AMOR FATI: Remembering our Way to Peace
Imagine driving along when traffic suddenly comes to a standstill. You have somewhere to be, and the minutes are ticking away. You grip the steering wheel, check the time, and think, “Ahh! I'm going to be late!”y
The traffic is frustrating enough. But now you've added another burden: resisting a situation you cannot change. Getting angry won't clear the road, yet your mind keeps arguing with reality.
You have a choice. You can spend your time fighting what is happening, or accept your fate, and act in way that moves you closer to the person you want to be. You may still arrive late. Acceptance won't clear the traffic. But it can transform your experience of it.
The philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, offered a helpful jewel of wisdom, “My formula for greatness in a human being is amor fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary…but love it.”\
With this idea of amor fati, Latin for “love of fate”, Nietzsche challenges us to embrace life as it unfolds, including the parts we would never have chosen – like the traffic jam. This doesn't mean approving of injustice or abandoning efforts to improve things. It means accepting what is real so we can direct our energy toward what we can do. Amor Fati.
Amor Fati pairs beautifully with, The Five Remembrances we reflected upon in October:
I am of the nature to grow old. I cannot avoid growing old.
I am of the nature to have ill health. I cannot avoid having ill health.
I am of the nature to die. I cannot avoid death.
All the things I hold dear and everyone I love is of the nature to change. I cannot avoid being separated from them.
My actions are my only true possessions. I cannot avoid the consequences of my actions. Whatever I do, for good or for evil, to that I will fall heir. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.
The first four remind us that life is not entirely within our control. The fifth reminds us United with Amor Fati, we have a powerful combination for success in any circumstance. Surrender and act.
A kayaker cannot control the river, its currents, or the obstacles encountered. They can control their actions - learn to read the water, apply their skills, adjust direction, and paddle toward their destination. The river is not against them. The kayaker’s destination and that of the river are one and the same. The river’s current propels them forward. Surrender and act.
Life is similar. You have a destination. That destination is in line with creation. Like the kayaker, learn to read the flow of your life. Where is the current guiding you? Develop your skills, adjust your choices and apply yourself to actively moving in fate’s direction. You may get hung up on a rock, dumped out of your boat a few times, or decide to rest on the riverbank for a while. If you persevere, mastering your skills, and spending time on the river. You’ll get to your destination. Amor Fati. Hazards and obstacles included. Love your fate. Surrender and act.
Corrie Ten Boom and her sister were imprisoned in the Ravensbrück concentration camp during the Second Word War. They faced unimaginable Holocaust horrors. The two miraculously managed to remain optimistic. Then they were transferred to a dormitory infested with fleas. How could their circumstances have gotten even worse! Soon they realized that the brutal camp guards stayed clear of their quarters for fear of the fleas. The hardship was a blessing in disguise! The fleas created the space for them to tend to their fellow prisoners undisturbed.
We may not control the river, but we can learn to skillfully go with its flow. We may not control the traffic jam, but we can choose our response. We cannot change the past, but we can choose peace now.
The next time you find yourself stuck in traffic, facing a difficult conversation, or worrying about something you cannot change, pause. Remember peace. Refuse to go to war against reality. Surrender and act.
Surrender - Amor Fati. Love your fate. Open your arms in an enthusiastic embrace to the circumstances of the moment. Somehow this is the call to action you’ve been waiting for.
Act - The Five Remembrances. Your actions are your only true possessions. Trust this moment is the way to the person you’re meant to be.
Paul Larmer is a mindfulness coach, personal trainer and professional speaker. Book a session for yourself or your team at Optimal@livunltd.com.
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