The Beauty in Breaking

The Beauty in Breaking

Apr 7, 2025 | Masonic Book Review, Masonic Education

MASONIC BOOK REVIEW

“The Beauty
in Breaking:
A Memoir”

by Michele Harper

[THE BEAUTY IN BREAKING is a] riveting, heartbreaking, sometimes difficult, always inspiring story…

—The New York Times Book Review
Michele Harper’s “The Beauty in Breaking” is a poignant, soul-stirring memoir that intertwines the demanding world of emergency medicine with profound personal reflection on healing, loss, and transformation. Harper’s experiences as an ER physician serve as a backdrop for a deeper narrative about the heart’s capacity for growth through brokenness. Her journey, both as a healer and as someone grappling with her own healing process, resonates with timeless themes of Freemasonry, particularly the first and third degrees—those of initiation and mastery—where the search for truth and self-transformation is paramount.

In Freemasonry, the first degree initiates the candidate into a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment through symbolic death and rebirth. Harper’s memoir echoes this transformative process as she writes, “God breaks the heart again and again and again until it stays open,” a sentiment that parallels the Masonic rite of death and rebirth. This ritual is not just about a physical death, but a shedding of the old self, allowing for the emergence of a new, more enlightened version. Harper’s reflections on her work as an ER physician and her personal trials illuminate the vulnerability and humility required to open oneself to transformation, much like a Masonic initiate must open their heart and mind to the truths that lie ahead.

The Third Degree, which focuses on the mastery of self and the resurrection of the spirit, finds its reflection in Harper’s words about healing. She states, “The stories I tell here will, I hope, take you into the chaos of emergency medicine and show you where the center is. This center is where we find the sturdy roots of insight that can’t be wind thrown by passing storms.” In Freemasonry, the third-degree candidate learns to confront their inner turmoil and emerge stronger—this aligns with Harper’s own process of navigating the chaos of life’s challenges and finding the strength to heal and help others. Her exploration of Kintsukuroi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold, speaks directly to this idea. Just as broken pottery becomes more beautiful in its repaired state, so too can our broken hearts and minds become more vibrant and whole through the mending process.

Throughout her memoir, Harper delves into the painful yet necessary acts of letting go and embracing impermanence. She writes, “It is human nature to want to bind ourselves to the parts of life we hold dear… But this type of binding frays and tears until, even when we fight the awareness, we’re forced to see how illusory the reliance on permanence is.” This notion of letting go mirrors the Masonic teachings of attachment and detachment. Freemasonry encourages its members to seek a higher understanding of the material world and to move beyond attachment to the fleeting nature of life, just as Harper learns to surrender to the ebb and flow of her experiences.

Harper’s narrative is also deeply aligned with Masonic values of service and the interconnectedness of humanity. Her reflections on healing capture the essence of the Masonic brotherhood’s ethos: “It is an opportunity, should we choose it, to heal the human body and spirit. By healing ourselves, we heal each other. By healing each other, we heal ourselves.” This cyclical nature of healing mirrors the concept of mutual support within the Masonic Lodge, where brothers work together for the common good, each contributing to the collective well-being. Harper’s writing emphasizes that true healing occurs when we are both vulnerable and compassionate, qualities that are fundamental to the Masonic path.

Finally, the message of rebirth and renewal in The Beauty in Breaking echoes the Masonic understanding of spiritual progress and enlightenment. Harper writes, “True happiness only and always comes from within. In these and countless other ways, there is no gain without loss… True living comes from being able to hold peace and love for oneself, and from sharing that unwavering, unconditional love, knowing that all life depends on this.” This is the essence of Masonic wisdom—the understanding that the path to self-mastery is one of constant transformation, where each loss leads to a deeper understanding and a greater capacity for love and service.

In conclusion, The Beauty in Breaking is not just a memoir; it is a guide to the process of personal and collective healing. Michele Harper’s honest reflections on her life as a healer and her journey of self-discovery mirror the transformative journey of a Mason, particularly in the initiation and mastery of self in the first and third degrees. Her words remind us that true strength is found in vulnerability, that healing is a shared process, and that in the breaking, there is beauty.

