Of Daemons and Demons
Familiars, Petronus, Spirit Guides or Daemons; facets of ourselves, separate yet interconnected, working in tandem with us for mutual benefit.
Unlike Demons, associated with evil in religions and the occult. The original Greek word daimon does not carry negative connotations. δαίμων daimōn denotes a spirit or divine power. The Greek conception of a daimōn notably appears in the works of Plato, where it describes the divine inspiration of Socrates. The Daemon was a spirit guide of sorts, which not only guided you but embodied your true purpose in life. Your Daemon wants you to follow your true calling.
The ancient Greek meaning of Daemon, is mirrored by the modern use of ‘Daemon’ in programing:
In multitasking operating systems, a daemon is a program that runs as a background process, rather than being under the direct control of an interactive user.
This is exactly what we are trying to achieve with habits! Good behaviours that are carried out instinctively.
(the source of the naming of this computer process derives from ‘Maxwell’s Demon’, an imaginary being from a thought experiment that constantly works in the background, sorting molecules.)
Your Habit Daemon is a conversational source of motivation and encouragement. Keeping you on track to achieve your true purpose.
A consequence of making significant changes in your life is that it can be isolating. Even friends and family members can unwittingly undermine your efforts. Without meaning to be unkind, they often just can’t believe that you can change. Their lack of belief can infect your own confidence. Change can also make others uncomfortable, friends who don’t exercise may mock your new exercise habits, because of their own insecurities.
Your Habit Daemon is a non-judgemental friend. It will remind you when you are falling behind and encourage your efforts. This is a symbiotic relationship: the better you stick to your habits and build your habit chains, the more your Daemon will grow and develop.
The nurturing aspect of looking after another being, is also a good motivator for people who often don’t prioritise their own advancement.
Nurture your Daemon and slay your Demons.