"Constant Place"
Finding Stability in a Changing World and Applying Masonic Wisdom to Create Balance and Harmony in Our Lives
A "constant place" is a stable, unchanging location or aspect in one's life. It can be a physical location, a set of duties, or a commitment that remains steady and unyielding.
When we consider this in the broader context of our lives, we realise that it's not just about physical spaces but also applies to various aspects of our life, such as:
Values & Principles: Without a constant place for our values and principles, our moral compass can waver, leading to inconsistency in actions and decision making.
Health & Wellness: If we don't allocate a constant place to our health and wellness, we can neglect essential aspects such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and rest, compromising our overall wellbeing.
Relationships: Without a constant place for relationships, we risk losing connections with our loved ones, leading to isolation and emotional distress.
Personal & Professional Development: Without a constant commitment to learning and growth, we risk stagnation and may not reach our full potential.
Self-Care: Without a set place for self-care, we can easily become overwhelmed by stress and burnout, adversely impacting our mental health.
Financial Stability: If we don't give a constant place to financial planning and saving, we risk future insecurity.
Service & Community Engagement: Without a constant place for giving back to the community, we miss opportunities to contribute and make a difference to society.
The term "constant place" combines "constant", from Latin "constans" meaning "standing firm or stable", and "place" from Latin "platea", referring to a broad street or open space. Together, they form a phrase that signifies a fixed, stable location or aspect of one's life.
The challenge is that many of us often get caught up in the immediacy of daily life. We're swept up in the hustle and bustle, focusing on urgent tasks and challenges. This can lead us to neglect the important aspects that should have a constant place, as they're not always the most urgent or immediately rewarding. We might also underestimate the importance of consistency, or overestimate our ability to maintain these aspects without consciously dedicating time and effort to them.
Let's take "Personal & Professional Development" as an example. Here's a step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Identify your development goals. What skills or knowledge do you want to acquire or improve?
Step 2: Allocate regular, dedicated time for this development. This could be an hour each day, or a few hours each week, depending on your schedule and the nature of the goal.
Step 3: Implement a system to track your progress. This could be a journal, a digital tool, or simply a checklist.
Step 4: Regularly review and adjust your goals and strategies based on your progress and changing circumstances.
Step 5: Celebrate your progress. Recognising your achievements can motivate you to maintain your commitment.
As Freemasons, we understand the value of a "constant place". Each officer in a Lodge has a specific position, role, and responsibilities, providing structure, predictability, and a sense of order. This principle can teach us to identify the "constant places" in our own lives. Just as a Lodge cannot function effectively without each officer in their proper place, we may find that our lives become unbalanced or less fulfilling when we neglect to maintain a "constant place" for our key values and commitments.
By designating a "constant place" for each important aspect of our life, we create a sense of stability and order, much like the structure of a Masonic Lodge. We ensure that each aspect receives the attention and effort it deserves, instead of being overshadowed by more immediate or demanding tasks.
The lesson from Freemasonry is not just about knowing which things should have a "constant place", but also understanding the value of constancy and stability. It's about the dedication to maintain these "constant places", even when life gets busy or challenging. It's about recognizing that just as the Senior Warden's constant place in the Lodge is to assist in its smooth operation, so too do our values, relationships, health, and other key aspects assist in the smooth operation of our lives.
So, as Freemasons, we can strive to apply this wisdom to our own lives, to create a sense of balance, fulfilment, and harmony, much like the harmony we seek to create within our Lodges.