For someone like me, who has spent his whole life living by rules, it is quite an awakening to realize that rules don’t really guarantee anything. Some rules might suggest possible, even probable consequences if I cross the line, but not much more.
My car sounds a “beep” when I wander across a white line unintentionally or without signaling my intention to change lanes. It gets my attention, just in case I am not aware or paying adequate attention. Beyond that, the “beep” doesn’t have much effect.
Rules are the sounds of a “beep” indicating that I might have become unaware and wandered out of a path that I or my culture may have defined or outlined. Rules are not a guarantor of failure or success, only an indicator of wandering. Rules are not like laws of nature.
Some of my best, most consequential decisions of my life have occurred when I decisively ignored the “beep” and crossed a rule.
I often encourage gardeners to pay attention to but not be obsessed with the rules of gardening. This is especially true if they are to experience the joy of gardening. I listen to what others say about meditation, but I end up doing it my own way.
The same could easily be said of the way I try to live my life. I try to be aware of where the lines are, be aware of possible consequences, pay attention to the “beeps.” I sometimes ignore what I have been told.
There are no clear paths, and only some white lines. The possibilities seem to be without limit.