Written by: Bro. Jonathan Kopel

 

Bro. Kopel is a MD PhD in his neurology residency in Washington DC. He is a member at Potomac Lodge #5 and Benjamin B. French Lodge #15 of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC.

Samuel Lloyd Kinsey

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Apr 7, 2025 | Masonic Book Review, Masonic Education

MASONIC BOOK REVIEW

“The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”

by John C. Maxwell

With over four million copies sold, , “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (25th Anniversary Edition)”, features insights learned from John’s 30-plus years of leadership successes and mistakes with observations from the worlds of business, politics, sports, religion, and military conflict.
— Source: Publisher

John C. Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (25th Anniversary Edition) remains a cornerstone in the study of leadership principles. Through clear and accessible language, Maxwell distills 21 key laws that define effective leadership and provide a practical framework for personal and organizational growth. While the book offers timeless insights for anyone in a leadership role, its applications within Freemasonry are particularly compelling, as many of the laws resonate deeply with the core values and practices of this ancient Brotherhood. In summary, there are eight laws of leadership that directly relate to practices within the Craft.

The Law of the Lid: Leadership ability determines a person’s level of effectiveness. This law speaks to a foundational truth in Freemasonry—leadership ability is crucial for progress within the Lodge. The impact of a leader is directly tied to their ability to lead with skill and wisdom. Maxwell emphasizes that effective leadership enhances the entire group, and this mirrors the Masonic belief that each brother contributes to the collective well-being of the Lodge. This is demonstrated through the collective contribution each officer plays in opening and closing the Lodge as well as performing the many rituals with the Fraternity.

The Law of Influence: True leadership is measured by influence, not authority or position. In Freemasonry, leadership is not derived from titles but from the ability to guide, teach, and influence others with wisdom and virtue. The most respected leaders in Masonry often hold little formal power, yet their influence is undeniable. Within my own experience in the Craft, many Lodge officers and mentors have always emphasized that the impact and influence of a Brother on the Craft is not related to their status as an officer. Rather, it is their desire to serve the Lodge and contribute to its mission of spreading harmony and love. This law speaks to the importance of ethical leadership, where influence is built on trust, respect, and mutual regard.

The Law of Process: Leadership develops daily, not in a day; it requires continuous growth. Freemasonry itself is a journey of personal development and self-improvement. The Masonic ritual emphasizes the ongoing process of moral and spiritual growth. Each attempt at the ritual, opening and closing the Lodge, and the experience of helping others on their Masonic journey at each stage pulls a person into the past, present, and future directions of their own Masonic journey. In a way, we are taught that the Craft is represented as an ongoing process of perfection rather than obtaining such perfection. Maxwell’s Law aligns with this, encouraging leaders to embrace the long-term, incremental process of development rather than seeking quick success or instant results. It’s about becoming a better version of oneself, a principle echoed throughout Masonic teachings.

The Law of Navigation: Leaders chart the course and guide others through challenges. Freemasons are often called to navigate complex moral and philosophical challenges, and a good leader in the Lodge is someone who helps others find their way through these challenges. Maxwell underscores that leadership is not about commanding from a distance, but about helping others through troubled times.

The Law of Addition: Effective leaders serve others by adding value to their lives. This principle is deeply rooted in Freemasonry, where the role of a leader is seen as one of service and mentorship. Such a law is delivered clearly within the Charge of the Entered Apprentice Degree. Each Brother has a duty of mentoring and teaching those behind. And those who enter the Craft have a duty to listen, process, and apply such knowledge as deemed worthy and true. A true Masonic leader is not self-serving but dedicates himself to improving the lives of others—both inside and outside the Lodge.

The Law of Solid Ground: Trust is the foundation of leadership; integrity is crucial. Integrity is the bedrock upon which Freemasonry is built. Masons pledge to uphold high moral standards and are bound by a code of honor. This theme is directly unpaced within the Third Degree and the Hiramic Drama. The notion of one’s integrity and personhood comes into question with regards to the tenor and ultimate impact of one’s life in pursuit of the divine and its union to all things. Maxwell’s Law is a powerful reminder that leadership, in any context, rests on the solid foundation of trust. A Masonic leader who lacks integrity cannot lead effectively or inspire others.

