Staying on the Path

"The sense he gave of staying on the path rather than being kept on it" - Meditations, Marcus Aurelius

This quote comes from the lessons that Marcus attributed to Maximus, along with several mentions to Maximus's sense of duty and dignity. I found this quote spoke to me in particular because of its application to my perspective of my current position in life. I find myself consistently attempting to break through barriers and reach ever-growing milestones. Not that setting goals is a bad thing – I find it defines my sense of drive – but to never be satisfied in your current state can lead you to ignore the roses right in front of you, or become ungrateful to the assistance you had along the way. The path I aspire to be on will always be in my direct view, but I must remember that there is honor in the one that I am currently on. I can always view it as being kept where I am, but it can only benefit me to acknowledge that deliberately staying will encourage me to be evermore present and grateful.

- Rafael, Founder’s Class, Session 1