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The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast | Masonic Education by a Freemason for Freemasons

Dedicated to the study of Freemasonry, Masonic news and the Art of Self-Improvement. The Winding Stairs takes you on a journey of enlightenment, through the practice of The Royal Art. A New Source of Light for the Modern Freemason. Hosted by Juan Sepulveda, Professional Artist, and Master Mason
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Now displaying: 2014
Dec 8, 2014
No Stone Unturned A Way of Life for the Traveling Brothers We often go through life in a hurry. Whether it is because of our career responsibilities, our family's expectations or our over-commitment to the various organizations we support, we can miss out on many great life experiences unless we slow down and leave no stone unturned. On this episode of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, you will become a passenger in our road trip up to Columbus Georgia. Brother Victor Rosario and I visited Columbian Lodge No. 7 earlier this year, where I gave a presentation titled "Bridging the Gap". An although the visit was a very pleasant experience, the entire trip was rich with memorable experiences because early on the trip we decided to adopt an attitude of discovery. We decided that we would not leave any stone unturned. We decided that if anything long the road attracted our attention, that we would stop and figure out what it was. The results were incredible and we can't wait for you to listen in to the conversation. We found an abandoned campground, found the tomb of a famous Mason and even had a gun pointed at us. You don't want to miss this episode. Mentioned in this episode: Listen to Episode 17, which features the original conversation we recorded on our drive to Columbus GA. We visited Columbian Lodge No. 7 F.&A.M. in Columbus Ga. Creator of Coca Cola, Brother John Stith Pemberton. The man we met who was sitting on his porch is Jamie Boswell Howard Support The Winding Stairs by visiting FreemasonryArt.com Do you have more than one #Masonic pin? Of course you do! It is no mystery that we love our pins. Every pin tells a story and deserves to be seen. Don't keep your pins hidden in a dark drawer, bring them to Light by displaying them on The Winding Stairs' Pin Display Apron. (Great Gift Idea) Order Yours today!
Oct 31, 2014
Walter, The Ghost of the Retlaw Hotel How the Life and Legacy of a Brother Lives On It is prudent to remember that our time on this Earth is finite. That we ought to be diligent in improving ourselves in order to contribute to the life of those who surround us. Today I introduce you to Bro. Walter Schroeder, a man who decades after his death is giving people something to talk about. On this episode of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, I share a portion of the life of Bro. Walter, a Businessman, Civic Leader, Philanthropist and… Ghost? Is there a Ghost haunting the Retlaw Hotel? On this special episode of The Winding Stairs, I have the pleasure of presenting to you a Brother who, by living a life of industry, was able to create a fortune and build something of which we are still in awe. You will gain a better understanding about who was Walter Schroeder and will hear about the stories being told about his restless spirit. Some people believe that Walter still visits some of the buildings that are part of his Legacy. Mainly, the Retlaw Plaza Hotel in Fond Du Lac, WI. It only takes a quick search on the internet to find the stories that have immortalized this man. When I look at his life history, I am amazed at how much he was able to accomplish. Among his achievements you will find: Reporter Hotelier Philantropist Freemason Ghost? Yes, you read that right... Ghost! Many people claim that when you visit the Retlaw Plaza Hotel, you have a good chance of experiencing the supernatural. Listen to the details in this episode of The Winding Stairs. Links Mentioned in this episode:  Retlaw Plaza Hotel, Fond Du Lac, WI Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center | The Schroeder Lounge Walter Schroeder YMCA Aquatic Center, If you are looking for Masonic Fundraiser ideas for your Lodge or Appendant Body, visit MasonicFundraiser.com to sign up FREE for our exclusive fundraiser program. Download our Free Book, Masonic Light Resource Report Do you want to be among the first to be notified when my New Book is released, click here to sign up for my email newsletter. View our latest artwork titled "Light of Wisdom", which is dedicated to Past Masters and would make a great gift. Visit FreemasonryArt.com This Episode of The Winding Stairs was brought to you by MasonicFundraiser.com   What are your thoughts on this story? Do you think that these type of paranormal events are possible? Have you experienced something you can't explain? Let us know in the comment section below. Thank you for participating.
Oct 23, 2014
Unfinished Books Do you have a collection of books which you have not finished reading? Does it almost feel like that stack of books is calling out to you to finish reading them? That's how I feel too. On this episode of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, I share with you 5 tips to go through that stack of unfinished books and increase the number of them that you actually finish. Of course, there are books which are better skimmed or used as reference books. Those you don't have to finish, but there might be a few others which are begging to become a part of your intellect. "If we encounter a man of great intellect, we must ask him what books he reads." -Ralph Waldo Emerson Often times books contain all the fuel we need to keep our intellect burning. In books we may find the solutions to our most pressing challenges. Yet, even when we know how beneficial it can be to make progress through that growing stack of books, we sometimes just ignore those tomes. On this episode of The Winding Stairs, I share with you 5 Tips to Tackle Those Unfinished Books Assign Priorities Block Out Time Don't Read Alone Make Reading Tempting Mark it! I have found these tips to be actionable and helpful for anyone who has lost control of their reading material. Take them and implement them in your new-found determination to go through those books. I will be doing the same here; trying to gain control once again over what I read, how often and how I do it. Won't you join me in this effort to make good use of these valuable resources that surround us. This Post is Brought to you by Are you prepared to enter The Chamber? Save the date: 12 - 13 - 14 What is The Chamber? The Chamber is one of the biggest and most exciting projects that The Winding Stairs has been involved in. Only a select few will gain access to The Chamber. Will you be one? To receive an invitation to the special unveiling event of The Chamber, click on the image below and sign up to receive email updates from The Winding Stairs. Sign up now, before the doors closes for everyone. Let us know what will you be reading next? Do you need any suggestion for books to add to your stack begin reading? Share your thoughts with us and join us in this journey of enlightenment.
Oct 11, 2014
Lessons from My Mother Chipping at The Stone I have to admit that I was very fortunate to have the Mother I had. She was very wise and charismatic. She was very talented and inspiring. I owe a lot to her for the Man I turned out to be and I hope that I am able to make her proud with the decisions I make in my life. I was very fortunate to spend the time I did with her before she was taken away too soon by Breast Cancer. I recorded this episode on October 10th, which would have been her Birthday. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and while I recorded, I didn't want to remember Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a somber and depressing way. Instead, I wanted to remember some great lessons that she imparted on me. You will find parallels from her lessons, which those included in Freemasonry. As you listen to this episode of The Winding Stairs, I hope that you are able to get to know a little more about the kind of Woman my mother was and how her efforts helped me want to become a better Man. In this episode we discuss: Industry: How having an industrious disposition can help you achieve many things. Perseverance: How when we focus on our goals and use obstacles as motivators, we can surpass our expectations. Trust in God: In our journey through life, our trust in God is what fuels our industry and solidifies our perseverance. This episode of The Winding Stairs is made possible by FreemasonryArt.com Here is an example of some of the work you will find at FreemasonryArt.com. The official store of The Winding Stairs and your source for Masonic Art and Hand-Painted Aprons.   What lessons did you receive from your parents, which helped you become who you are today?
Sep 9, 2014
  Chipping at The Stone Progress is found in the repetition of small strikes. We are that rough ashlar hewned from the Quarry. But our journey to become part of a perfect building doesn't happen abruptly. It is through small, calculated changes, which remove the superfluities from our life. Are you not making fast progress in becoming a better Man and Mason? Don't worry, you are not in this journey alone. In this episode of The Winding Stairs, I share some stories that prove that we are all in this together. That we serve as inspiration to one another and that by being witnesses to each other's progress, we become a more perfect ashlar. This episode of The Winding Stairs is the first of a series of shorter episodes created to continue the conversation about self-improvement. How can we utilize the teachings of all ages into changing the way in which we Act and React in life. Chipping at the Stone is a series of shorter episodes -10 to 15 minutes- which will be published between some of the more lengthy episodes. If you enjoyed this brief installment of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, please let us know in the comments section below. In this episode we discuss: The Introduction of Chipping at the Stone program format. A funny story about a mishap I had while recording Episode 20 of The Winding Stairs. We are human after all. Keeping our passions within due bounds is not easy! The Blue Screen of Death is still alive and well. Brother Jon Ruark's of The Masonic Roundtable and his exploration of the deeper symbolism of The Circumpunct (Point within a Circle). This episode of The Winding Stairs is made possible in part by: -Learn more about Masonic Fundraiser- Follow us on: Twitter: @WindingStairs33 Facebook: @MasonicFundraiser Questions from the Quarry: Do you have a favorite Masonic Symbol or Lesson which helps you in your daily life? -Share your thoughts below-  
Sep 4, 2014

Bridging the Inner Gap Look Inside Yourself It is sometimes easier to look at circumstances outside ourselves to blame for what happens in our life. But many times the problems in which we find ourselves is a direct result of things that are happening within us. As we continue exploring the podcast series Bridging the Gap, we turn our sights inward after two episodes of looking at circumstances outside of us. We have looked at how a Gap of Expectations and a Gap of Wisdom can interfere with our progress in life. Today we look at our own shortcomings and make a commitment to diligently bridge our Inner Gap to become the ultimate version of ourselves. Among the topics discussed in this episode you will find: Being brought from darkness to light liberates our vision. Circumspection: Symbol: The Circumpunct |Keeping your passions within due bounds. Definition: Thinking carefully about possible risks before doing or saying something. (Merriam Webster) Unwillingness or Wariness to take risk. Prudence (Oxford). Your Sphere of influence Circumpunct: You are the point within the circle. Circumambulation: The act of walking around something. Especially ritualistically. Circumambulation happens in Masonic ritual and practice. Initiation Degree Team Officers as they move through their chairs. Introspection: Look inside yourself. “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” - Aristotle “Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” - C.G. Jung Haggai 1:5-7 Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways! "You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes." Thus says the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways! Seeing yourself in others. The Epictetus “When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.” - Epictetus, Greek Stoic Philosopher. Retrospection: Looking into the past. Looking at your own past. It doesn't define you. Having a history of intolerance or impatience shouldn't define your future. Links Mentioned in this episode: If you are looking for Masonic Fundraiser ideas for your Lodge or Appendant Body, visit MasonicFundraiser.com to sign up FREE for our exclusive fundraiser program. Download our Free Book, Masonic Light Resource Report Do you want to be among the first to be notified when my New Book is released, click here to sign up for my email newsletter. View our latest artwork titled "Light of Wisdom", which is dedicated to Past Masters and would make a great gift. Visit FreemasonryArt.com This Episode of The Winding Stairs was brought to you by MasonicFundraiser.com   Do you have any advice for others who might need to look inside and bridge the gaps that affect them? Have you found the Bridging the Gap Series useful? Do you have a favorite episode in this series? Please add your comments below to help us gauge the usefulness of these posts. I look forward to your feedback. Photo Credits: Cracked Wall (Main Illustration) by Leonardo Aguiar, licensed under CC by 2.0

Aug 4, 2014
Bridging the Gap of Wisdom Second installment of the Bridging the Gap Series On the first installment of the series Bridging the Gap, we discussed how disappointment can be detrimental to the progress of a Mason. Disappointment can discourage a Man's pursuit of further goals, because it is a natural reaction to avoid those things which cause us pain or discomfort. In particular, Brothers who become disillusioned with Freemasonry, because of the seemingly unbridgeable gap that exists between his expectations and what actually happens behind a Tyled door. On this segment of the series, I want to speak about the gap of Wisdom, which exists between some groups of Brothers within the Lodge. I have identified that this gap of Wisdom manifests itself in at least two ways, which I categorize as Division and Deficiency. It is hoped that, if you identify any of these wisdom gaps within your Lodge, you act as a catalyst for change and begin labor to restore unity. After all, if we all take personal responsibility for the portion of labor which corresponds to each one of us, then our organization can shift focus from within and