The Law of Empowerment: Secure leaders give power to others, fostering growth and confidence. In Freemasonry, leadership is not about hoarding power but about empowering others to rise to their full potential. This is especially true in the Lodge, where experienced members actively seek to develop younger Brothers, teaching them the lessons of leadership through example. Maxwell’s Law resonates with this aspect of Masonic leadership, where great leaders elevate others, knowing that the success of the Lodge depends on the collective strength of its members.

The Law of Legacy: A leader’s lasting value is measured by succession; they should invest in future leaders. Freemasonry places significant emphasis on succession, ensuring that future generations of Masons are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and wisdom to lead. The transition of power from one master to the next ensures the Fraternity and ongoing goal of love and brotherly love is not squandered through the desire for power and prestige. Maxwell’s Law underscores the importance of mentorship and the long-term vision of leadership. A Masonic leader’s greatest legacy is not just their own accomplishments but the strength and growth of the Lodge that continues after them.

In conclusion, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership provides invaluable insights that can be applied to all forms of leadership, including Freemasonry. Its lessons on trust, integrity, service, empowerment, and succession are particularly relevant to Masonic teachings. Whether you’re a seasoned Mason or new to the Craft, Maxwell’s timeless principles offer a roadmap to becoming a more effective and ethical leader within the Lodge and beyond.

Written by: Bro. Jonathan Kopel

 

Bro. Kopel is a MD PhD in his neurology residency in Washington DC. He is a member at Potomac Lodge #5 and Benjamin B. French Lodge #15 of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC.

Samuel Lloyd Kinsey

Atomic Habits An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Atomic Habits An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Mar 22, 2025 | Masonic Book Review, Masonic Education

MASONIC BOOK REVIEW

“Atomic Habits:
An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones”

by James Clear

In the New York Times bestseller, “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones,” James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. The book has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 60 languages.
— Source: Publisher
Habits and routines are translated to the rituals performed within Freemasonry. It is a lesson articulated with great detail and symbolism in the Entered Apprentice degree. Of the tools, the 24-inch gauge alludes to the application of rituals within our own lives to guide our journey through life. Within Freemasonry, the 24-inch gauge alludes to the following:

An instrument made use of by operative Masons to measure and lay out their work. But we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time.

The intentional use of our time is emphasized at the beginning of our Masonic journeys. Yet, it is curious that such a description of balancing time in three parts is something increasingly difficult in the modern era. Furthermore, the application of how to establish rituals that build ourselves to those rituals that consistently hamper us remains an ongoing exploration within and outside the Craft.

I found “Atomic Habits,” to provide insight into both the process and purpose of rituals or habits in this context. The author suggests that the essence of habits are inner aspirations for the type of person we wish to become rather than simply the action. It is the inner drive to our aspirations that make habits or rituals part of our routines towards organizing and directing our energies. Masonically, it is a reminder that all ritual and habits are touching upon the daily act of discovering our innermost self and, in response, finding habits that correspond to our identity.

For Brothers, Clear’s book has several practical applications that give insight into perfecting ourselves within and outside the Craft. One of the most practical suggestions from “Atomic Habits” is to do the bare minimum pursuing a habit to build upon with greater energy and duration as the habit or ritual becomes part of our routine and persona. In his “Two Minute Rule,” Clear recommends doing the smallest amount of effort towards our desired habit to reduce the barriers to begin the process.

Through daily application, increasing our duration of the routine becomes instinctual and natural. In the context of Masonic ritual, this principle has important applications in approaching ritual and making it less daunting. It suggests doing small portions and practicing overtime can develop an affinity and natural attention to the ritual. For Brothers like myself, this is an area of the Craft that can be difficult to approach if one’s affinity is outside ritual and other areas of the Craft. Yet, it is a powerful method to begin one’s journey within the Craft.

Clear’s writing has other such useful tools. He suggests that focusing on the systems towards our goals, making small changes, building habits focused on the desired identity that we wish to embody, and fostering a supportive community all work together to establish rituals that are not only beneficial, but meaningful to the larger story within the Craft.

In closing, in context of the 24-inch gauge, Atomic Habits frames that the process of dividing our time can be reframed as dividing our rituals into manageable portions. This allows us to strive towards greater unity, Fellowship, and appreciation for Masonic ritual that bind and guide our Fraternity.

