Two Point Stance

The sextant is an analog navigation tool developed around 1730. The sextant is a more accurate way to calculate something the ancients did for years: navigating by star position. In simple terms, the sextant measures two points: a celestial body and the horizon. From this, a position line can be mapped and decisions made. Originally used by sailors, the sextant was eventually utilized by surveyors and later on, aviators. Interesting fact: the US Navy still teaches sailors how to use a sextant.

Despite all of the technology and comforts of modern life, we often get the sense that we’ve lost our way. This is made even more pronounced by our Western mind’s tendency to be very linear in our thinking; a dogged determination to get from point A to Point B. Which is then often met by frustration, shame, or guilt when we fail to achieve those goals and/or the line from point A to point B begins to blur or shift — or turns out to be entirely an illusion!

The metaphor of the sextant can return us to a sense of greater clarity and confidence; a re-orientation on the map of life.

A fixed point on the horizon is the first marker. This fixed point is your primary goal; your highest intention. There’s no judgment here on what that might be. It could be something material, a relationship, a lifestyle, a feeling. Just decide what’s most important to you as a future destination.