The Compasses - Episode 2: Containment Without Suppression

This episode examines the Compasses at the behavioral level, where the work is neither moral purity nor self-denial, but awareness and redirection. Rather than suppressing desire, the focus is on learning to notice impulses as they arise, name them clearly, and shape them into productive behavior. The Compasses are presented as a practical tool for restraint without shame and structure without repression.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Behavioral work begins with noticing and naming impulses
• Containment is distinct from repression or suppression
• Redirection is more effective than self-punishment
• Shame undermines sustainable behavioral change

💬 Featured Quotes

• 0:00:00–0:00:16
  “At a behavioral level when it comes to the compasses, we often think about containing and constraining our behavior… and that containing and constraining for a lot of us may feel a little bit awkward.”
• 0:00:22–0:00:38
  “To use the compasses well is to begin to understand the impulses that you have in your everyday life.”
• 0:00:54–0:01:05
  “The first thing you’re going to want to do… is sort of count and name your impulses.”
• 0:02:53–0:03:05
  “The power of a redirect is just profound. Good news, it works for you too.”
• 0:04:43–0:04:55
  “The first thing you must do… is not immediately beat yourself to death with your compasses.”
• 0:05:38–0:05:54
  “It’s just as bad to over constrain your desires… and try and deny all impulses. That doesn’t work either. It’s not sustainable long term.”
• 0:06:20–0:06:27
  “Be mindful of those impulses and where they become excesses and where they become something that you can kind of work with to reshape into more productive behavior.”

Creators & Guests

• Brian Mattocks - Host

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Click here to view the episode transcript.