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  "path": "/~bandali/life/thinking-with-prot.html",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-23T18:58:38.702Z",
  "site": "https://kelar.org",
  "tags": [
    "Prot as a coach",
    "new ffs package for GNU Emacs",
    "[ please watch the video in your favourite streaming media player ]​",
    "view",
    "download the full-resolution video"
  ],
  "textContent": "In the recent weeks I've been engaging Prot as a coach to help review my new ffs package for GNU Emacs as I worked on preparing it for inclusion in GNU ELPA, as well as discussing other Emacs- and life-related topics.\n\nIn our nearly 2-hour conversation, we discussed at length and in depth various aspects of life in the current times. For instance, feeling overwhelmed in the face of innumerable things happening at once, with technology changing our perception and making events feel proximate and imminent.\n\nWe talked about seasonality and rhythms in life, including in relation to burnout and knowing our own limitations, and descriptive vs prescriptive thinking when reflecting on the expectations we may place on our self when comparing our self to others through the lens of our necessarily-incomplete impressions and glimpses of their lives. We discussed absence or loss as a dual to presence or persistence in the process of life. How with our memories and through embodying the philosophy and teachings of departed loved ones their essence and legacy continues to live on within us. But also loss in the sense of us losing parts of our self in life-defining moments while preserving other parts and gaining new ones, being liberated of some of the burdens of our past self and in effect becoming someone else in the process.\n\nIn being true to our self, we talked about humans as multi-faceted beings and the importance of expressing and giving a voice to these different aspects of our self, and keeping alive that child-like sense of awe and wonder. To live a life where the pace and rhythms of our environment are in sync with our internal rhythms, and to not give others undue power over us or our happiness through trying to live according to their prescribed standards or expectations.\n\nI also learned more about Prot's practical philosophy of situational awareness in life, not merely as a means for survival, but also as a way of appreciating all of the beauty that surrounds us, and a method for gaining the knowledge and skills to apply what we learn from patterns in one area of life to other areas.\n\nWe concluded our session with a mention to the concept of sanctity, to set aside a sacred time or place for our self wherein no distractions are allowed, where we can unwind, rest, and recharge for whatever comes next.\n\nHere is the video recording of our session, which I share with Prot's permission:\n\nSorry, this embedded video will not work, because your web browser does not support HTML5 video.\n[ please watch the video in your favourite streaming media player ]​\n\nYou can view or download the full-resolution video from the Internet Archive.\n\nLike Prot, I am invigorated and inspired to live a full, honest life. To do my best, do what I do in earnest, and make the best of what I have.\n\nTake care, and so long for now.",
  "title": "Thinking about life - chat with Protesilaos",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-23T17:30:00.000Z"
}