increase the labor that we do for those outside of our Temple's walls. Division: We meet on the level, but sit at separate tables. As Masons we all know that we meet On The Level; However, if you pay close attention to stated communications and events, you might notice a pattern emerge. You may notice that often there are tables with only past masters and while other tables only contain the youngest Entered Apprentices (E.As.). Although there is nothing wrong with spending time with people who share the same experiences we do, it is important that we are mindful of the needs that exist, even within the festive boards and fundraiser events. Yes, there should be a level of respect demonstrated towards the offices these more-experienced Brothers hold, but it should not interfere with our ability to partake in Fellowship and Brotherly Love. I have never been to a Lodge where I felt unwelcome or marginalized. However, it is almost inevitable to see the segmentation of the attendees of any meeting, to the degree in which you can almost guess their age, degree and appendant body affiliation. It goes without saying that the more often this happens, the longer the Wisdom gap remains between these various groups of Brothers. One remedy is for the young E.As. to be encouraged to approach any and all Brothers within the Lodge and during Masonic Events, especially if we want to continue to claim that we ALL meet on the Level. Yes, there should be a level of respect demonstrated towards the offices these more-experienced Brothers hold, but it should not interfere with our ability to partake in Fellowship and Brotherly Love. This is, of course, a two-way street. If you have enjoyed the great privilege of being entrusted with a leadership position within your Lodge, District or Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, then with more reason you should feel inclined to demonstrate what meeting on the Level is all about. I found a beautiful description of the commitment we should have, as Masonic Leaders, to the upcoming generations of Masons. It is a portion of a lecture delivered by Albert Pike at the Grand Lodge of Louisiana in February of 1858. "To sow, that others may reap; to work and plant for those that are to occupy the earth when we are dead; to project our good influences far into the future, and to live beyond our time; to rule as the Kings of Thought over men who are yet unborn; to bless with the glorious gifts of Truth and Light, and Liberty, those who may never know the name of the giver, nor care in what grave his unregarded ashes repose, is the true office of a Mason, and the proudest destiny of a man.".1 Deficiency: Scarcity amidst abundance We are proud members of an ancient Fraternity, whose focus is to share Light with men who want to illuminate their own path.
Jul 25, 2014
Bridging the Gap of Expectations in Freemasonry Avoiding disappointment and making the journey more fulfilling Before Men join Freemasonry, they might have an expectation of what really happens behind closed doors. That expectation, often-times fantastic and unrealistic, tends to be shaped by misinformation and ignorance. A members of this Fraternal organization, we should understand before hand, what people expect of us and how much of those expectations we can actually meet. Are you tired of hearing people bad-mouthing our Order? Did you expect things out of Freemasonry, which never materialized? Is there anything you can do as an individual to curve the erroneous expectations that people have of us? These are some of the questions we explore in this episode of The Winding Stairs and hope that you are able to find good answers that can help you make a real difference. The Candidate Before being given admittance into our Lodges, the candidates might have a very fantastic idea of what really happens behind our closed doors. Doors guarded by a Tyler must be holding back all kinds of awesome, right? Well, although our ritual is amazing and contains great lessons that have the potential of changing a Man's life forever, some candidates might have been aligning their expectations with movies and books, which is a recipe for inevitable disappointment. If we can better understand these preconceived expectations, then we can either work diligently to meet them or help the candidate curve his expectations and shift his focus to the great assets contained within our walls. Some of the things that people expect of our fraternity are supposed to be there but have been either neglected or ignored for various reasons. Here is where we have room for improvement and have the young impressionable mind of the candidate in our hands. The Newly Initiated Brother is thirsty for knowledge and oftentimes overwhelmed by data. It is essential that we understand the individual reasons each new Brother had to knock at our door. Some join for the pride of following in their Father's footsteps, others are desirous of the camaraderie and Brotherly love and others come to fulfill a deep desire for the Esoteric and the knowledge of the ages. With this information in mind, we can ensure that Brothers are receiving that for which they came to Freemasonry and do not leave dissatisfied. Our membership numbers would be much more impressive if everyone made it his commitment to find a Brother and ensure his expectations of Freemasonry are being met. The Lodge Officer Finally, Lodge officers might begin their Journey due East with great expectations of what they will achieve once they are sitting in the Worshipful Master's seat. They might have seen how other Brothers who came before managed their year as Masters and begin crafting a plan to achieve the previously impossible. However, the real focus should be on doing the best work in each of the chairs of the Lodge Officers. Understanding what are the expectations of you as a Lodge Officer in your respective chair, meeting and exceeding those expectations. Therein lies the great achievement of your Journey due east. That you best worked on every step of the way.
