The Work of a Master Mason: Governing the Self First
Download MP3Following last episode’s exploration of insatiable desire, this conversation turns to recovery, regulation, and real compassion. Whether it’s addiction, avoidance, or emotional compulsion, the first labor of the Master Mason is internal. You cannot shape the world until you’ve learned to govern yourself—and that begins not with shame, but with care.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Addiction and compulsion are often rooted in unmet needs, not weakness.
- Shame is not a productive motivator—compassion is.
- Freemasonry calls us to mastery, and that work begins within.
💬 Featured Quotes
“You have to become the master of yourself before you can go be the Master Mason in the world.” — [00:00:52]
“There are plenty of people on the opposite team—you shouldn’t be one of them.” — [00:01:32]
“Don’t demonize the need. It’s coming from unmet emotional, psychological, or physical space.” — [00:01:50]
“Sometimes you feel like you’ve got a grip… and then one day, you find yourself back in the hole.” — [00:00:42]
🔗 Explore Related Episodes
Desire That Devours: What the Compasses Teach Us
Explores the Buddhist metaphor of Hungry Ghosts and Freemasonry’s tools for restraint.
The Fellow Craft Apron and the Logic of Compassion
Outlines a structured way to generate empathy using symbolic tools and reasoning.
Explores the Buddhist metaphor of Hungry Ghosts and Freemasonry’s tools for restraint.
The Fellow Craft Apron and the Logic of Compassion
Outlines a structured way to generate empathy using symbolic tools and reasoning.
Put On Your Apron: Becoming the Mason You Were Raised to Be
Focuses on personal accountability and symbolic readiness.
Focuses on personal accountability and symbolic readiness.
Creators and Guests
Host
Brian Mattocks
Host and Founder of A Mason's Work - a podcast designed to help you use symbolism to grow. He's been working in the craft for over a decade and served as WM, trustee, and sat in every appointed chair in a lodge - at least once :D
