Unbinding the Mind: Weekly Koans & Reflections (July 7–13, 2025)

Modern koans inspired by classical and Christian wisdom, sparking weekly reflection and freedom of mind.

Greetings, my fellow Pilgrims of the Unbound!

Each week, I share short mental puzzles—modern koans—to help us question the assumptions shaping our lives. Many of these draw from classical philosophy and Christian wisdom, inviting us to journey deeper into truth, freedom, and the mystery of what it means to live well.

Here’s our roundup of koans from July 7th through July 13th, gathered for you to ponder on this shared pilgrimage.

Koan #1: July 7

What do we aim for all our lives, yet miss when we look too hard for it?
→ Happiness.

“Happiness is the result of virtue, not its aim.” — Aristotle

Koan #2: July 8

What do we guard fiercely, yet lose when we refuse to share it?
→ Trust.

“Perfect love drives out fear.” — 1 John 4:18

Koan #3: July 9

What weighs nothing, yet binds the strongest of souls?
→ Guilt.

“My sin is ever before me.” — Psalm 51:3

Koan #4: July 10

What do we claim to seek, yet often flee when it’s revealed?
→ Truth.

“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” — John 8:32

Koan #5: July 11

What flourishes only when it is tended, but dies when ignored?
→ Gratitude.

“Give thanks in all circumstances.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Koan #6: July 12

What must be opened to let others in, but risks letting your fears in as well?
→ The heart.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” — Revelation 3:20

Koan #7: July 13

What rises the lighter it becomes, yet bursts under too much pressure?
→ Hope.

“Spes, autem, non confundit.” — Romans 5:5 (Vulgate)

Thank you, Pilgrims of the Unbound, for reading and for your reflections each week.

If any of these koans sparked new thoughts, memories, or questions, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reply here, or connect with me on X and Instagram, where these koans first appear daily. I love learning from this community!

Wishing you wisdom and peace,
—John

For those of you supporting this work as paid subscribers, I’d like to share some deeper reflections below on how these questions connect. Your support makes it possible for me to keep writing and sharing these ideas each week—thank you for being part of this journey.