Things that are truly needful
On repetition, first pancakes, & being a serendipitian
“If I compose myself through my repetitions, could changing the things I repeat change me?”
This time last year, I was walking around the same park every day and making observations on ritual, repetition, and the profound things we find in practice.
Read the essay on the repetition of things →
What is truly needful? | In an interview by
of , Katherine Pomfret explores the general disconnect many experience with what is ‘needful’—the basic things that help us feel safe, healthy, and connected. Instead, we look to external validation, material things, and endless pursuits.We’re not only divorced from our needs, but distracted from them. As Pomfret said:
On the other side, most traditional entrepreneurs are driven solely by money. They create things to make money, rather than being fuelled by purpose or value. Combine these two – people making things only to sell them, and people who don’t know what they need – and you get the situation we have today.
So, how do we decipher what is truly needful? The good news is everything is mostly within us—our values, our desires, our talents.
“Very little external to us is necessary […] when you're living according to your values, immersed in nature, and putting your talents toward things that matter to you, life becomes easy,” says Pomfret.
What is truly needful to you and your values, your health, your feeling of connection?
Complementary things: Things I’ve learned about integrity | You don’t need many things
The Way It Is
by William Stafford
There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.
Monday 17 March
Overheard: “There is no experience that will ever make us feel satisfied.”
Tuesday 18 March
Four steps for getting unstuck: