The Watchman Without a Job

Metaphorical Narrative

At the gate of a quiet village stands a weary watchman. He scans the horizon day and night, spear in hand, waiting for an enemy who never comes. His orders were vague: “protect what matters.” But no one told him what that is. He doesn’t guard food or water. He guards shadows.

Core Insight

The watchman is ego. He guards perception, not survival.

• He confuses recognition with safety.
• He polices illusions as if they were emergencies.
• He has no idea why he stands there — except that he always has.

The truth: survival, worth, and safety are innate. The watchman was never needed.

Identity Shift Tie-In

Sovereignty is relieving the watchman from duty. Real boundaries — food, rest, safety — remain protected. But guarding meanings? That contract is void.

Saturday Experiment

For 24 hours, when the watchman raises alarms (“what will they think?”), check if it’s survival or just perception. If it’s only perception, say: “Stand down. You are not needed here.”

Sunday Reflection

• How often did the watchman sound false alarms?
• What happened when you relieved him of duty?
• Did you feel lighter once you stopped guarding perception?