs – the proverbial rock and a hard place.
A house divided cannot stand.
Gregory Hake 
This particular entry makes a perfect intro for newbies to your blog. I forwarded it to several friends, and stand behind it after several months of following your blog myself. Great recipes for a fulfilling life!
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Nice blog – glad I discovered it!
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I firmly believe in having a consistent paradigm that harmonizes all of our beliefs into a unifying thread. There can be no other way IMO if you wish to remain sane in a world gone a bit mad. Living life by principle and then method, can be the only way. Life is generous and will provide ample opportunity to reconcile your beliefs if you are genuine in your ideals. Life is forgiving that way, but always the intent has to be authentic, for life will make a fool out of you if you choose to behave foolishly.
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The unresolved tensions that people feel when they do not have firm convictions also render them impotent. When a person is focused they can accomplish so much, whether for good or for ill.
I appreciate you mentioning that you need to assess your strengths as well as your weaknesses, as we tend to focus on the latter so much. I have found in many of your blog posts that the most effective way to get at something is not always the way most used, which is why the world has these problems in the first place! The ability to look beyond the common solution is something that serves us well in life.
Also, these lists are only helpful when you consistently use them. If you make it a habit to check your actions against your inner beliefs, a new focus can be born.
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Front room clearly describes how many live or where we can reside occasionally. I’ve always pictured this existence like a ship with no rudder. Being at the mercy of randomness is a scary way to live, you really are afraid of the next ill wind. Peace comes through discovering your higher self. That’s who is up to the task. Great thoughts, thanks.
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