Written by: Bro. Jonathan Kopel

 

Bro. Kopel is a MD PhD in his neurology residency in Washington DC. He is a member at Potomac Lodge #5 and Benjamin B. French Lodge #15 of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC.

Samuel Lloyd Kinsey

Why Buddhism is True

Why Buddhism is True

Feb 24, 2025 | Masonic Book Review, Masonic Education

MASONIC BOOK REVIEW

“Why Buddhism is True”

by Robert Wright

“Buddha believed that the less you judge things—including the contents of your mind—the more clearly you’ll see them, and the less deluded you’ll be.” ― Robert Wright, Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment

Despite reflections and personal meditations, Robert Wright’s comment sparked insight into the pervasiveness of cognitive biases in our daily life. As a Freemason, these cognitive biases are many and present themselves differently depending on the context and person in question. We’ve all had moments where a tired mind has made us say or do things that we wouldn’t otherwise have done while being alert. It is these biases within our minds that linger from our evolutionary past. The rough edges of being that we must constantly work to chisel off with intent and purpose.

Within our Lodge rooms, we are taught about controlling our passions and desires within bounds. Yet I wonder if the imagery focuses more on the spectrum of our emotional sates or actions rather than the underlying cognitive biases or mental blocks that prevent us from appraising the situation accurately and responding accordingly? According to Wright, Buddhism’s interpretation of the human mind—including our propensity for selfish goals and the transient nature of pleasure—acknowledge that our minds have a remarkable ability to not only think, but delude ourselves based upon our limited sensory perceptions. A fundamental principle of Buddhism implies that our perception of a fixed self is a delusion, and acknowledging this might assist us in letting go of our attachment to experiences and desires.

The idea of delusions accurately reflects my professional experience in practicing medicine. Whether it is the physical appearance, speech, or mannerisms of the patient as well as my own emotional state and medical system I operate in, these factors have been shown to have significant influence on the decisions made my doctors and other medical staff. When ignored or dismissed, these biases spiral and grow larger and larger, often leading to medical errors, unnecessary treatments or misunderstandings. I would argue that when it comes to subduing our passions, a large part of the practice is more a self-understanding of the triggers, situations and states that cause ourselves to stumble and delude ourselves into having an assessment of a situation.

Wright’s book frames these cognitive biases as evolutionary baggage from our collective pasts. Rather than seeing our biases as personal flaws, his book assess them as part of our human nature that we are still working to manage, contain, and, hopefully, let go as we progress. Within the Craft, the process of keeping these biases or passions within bounds is the art of inward reflection or meditation. Beyond the ritual work and business of the Lodge, to be a Mason is the art of understanding our consciousness, including our imperfections. Through working together as a fraternity, those imperfections become seeds of understanding and opportunities to practice managing our tendencies towards something better. Removing the emotive element of our imperfections allows for a greater willingness to address those imperfections with a gentle spirit towards ourselves and others, regardless of our respective religious traditions.

As Robert Wright referenced in Why Buddhism is True, “The Dalai Lama has said, ‘Don’t try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a better Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are.'”

Written by: Bro. Jonathan Kopel

 

Bro. Kopel is a MD PhD in his neurology residency in Washington DC. He is a member at Potomac Lodge #5 and Benjamin B. French Lodge #15 of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC.

Samuel Lloyd Kinsey

Siddhartha

Siddhartha

Jan 26, 2025 | Masonic Book Review, Masonic Education

MASONIC BOOK REVIEW

“Siddhartha”

by Hermann Hesse

Knowledge of the self has been the central dilemma of all ancient mystery schools. It is the question that we are Masons aim to discover. It is such a central theme that even the Greeks at the Temple of Delphi wrote, “Know thyself and you will know the Gods and the universe”. One may even argue that this question is at the heart of every religious tradition. The question of what am I to the universe and God strikes at the heart of our human condition of being born and destined to die. How we approach answering this question determines, in many respects, the trajectory of our lives. It is this question that lies at the heart of Hermann Hesse’s “Siddartha”. It is a book that escaped my awareness until another close Brother recommended it as part of our discussion and studies.

