Easter, for me, is a time of renewal, a rebirth, a fresh beginning, and the arrival of new possibilities. It is a season that invites us to cleanse, to reflect, and to realign ourselves with what is true and meaningful. Just as we refresh our homes, don our finest clothes, and embrace the fragrance of spring, we must also take time to renew our minds. To truly embrace this season, we must be intentional about the voices we listen to, the wisdom we absorb, and the choices we make as our own.
The Power of Discernment
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of choosing carefully who to listen to. It is not enough for someone to simply hold an opinion; they must also possess depth, understanding, and an openness to discussion. I admire those who share their insights with humility, allowing others to engage in independent thought rather than imposing their beliefs.
When I seek wisdom, whether through conversations, podcasts, or thought leaders, I look for those who approach their subject matter with both thorough research and an open mind. Take, for example, someone like Steven Barrett, whose perspectives are grounded in careful study and presented in a way that encourages individual reflection. That, to me, is respect: the ability to take in ideas, consider them, and decide for yourself if they resonate, rather than feeling pressured to conform to a certain perspective simply because it is deemed the right thing to do.'
Owning Your Thoughts
This season reminds me that true renewal is not simply about absorbing advice; it is about transforming it into something distinctly your own. I take my time in reflecting on the counsel I receive from both my inner circle and the wider world, ensuring that when I act, the decision is wholly mine. This, to me, is the essence of mental clarity, filtering through the noise and making room for what genuinely aligns with one’s values and vision.
It’s rather like water being poured from one vessel to another. Each time, the vessel must be clean, because even the slightest impurity can subtly alter the essence of what’s being passed on. In the same way, when we take in knowledge or advice, we must do so discerningly, aware of how it may have been influenced or reshaped by external narratives. Just as water adopts the qualities of its container, wisdom, too, can be softened, sharpened, or entirely reframed through interpretation.
In recent years, I’ve developed a deep fascination with how narratives and perspectives can be turned, twisted, and retold. I even wrote a two-hundred-page report exploring this very idea, supported by detailed case studies. What I found was that a single story can wear many faces depending on who is telling it, and why. It’s not merely the message itself that matters, but the lens through which it is delivered and received.
It’s a bit like watching someone rechannel a naturally flowing canal. The water has its own course, but someone decides to redirect it, shaping its path to suit their own intentions. And so the original flow is changed, not by the water’s will, but by the framework imposed upon it. In life, ideas are often treated the same way, moulded, repackaged, and pushed onto others under the guise of truth. That is why it becomes all the more vital to pause, question, and truly examine what is ours to believe.
Because each person’s mindset and experience colour their understanding, even the same idea can lead to vastly different outcomes. A single word or detail can alter the tone of a story, and sometimes, it’s not so much about what was said as it is about how we choose to perceive it.
Easter as a Reminder
Easter is a perfect time to lay down your stone, marking a moment of clarity and release. Just as ancient travellers placed stones to signify the end of a journey or a turning point, Easter becomes that symbolic pause, a conscious act of letting go of burdens, clearing the mind, and stepping into a new season with intention.
However, laying down the stone doesn’t always mean walking away from where you’ve been. I’ve found that it means placing it back in the very same place, but at a different angle. A quiet shift. A subtle redirection. Because clarity can also mean continuing on, but with fresh understanding and renewed purpose, I’ve discovered a better way for my stone, a more thoughtful placement, guided by a clearer sense of where I’m heading. And with that, the path ahead feels lighter, wiser, and more aligned.
Just as we clean our homes and make them fresh and beautiful, we must do the same with our minds. We must reset, reframe, and prepare ourselves for what’s ahead.
We do not exist in isolation; we are shaped by layers of experience, influence, and environment. This is why it is essential to be intentional about the voices we welcome into our minds and hearts. Some will nourish our growth, offering wisdom that refines our understanding, while others may cloud our judgment or lead us astray. The best guidance I have ever received has come from those who approach knowledge with curiosity, consider multiple perspectives, and share insights without imposing their own conclusions. True wisdom does not demand conformity; it invites reflection, allowing us to discern and decide for ourselves.
Be mindful of when to take advice and when to let it go. Not every voice deserves space in your mind. Not every opinion needs to be absorbed. As you step into this season of renewal, choose to be intentional. Set your mind as carefully as you set your table for Easter. Cleanse your space, your thoughts, and your spirit so that when you pour from your vessel, what you offer is authentic, refined, and truly your own.
