To become atypical-the furthest thing from ordinary, the furthest thing from mundane, the furthest thing from cowardly, the furthest thing from stagnant, is so much more than a choice. The motion of reframing our manner of living and perspective of all things into an unusual and individually unique way is, in essence, a perpetual act, a habit that we take hold of and forcefully put into motion through every avenue of our lives. We stop holding onto mainstream, dogmatic perception and begin running at our own pace, seeing colors that we were never told we could see with our own eyes. By adopting such a thorough paradigm, rebuilding your most authentic self will entail sculpting a frame of mind and heart that will seldom be relatable with others, that is the masses that permit the world to choose their comforts, fears, limits and ingrained lies. However, as one begins behaving by their own accord and embodying the pure joy that comes with living outside of the cage, they find that they are not as alone as expected, and actually become living paragons that aid in awakening others' highest versions of themselves day by day. How though can this greater mode be reinstated? Which areas within us should remain and which should be changed? As we examine names of renown from the ages past, we will find how these characters are not those who are remembered or have become revered by obeying any certain conformity; they are legends that took the unruly ox by its horns and forced it into submission, attaining that which they knew they deserved by their own way and knowing that by being perceived as one who is profoundly atypical by common standards, their individuality would allow them to spread their wings through eternity for us to follow and learn from now.
Such an inward journey begins by examining your current self. Do you think of your own person as physically or mentally atypical already? How do you feel you stand out from among your peers? Are there ways in which you're genuinely proud to be distinct from the majority or your past self? And further, do you feel your identity has been carved from what you have been fed by remaining inside and assimilated into, or can you recall a moment from either long ago or fairly recently where you realized you craved that which you have never been fed before? Something at one point piqued your interest so profoundly that you found the wall you had been kept behind was nothing but a cheap two-way mirror masquerading as a stone barrier. Consider philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, for example. This was a man who at one point in his era recognized the flaws of society around him, and exposed these faults to not only address how he could further develop himself, but how his societal undoing and personal example could ripple the waters around him and permit others to see how he could. Nietzsche understood that hierarchy was partly natural, and that as humans we are able to pursue and wholeheartedly take that which we truly believe is ours. We will exist either as the Overman (Ubermensch) or The Last Man; one who lovingly lives fully, conscious of their value, or one who lives to the end to be conscious only of how he is perceived by those around him. Exploiting these examples would prove not just wise but as the most respectful way to examine yourself and what you do regularly that maintains your originality. Once assessed, then, what can we change or put into motion in order to maintain and reinforce our atypical nature?
Choosing a practically atypical alternative to an activity as a means of activating your brain, heart, and helping awaken those of others are clear steps to developing your own unique path and outwardly revealing the joy that comes with straying from conformed living. Consider an older example of one who lived by this agenda, the legendary swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. Known for having been one of the greatest samurai to have ever lived, naturally his habits would have been different from those around him. As a youth onward, Musashi would train not in schools but in natural places, uncommon and unsafe, and used these dangerous conditions to imagine a formidable enemy while training. This aided in developing his own style, unparalleled to all others in his era, thus setting him apart and leaving a model to follow today. On the other side of the earth, a few decades later, was polymath, Leonardo Da Vinci. This was a man who constantly designed and sketched ideas for new inventions centuries ahead of his time, wrote in his journal backwards to train his mind, and emphasized nature in his works when most artists in his time thought of it only as a backdrop or setting. clearly we see the cause and effect of those who decide to do things their way. What habits or interests do you alone possess? How are they expressed? This may be an opportunity to consider our taste and methods through our various senses; what music do you appreciate and favor? What is your preferred form of entertainment? How do you eat? Are you bound by mainstream 'fad' diets or being a ‘picky’ eater? A ‘texture’ person? How do you train? Do you train? Surprisingly, the number of those who prioritize their physical health in relation to most is meager despite modern 'gym culture'. If public discomfort is your obstacle, then perhaps consider a short walk, run, or training circuit in your home or private area to engage the body in at least one way. Every physical body is different, so do what feels right for you. Further, do you engage in meditation or prayer? If so, where and how, and for how long? As far as practices for reinforcing your atypical nature go, prayer and meditation reign among the highest. Recalibrating your thoughts through your breath and composure, especially for extended periods of time, will truly allow you to come back to you, abandoning all external influence and remembering what’s really abundant within, and what is missing; we will not know unless we examine. Undoubtedly, all of these things that will improve your physical health will in turn aid in supporting your mental health, completely unchaining you from someone you have been made to think you are, and freeing the mind and soul you really are and deserve by birthright.
Can this be fearful? Yes! May we feel a bit of anxiety by even reading about standing apart from the crowd? Absolutely! Though it is by transmuting this very fear itself into a reformed energy of excitement that we know our desire to grow by individuality is one of the greatest opportunities we could ever possess.
Let us put this into perspective once again from the past. Joan of Arc: a very young and poor woman, to a fearless and renowned defender of France, she was driven through her holy mission by supposed visions and voices by God himself to save her nation. Of course, she would have known how her words, behavior, and composure would appear and sound to others, though understood in her heart that her resolve and purpose were stronger because of them, solidifying her name in death and history. Centuries prior, consider Paul the Apostle as another example. As a prophet who would advance his preaching ministry in lands unfamiliar to him with people who might possibly find his presence and message insulting and unwelcome, this entailed maintaining courage while developing thorough knowledge of all religions and and prominent cultures in his time in order to understand ideals and morals for preaching God's word more accurately. Naturally, this included becoming more involved with others in different communities for the sake of greater understanding and insight for all. Nevertheless, neither opposition nor unfamiliarity would prove fearful enough to keep Paul from accomplishing his assignment. As one last example of atypical triumph despite fear of external influence would be that of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king and conqueror. As a man who had a considerable winning streak in war and expansion as long as he did, Alexander was notorious for harboring an almost primal urge in going as far as possible, traveling on both foot and horse to the ends of the known earth until he and his kingdom could discover and occupy all existent. Alexander did not know what he would find or who he would have to face in his campaign, but he knew that what existed beyond would be greater than that which he'd already known. Are your most vibrant qualities, traits, and goals hidden from yourself and others out of fear or uncertainty, or are they worn on your sleeves? Do they urge you to exert yourself proudly and excitedly to see and feel that which lies beyond your comfort zone? Considering these questions show the interests and aspirations we harbor may not only deepen when they are part of our personality but allow them to activate in our lives as well, allowing others to realize they can do the same. Our dormant individuality is, indeed, our golden opportunity.
The path of ten thousand miles is accomplished one step at a time. Naturally we may not feel a personal paradigm shift overnight, though it is knowing that we have begun our ascent into becoming our atypical, higher self that should be our initial resolve. Such a feeling and change of habit will do so much more than shock the world around you. This endeavor is meant to instill courageous and authentic power from you, not from something trivial or pursued for the sake of impressing another. What works for you will be the unpaved path that takes you exactly where you know you need to go. There is only one life; we will not waste it by being overly concerned with the opinion of the less privy, the cowardly, the mundane, the imprisoned, the stagnant, the typical. From the day we are born we are gifted with the internal drive to exceed ourselves, constantly seeing how far we can go through our own originality. Stay aware that by the time most will have grown they will be gradually stripped of this divine gift by becoming just like everyone else. This passive obedience can only go on for so long before coming to the conclusion that your original sovereignty has always been yours alone. You are cunning by nature. Take it back, heed these words, read and study the texts and acts of those who have omitted the masses and remained their purest selves, and make it your own! The rest of your life awaits, so do not allow it to fade out from conformity, but let it burn out viciously by remaining as atypical as you are able.
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