Jun 13, 2014
The Importance of your Masonic Travels An inside look at a Masonic Conversation while traveling. On this episode of The Winding Stairs, you will join Brother Juan Sepulveda and Brother Victor Rosario by riding along on a road trip. While driving to Columbus Georgia for a speaking engagement in February 2014, The Traveling Bros had the good idea (in our biased opinion) to record a conversation to give the listeners an inside look into what our conversations can be like. We hope that you enjoy the conversation and are able to imagine yourself riding along with us. Among the topics discussed in this episode you will find: Why Masonic Leadership is suffering in some Lodges. Why membership in some Lodges is dwindling, while it is growing exponentially in others. What are things that can be done to increase visibility of the Lodge in the community. You get out of Freemasonry what you put in. Bridging the gap of expectations experienced by new candidates and newly initiated Brothers. The importance of Masonic Traveling. The richness that is acquired through your Masonic Travels. Travel, Travel, Travel! Fundraiser Opportunity for Your Lodge This episode of The Winding Stairs was made possible by MasonicFundraiser.com Download our Free Book when you Sign up for our email newsletter. If you enjoyed this post and would like to be among the first to know when we publish new episodes of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, make sure to sign up for our email newsletter. By signing up you also receive a free copy of our Masonic Light Resource Report. Click Below to sign up now. Your voice is very important to us Join the conversation in our various social media channels. Share your thoughts on this... What suggestions would you have for a Lodge which is experiencing a decline in membership? -Please share your answers below-
Apr 29, 2014
Interview with Artist and Author Michael Karpovage On this episode of The Winding Stairs I interview Brother Michael Karpovage. Author, illustrator and entrepreneur, who's work has been influenced by Freemasonry. Join me as I have an insightful conversation with a fellow artist, who happens to be a Mason. Some of the topics discussed in this episode: Bro: Michael's beginnings in art and the early life decisions that led him there. How he stumbled upon a member of the fraternity and asked. The influence Freemasonry has had in his life and his literary work. We discuss some amazing stories of Freemasons who confronted and aided each other during various wars in America. We discuss further his passion for military history and the role that Freemasonry played therein. Learn how Freemasonry has made Bro. Karpovage a different man. The First Native American to ever join our Fraternity. This episode of The Winding Stairs was made possible by MasonicFundraiser.com If you are interested in purchasing Bro:. Karpovage's work, please use the links below.          *Disclaimer: The links to the products listed above are affiliate links. This will not affect the final price you pay for these items, However, I will receive a small commission from your purchase. Let it be known that the fact that I may receive a small commission on these and other products through the site, does not affect my views of the products mentioned. Making these affiliate links simply help keep the program alive. Thank you for your continued support of the program. To learn more about Bro:. Michael Karpovage's work, visit: KarpovageCreative.com  Don't forget to participate in the question at the bottom of this post for a chance to win a surprise gift from Bro:. Michael.   If you enjoyed this post and would like to be among the first to know when we publish new episodes of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, make sure to sign up for our email newsletter. By signing up you also receive a free copy of our Masonic Light Resource Report. Click Below to sign up now. Your voice is very important to us Join the conversation in our various social media channels. Share your thoughts on this... What has been the most influential book you have ever read? -Please share your answers below-
Apr 28, 2014
