In recent discussions in the Cleveland Heights philosophy group, there has been a growing concern for what is discussed, “what to do next?” We talk about concepts that aren’t frequently talked about at work or at home, but seem to be on people’s minds. But the question gets raised, what practical value is there from these discussions?
Philosophical Engineering
During my days of competitive golf, I realized that in order to do well, it was necessary to not only practice the physical game of hitting shots on the driving range and practicing the short game, but also to practice the “mental game”. That is the game of controlling yourself around the golf course when shots are going well and when shots are going poorly. It’s the game of thoughts needed to compete against the course and maybe against an opponent in match play. It’s also the thoughts needed to play with a partner in a best ball tournament together. Overall, golf was about envisioning the shots you wanted to have happen. Painting a picture in your mind for how you managed your way around the golf course.
When we talk about philosophy, I view our discussions as practicing the “mental game” of life. Every person that shows up, is already playing the game of life everyday by getting up in the morning, going out in the world and returning home to wake up and do it again. The physical game is there. We practice it everyday.
But it’s not often that people recognize how to strengthen the mental game in life. Developing clarity of your own thoughts and the thoughts of others is practice of the mental game. It’s controlling how you think about yourself in a traffic jam going to work. Or how you think about future generations. It’s how you think about your marriage with your partner. Life requires a vision. It’s a vision that needs to be painted for the things you want to have happen.
(Photo was on the front page of the Nashua, NH newspaper during the high school state finals)