The Masonic Secret to a Life of Purpose
What if the key to true success isn't speed, but significance and that Ancient Masonic wisdom holds the secret that will revolutionize your life.
In our relentless world, the pressure to make quick decisions is overwhelming. We're constantly bombarded with demands for instant results, quick fixes, and rapid career advancement. But at what cost? A 2022 Gallup poll revealed that only 32% of full-time employed adults in the U.S. are engaged at work, while a 2021 Pew Research study found that 55% of Americans feel they don't have enough time to do what they want.
We are undoubtedly sacrificing fulfillment on the altar of expediency.
I'm Right Worshipful Brother Darren Allatt, founder of Daily Masonic Progress. I have been a student and practitioner of Freemasonry, which over the last 700 years has taught men how to achieve personal excellence using timeless Masonic principles. These teachings have shaped history's greatest leaders and thinkers, and now, I will show you how these same principles will transform your life in the modern world.
A few years ago, I found myself engrossed in Jordan Peterson's bestseller, "12 Rules for Life." As I reached Rule 7, "Pursue What Is Meaningful, Not What Is Expedient," everything changed. The wisdom resonated deeply, but not just because of Peterson's compelling arguments. As a Freemason, I instantly recognized this principle as a cornerstone of Masonic teachings for centuries.
This moment of recognition sparked a journey of rediscovery. I explored how this fundamental idea - choosing meaning over mere expediency - has always been at the heart of Masonic teachings. It isn't just a modern self-help concept; it's a timeless principle that Freemasons have been quietly practicing and passing down through generations.
The more I delved into our Masonic traditions, the more I saw how this principle was woven into every aspect of our rituals, symbols, and teachings. From the use of the 24-inch gauge teaching time management, to the rough and perfect ashlars symbolizing personal growth, to the common gavel representing continuous self-improvement - all of these point to a life lived with intention and meaning.
This realization transformed my approach to both my Masonic journey and my daily life. I saw how these ancient teachings could be powerfully applied to the challenges of our modern world. And that's what led me to create Daily Masonic Progress - to help others unlock the potential of these timeless principles in their own lives.
Have you ever had a moment where ancient wisdom suddenly became relevant to your modern life?
The Masonic principle "Pursue What Is Meaningful, Not What Is Expedient" offers the ultimate antidote to modern malaise. It's rooted in the concept of eudaimonia - a Greek term for the good life, characterized by virtue, meaning, and purpose. Research proves that people who pursue eudaimonic well-being experience greater life satisfaction, better physical health, and even live longer.
Our Masonic ceremonies give us a three-step system designed to align your daily choices with your deepest values. It combines ancient Masonic wisdom with modern psychological insights to help you live a life of purpose and impact.
Imagine waking up each morning with a clear sense of purpose. You approach your work not just as tasks to be completed, but as opportunities to create value and grow. Your relationships deepen as you engage more authentically. You feel a sense of progress not just in your career, but in your character.
Here's the detailed breakdown of the system:
The 24-inch Gauge teaches us to divide our time wisely. In Masonic symbolism, the 24-inch gauge represents the 24 hours of the day. Just as operative masons use this tool to measure and lay out their work, we can use it to measure and lay out our time.
Start each day by intentionally allocating your hours between work, rest, and service to others. This creates a balanced life that naturally aligns with your values. Begin by auditing how you currently spend your time. Are you dedicating enough hours to meaningful work? Are you allowing sufficient time for rest and rejuvenation? Are you making space for service to others?
Once you have a clear picture, create a deliberate plan for your day. Allocate specific time blocks for focused work, for personal development, for family and relationships, and for giving back to your community. Remember, the goal isn't rigid control, but mindful allocation. By consciously deciding how to use your time, you ensure that what's truly important doesn't get crowded out by the merely urgent.
The Rough Ashlar this represents our potential for growth and improvement. The rough ashlar is an uncut stone, symbolizing our raw potential. The perfect ashlar, in contrast, represents the ideal we strive towards.
Identify one area for growth each week, reminding yourself of the person you aspire to become. This could be a professional skill, a personal trait, or a relationship you want to improve. Be specific in defining what growth looks like in this area. What actions or behaviors would indicate progress? What would the 'perfect ashlar' version of yourself look like in this aspect?
Keep this area of growth at the forefront of your mind throughout the week. Set small, achievable goals that move you closer to your ideal. Remember, the journey from rough to perfect ashlar is gradual. Celebrate small improvements and be patient with setbacks.
The Common Gavel symbolizes the consistent effort required to chip away at our imperfections. In operative masonry, the gavel is used to break off the rough edges of a stone. In speculative Masonry, it represents the force of conscience, helping us to curb our vices and purify our minds and hearts.
Use the Common Gavel as a reminder to take small, deliberate actions each day that align with your values and long-term goals. These consistent efforts will gradually shape you into the person you aspire to be. Each day, identify one 'rough edge' - a habit, thought pattern, or behavior - that you want to work on.
Then, decide on a specific action you can take to address it. It might be replacing a negative thought with a positive affirmation, choosing a healthier habit over a detrimental one, or performing an act of kindness instead of yielding to selfishness. The key is consistency. Small, regular efforts compound over time, gradually transforming your character.
Remember, the use of these tools is interconnected. The 24-inch Gauge helps you make time for what's truly important. The Rough Ashlar keeps you focused on your potential for growth. And the Common Gavel empowers you to take consistent action towards that growth. Together, they form a powerful system for pursuing what is meaningful, not merely what is expedient.
Now, think about your biggest challenge right now. How will you apply these tools to transform your life?
Start small: Choose one element to implement this week. For example, use the 24-inch Gauge to audit your time use for just one day.
If we fail to apply this lesson, we risk living lives of quiet desperation, always chasing the next quick fix or instant gratification, but never finding true fulfillment. We may achieve external success, but at the cost of inner peace and genuine satisfaction. By constantly choosing expediency over meaning, we erode our integrity, weaken our relationships, and ultimately, lose sight of our true potential and purpose.
Remember, every master was once a beginner. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You have everything you need to start living a more meaningful life.
To quickly recap - The 24-inch Gauge helps you create balance. The Rough Ashlar reminds you of your potential for growth. The Common Gavel empowers you to make consistent progress towards that potential. Together, these tools don't just make you more productive - they help you build a life of significance and satisfaction.
By regularly applying these Masonic tools in your daily life, you create a framework for continuous improvement and purposeful living. This isn't about perfection, but about consistent progress towards becoming your best self and living a life of significance.