Interview with Artist and Author Michael Karpovage On this episode of The Winding Stairs I interview Brother Michael Karpovage. Author, illustrator and entrepreneur, who's work has been influenced by Freemasonry. Join me as I have an insightful conversation with a fellow artist, who happens to be a Mason. Some of the topics discussed in this episode: Bro: Michael's beginnings in art and the early life decisions that led him there. How he stumbled upon a member of the fraternity and asked. The influence Freemasonry has had in his life and his literary work. We discuss some amazing stories of Freemasons who confronted and aided each other during various wars in America. We discuss further his passion for military history and the role that Freemasonry played therein. Learn how Freemasonry has made Bro. Karpovage a different man. The First Native American to ever join our Fraternity. This episode of The Winding Stairs was made possible by MasonicFundraiser.com If you are interested in purchasing Bro:. Karpovage's work, please use the links below.          *Disclaimer: The links to the products listed above are affiliate links. This will not affect the final price you pay for these items, However, I will receive a small commission from your purchase. Let it be known that the fact that I may receive a small commission on these and other products through the site, does not affect my views of the products mentioned. Making these affiliate links simply help keep the program alive. Thank you for your continued support of the program. To learn more about Bro:. Michael Karpovage's work, visit: KarpovageCreative.com  Don't forget to participate in the question at the bottom of this post for a chance to win a surprise gift from Bro:. Michael.   If you enjoyed this post and would like to be among the first to know when we publish new episodes of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, make sure to sign up for our email newsletter. By signing up you also receive a free copy of our Masonic Light Resource Report. Click Below to sign up now. Your voice is very important to us Join the conversation in our various social media channels. Share your thoughts on this... What has been the most influential book you have ever read? -Please share your answers below-
Feb 28, 2014
ART IN FREEMASONRY The Power of Symbols and Creativity in Freemasonry By now you probably already know how important art is to Freemasonry, but there are several reasons why. The way in which Freemasonry delivers its lessons, is through allegories illustrated by symbols. Therefore, there are many stories, which are easier to remember than simply pure facts and those allegories have their respective symbols. By this way, one only has to look at the symbol, which recalls the story associated with it and thereby the applicable lessons to our life. "Freemasonry is a Science of Morality, Veiled in Allegory and Illustrated by Symbols" [clear-line]Therefore, it is important that not only we expose ourselves to the symbols depicted in Lodge, but also that we incorporate into our surroundings, those symbols and thereby those lessons, which help us become the best version of ourselves. Regardless whether the symbols you surround yourself with are in the form of Jewelry, Masonic Paintings or auto emblems, the important thing is that these symbols are there to aid you in your effort to improve yourself as you travel through life. In this episode we discuss the following topics: I share some of my recent experiences while traveling for speaking engagements. A archaeological discovery that suggests that Neanderthals might have been the authors of cave art dating back over 40,000 years. The power of art to shape a person’s life. How as creators, we can put our talents to work to inspire others to become better. The fulfillment derived from Masonic Travel. The efficiency of using symbols to help the spectator recollect lessons, stories and ideas. Art in Freemasonry extends beyond the symbols used to illustrate our lessons. Other artistic mediums like Poetry, Painting and Music have been used efficiently to share Masonic Education. How Art has helped me cope with difficult things in my life and share a story that could help others get through their difficult times in life. IS FACEBOOK CONTROLLED BY THE FREEMASONS? We have another Masonic Conspiracy by Bro. Robert Johnson from Whence Came You? Podcast. On this episode, Bro. Johnson talks about a conspiracy that claims that Facebook has achieved in 10 years, what the CIA was not able to do since its inception. RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE: The Winding Stairs Email Newsletter (Get eBook, FREE) Product Research Gear, LLC. Whence Came You Podcast The Midnight Freemasons The Masonic Roundtable (YouTube Channel) The Masonic Roundtable (Facebook Page) The Winding Stairs (Facebook Page) The Winding Stairs (On Twitter) National Geographic Article (42,000 Year Old Cave paintings in Spain) The Freemason Movie Interview FreemasonryArt.com This program is made possible by FreemasonryArt.com - An online store of products made by Masons for Masons. It features a selection of original Masonic Paintings, Limited Edition artwork and Genuine Lambskin Aprons, available only through FreemasonryArt.com Imagine yourself walking into the next stated meeting wearing a custom painted Masonic Apron, like the ones we see displayed in museums. We invite you to look at our collection and support The Winding Stairs through your purchase. Go to www.FreemasonryArt.com