For most, religion provides an avenue for exploring this question. The organization and structure reduces the fear of those larger questions and gives some semblance of control and ease. But life has a way of popping the bubble so to speak. Although many people find stability in religion and growth, Siddhartha sees this as a stifling of his inner self, which is the real mystery he wishes to understand. As Hermman wrote:

“Far is such a thought from my mind,” exclaimed Siddhartha. “I wish that they shall all stay with the teachings, that they shall reach their goal! It is not my place to judge another person’s life. Only for myself, for myself alone, I must decide, I must chose, I must refuse. Salvation from the self is what we Samanas search for, oh exalted one. If I merely were one of your disciples, oh venerable one, I’d fear that it might happen to me that only seemingly, only deceptively my self would be calm and be redeemed, but that in truth it would live on and grow, for then I had replaced my self with the teachings, my duty to follow you, my love for you, and the community of the monks… I am deprived by the Buddha, thought Siddhartha, I am deprived, and even more he has given to me. He has deprived me of my friend, the one who had believed in me and now believes in him, who had been my shadow and is now Gotama’s shadow. But he has given me Siddhartha, myself.”
Through Siddhartha’s journey, the pains, struggles, and conflicts of life are embedded in a larger desire for understanding and truth. Even those closest to him find his desire curious for he has gained everything his heart desired. But in those desires, he finds his being becoming disheartened and self-destructive. Fundamentally, the constructs we hold are disturbed by the greatest of all fears: death. Through the character of Siddartha, Hermann explores the journey of faith rather than the destination. Siddartha transforms and expands his understanding of life through each stage of understanding that is eventually distrubed and reformed to the next stage of understanding. At each stage, Siddartha’s journey is influenced by a central character. In the text, the most important of which is Vasuveda who teaches Siddhartha the essence of the divine life. It is this journey that makes Siddhartha exclaim:

“I want to learn from myself, want to be my student,
want to get to know myself, the secret of Siddhartha.”

It is curious that this central theme of Freemasonry, knowledge of self and union with God, is often covered in tradition, formality, and perfection of the ritual. Yet, deep within its narrative, Siddhartha’s journey mirrors our Masonic journey. A cycle of coming from darkness to light with a fellow Brother or Vasuveda to help us along the way. It is my belief that within the Craft, we all find a Brother who embodies the heart and wisdom of Vasuveda. They open our hearts and see the true self that lies within us. They find pleasure in joining the journey with us and delighting as we grow beyond what we imagined to find joy within our relationship with God and creation. But why do we find it so difficult to embrace this simple discovery of our self being the secret to all of life?

Perhaps, as I suspect, we find our imperfections and mortality as reflections of something abhorrent or unworthy to being a vessel of knowledge. In our deepest thoughts, we perhaps think that our “self” isn’t worth the exploring. What if I’m truly unremarkable? Reflecting on my Craft as a physician, I’ve come to the conclusion that each person has a remarkable and unfolding story to share. Not because of their own individual story. But how their story is interconnected to everyone else. It is the interconnectedness of life within ourselves and the universe that embodies the unfolding nature of the divine and love that Hermann writes through Siddhartha:

And everything together, all voices, all goals, all yearning, all suffering, all pleasure, all that was good and evil, all of this together was the world. All of it together was the flow of events, was the music of life. And when Siddhartha was listening attentively to this river, this song of a thousand voices, when he neither listened to the suffering nor the laughter, when he did not tie his soul to any particular voice and submerged his self into it, but when he heard them all, perceived the whole, the oneness, then the great song of the thousand voices consisted of a single word, which was Om: the perfection.

It may be that Siddhartha was a reflection of Hermann’s own journey to understand himself. What did Hermann discover? I believe it is the main answer we learn in Freemasonry: love. For it is the human heart and our relationship to all of the universe that defines our journey and the divine journey as one. It is learning to see our journey as a part of the larger journey of God to discover itself. And to understand what that means.

Written by: Bro. Jonathan Kopel

 

Bro. Kopel is a MD PhD in his neurology residency in Washington DC. He is a member at Potomac Lodge #5 and Benjamin B. French Lodge #15 of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC.

Samuel Lloyd Kinsey