chasing ghosts and other things

chasing ghosts

I’m tired of chasing ghosts. These elusive and insubstantial phantoms that manifest themselves as distractions and obsessions and keep me from truly living in the present. It doesn’t matter which form they take whether they’re shadows of past regrets, spectres of unattainable aspirations, or mirages of societal expectations, they pull me away from my centre, fragment my attention, and dilute my sense of self.

Chasing ghosts reminds me of Plato’s allegory of the cave, where prisoners are shackled to cave floor and forced to watch shadows on the wall, which they then mistake for reality because it’s the only reality they’ve ever known. These shadows are like the ghosts I chase. They keep me fixated on what I think I should be or have, rather than engaging with the authenticity of my immediate experience. I’m like Luke Skywalk when Yoda accuses him of never being present, that his mind is always somewhere else—the past, the future—never his mind on where he was at, on what he was doing.” That’s me, more often than not.

Some might say that these ghosts are unresolved aspects of my psyche, the disowned parts of my Shadow self. They would say that when I chase after these ghosts, I’m essentially avoiding the confrontation with my own inner darkness (my fears and insecurities). And instead, I project them outward by creating external enemies and obsessions that keep me from the introspective work I need to do in order to manifest true self-understanding and growth.

Sartre would say chasing ghosts is a manifestation of bad faith that I was avoiding the anxiety that comes with absolute freedom and responsibility. He would say I was distracting myself from the task of creating authentic meaning in my life. That I “can’t handle the truth” of who I truly am, so I opt for the comfort of well-worn paths and seek safety in societal norms despite my true desires.

Who are these ghosts? Sometimes they are the ideals and dreams that once inspired me but now serve more as burdens than beacons. Sometimes the ghosts manifest themselves as the pursuit of perfection, the need for constant validation or the relentless drive to achieve more. These ghosts haunt my daily existence, taunting me with thoughts that I am never enough as I am, that I must keep striving, keep running, lest I fall into the abyss of mediocrity.

The Remedy

There is a different path, I’m told, one less travelled in our fast-paced, achievement oriented culture. It is the path of mindfulness, of presence, of being. It’s a path that promises to help me align with the flow of life with an ease and naturalness that would free me from the compulsive need to chase.

To stop chasing ghosts would be a radical act of self-liberation for me. It would mean I could embrace the here and now, with all of its imperfections and uncertainties. I would be able to recognise the ghosts for what they are—intangible and insubstantial—and therefore let them go. And in their place, I could engage with the tangible, the real, the stuff that requires courage, like sitting with discomfort to face the unresolved.

To leave the ghosts behind and find peace in the midst of chaos, I must pause, breathe, and let the ghosts fade into the background, and then sit still and truly see.

trivium: the place where three paths meet

I’ve been experimenting with making interactive, philosophical text-based games as a way to help folks explore philosophical concepts as part of their own personal growth. This first game explores three ways of being. Choose the path that resonates with you. Will you find enlightenment or succumb to despair? The choice is yours.

Start the Game

Listen

challenging the status quo (without the barking dog)

(1)

The status quo is a comforting illusion of stability that often appears to us as being immovable. It’s the familiar landscape of the well-trodden path that puts our minds and bodies at ease. Yet, beneath the surface of this apparent tranquillity is a complex web of factors that holds us back from challenging the status quo. This resistance isn’t merely the result of external forces but also of a deeply ingrained internal struggle.

(2)

Fear is perhaps the most potent barrier, casting its long shadow over our aspirations for change. ‬Fear of the unknown, failure, and being shunned by others can stop even the most driven people in their tracks. ‬Our minds are wired for survival and prefer the certainty of known discomforts to the unpredictability of uncharted territories. ‬Our psyches crave predictability, even if it means sacrificing growth. Like Sisyphus, we may  well choose the infernal repetition of pushing our familiar boulder up the hill rather than confront the terrifying potential of freedom.

(3)

Social conditioning also plays a formidable role. From a young age, we are taught to conform, to colour within the lines, and to not rock the boat. The educational system, societal norms, and even our family structures reward us for our compliance and discourage us from dissenting. This conditioning forms a psychological cage, making the status quo seem not just acceptable but desirable. In the words of Michel Foucault, power is most effective when it is least visible, and the subtle, pervasive influence of societal expectations often goes unnoticed, yet profoundly shapes our actions.

(4)

The inertia of tradition exerts a gravitational pull over us. Historical precedents and cultural legacies bind us to the past, creating a sense of loyalty to the ways of those who came before us. This respect for tradition can become a shackle, making innovation feel like betrayal. The weight of our collective history can crush the individual will to break free, creating a sense of inevitability and resignation.

(5)

Economic and material considerations also chain us to the status quo. The pursuit of stability and financial security can make the risks associated with challenging the norm seem untenable. For many of us, the stakes are simply too high. The fear of losing your livelihood, social standing, or even basic survival in a capitalist society can render the thought of change a luxury rather than a necessity.

(6)

There lies within us a spark, a flicker of discontent, that whispers of possibilities beyond the horizon. This inner voice, often drowned out by the noise of everyday life, is the essence of human potential and resilience. It’s the whisper of Emerson’s “Self-Reliance,” the call to trust yourself and forge a path guided by inner conviction rather than external validation. This voice reminds us that the greatest innovations and social advancements were born from the courage to defy the status quo.

(7)

Consider the stories of those who dared to dream differently: Galileo, whose heliocentric theory challenged the geocentric dogma of the church; Rosa Parks, whose simple act of defiance sparked a revolution in civil rights; or the Beat poets, whose rejection of conventional literary forms gave voice to a generation. These individuals, and countless others, remind us that progress is born from rebellion, from the audacity to envision a world anew.

(8)

In challenging the status quo, we confront not only societal structures but also our inner demons. It requires a profound shift in perspective, a willingness to embrace uncertainty, and a commitment to personal growth. It demands that we cultivate resilience, curiosity, and a deep-seated belief in the possibility of change.

(9)

As we navigate through life, we must ask ourselves: What kind of legacy do we wish to leave behind? Will we be content to tread the well-worn paths, or will we forge new ones, guided by the light of our unique vision? The journey to challenge the status quo begins with a single step—a step that requires courage, conviction, and a willingness to listen to that persistent, insistent whisper within.

(11)

What truths are you willing to uncover, and what fears are you prepared to face, to create a world that resonates with your deepest values and highest aspirations?

Big love,
Clay