Jan 8, 2014
Imagine traveling through space at 67,000 miles per hour. That is how fast this pale blue dot is traveling through space, making its yearly orbit around the sun. We all get very excited about the end of one year and the beginning of another. But, do we ever stop to think what this really means? It is very likely that you, along with millions of people around the world, have considered which things you can change in your life this upcoming year. In this episode of The Winding Stairs, we discuss the relationship between the "REVOLUTION" of Planet Earth around the Sun and our "Resolve" to improve our life.  Are New Year Resolutions really worth it? If you make some, are you likely to keep them? Is there any way to increase the odds of feeling accomplished at the end of this 365 day cycle? These are some of the questions answered in this episode of The Winding Stairs Masonic Podcast. Before we get to these good questions, let's return to the space travel thing. As you probably know, among the liberal arts and sciences that Masons are encouraged to study, we find Astronomy. But why? Why is it important for a Mason to learn about Astronomy? I want to point out two specific reasons: Perspective and Perspective. (Yes, the redundancy was intentional). Perspective 1: The observation and recognition of our place in the universe. First, it helps us recognize the grandeur of our Creator. Through the study of Astronomy, we can recognize how incredibly vast the universe is and how small our role in the history of the universe is. This is not meant to be depressing or discouraging, it is however, a way for us to recognize the importance of working together and spending our time wisely. When we tune in and appreciate the natural world around us, we are therefore more connected and in tune with our creator. Is there a purpose to our existence in this vast universe? We may never know the answer to this age old question. However, I believe that we should spend our days pursuing worthwhile causes and working on perfecting our life, so as to fulfill our purpose, if there is one to fulfill. Perspective 2: The observation and recognition of patterns around us. To the prehistoric man, recognizing the patterns of the heavens and their relations to the seasons and the weather was a matter of life and death. To our ancient Brethren, understanding the cycles of the moon allowed them to travel safely on through a moonlit path to meet in Lodge for education and fellowship. Through the observation of the heavens and the cycle that accompany it, Mankind has been able to adapt to the changing patterns of weather and adjust their lifestyle accordingly. When we changed from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural one, recognizing the changing patterns of weather allowed us to be more efficient in our labor. This knowledge allowed mankind to increase the yields during harvest and dedicate more time to other intellectual and spiritual pursuits. Pattern Recognition and our ability to improve ourselves.  Just like the agricultural societies could observe patterns and adjust their behavior to increase their productivity and consequent harvest yields, when we pay attention to the patterns that govern our life, we also have the potential of living more fulfilling and fruitful lives. As we become more familiar with the virtues that we can acquire and the vices that might prevent us from attaining them, we can then adjust our life accordingly to become more virtuous and honorable men. Among the benefits of patter recognition we can find: Recognizing patterns allows us to make better plans for the future. You can modify your behavior wisely. Reduction of risk in future endeavours. Increase self awareness and higher probability of sustainable change. Are New Year Resolutions Obsolete? I don't think so! Here is why.  Although I believe that we should always have a malleable disposition to create resolutions,
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