The Flame of Perseverance

Many people are asking for help facing the uncertainty and volatility of present conditions. Stress is everywhere. Businesses are failing, many because of greed and mismanagement. This post attempts to provide some support to those that have suffered setbacks at this time.  

This is a time of character. Because our current circumstances have resulted from a deficit of character, we are being asked as individuals and as a society to come to another level of character excellence. We have entered a collective, initiatory crucible.

One test of character that we must demonstrate we are capable of meeting is Perseverance. Perseverance is the ability to maintain forward progress towards our dreams despite obstacles, challenges and setbacks. Perseverance is the gumption to overcome fear, loss, fatigue, suffering, disappointment and illness. This demands a strong heart supported by a strong will. 

The Greek dramatist, Euripedes suggests: "To persevere, trusting in what hopes he has, is courage in a man (or woman). The coward despairs." (The addition in brackets is mine.)

Every journey of meaning will contain stretches that test the Visionmaker's courage to the point of choosing whether to quit or continue. There will be temptation after temptation to quit as part of the status quo's concerted effort to rid the world of one more Visionmaker. The seduction sounds so reasonable:

"You gave it your best shot..."

"It's an idea the world isn't ready for..."

"The game is rigged..."

"Better to try a less risky, less difficult path..."

"You can't change the world..."

The Flame of Perseverance comes to those who are more committed to the journey of meaning than they are to fear. It is a refuge and a light during times of darkness and doubt. Turning his or her back to the status quo's insistent campaign to have us quit, the Visionmaker turns to the flame and continues the journey undaunted. 

Setting our sights on the next step, we move forward repeating the mantra:

"Commitment...take the next step."

"Persistence...take the next step."

"Resilience...take the next step."

"Patience...take the next step."

"Hope...take the next step."

"Drop by drop collected will make a river," writes Sa'di, the great Persian poet. "Rivers upon rivers will make a sea." And so it is with pursuing a journey of meaning: one purposeful act at a time. Perseverance delivers the greatest success in the face of overwhelming odds. Take the next step.

©Patrick O'Neill 2009. All rights reserved.