Julius

July stands at the vibrant summit of the year in the Northern Hemisphere—marked by full sunlight, abundant vitality, and nature’s peak expression. Originally known as "Quintilis," meaning the fifth month, July was renamed in honor of Julius Caesar, a pivotal figure whose life embodied remarkable personal sovereignty and agency.

When Caesar famously crossed the Rubicon, he declared “Alea iacta est” (“the die is cast”), demonstrating irrevocable commitment to decisive action. In doing so, he set the stage for transformative change. Caesar’s legacy reminds us that true sovereignty goes far beyond merely holding power—it requires decisive intention, clarity of purpose, and the mindful application of one's strength (aka discipline). Once we’ve established our self awareness and true aim, the next piece is aligned action. As Sylvester Stallone’s Lincoln Hawk put it in the armwrestling classic “Over the Top”:

“The world meets nobody halfway. When you want something, you gotta take it.”

—July invites us to similarly cultivate clarity, decisiveness, and authentic authority, translating inspirations into meaningful action. July calls each of us to embody our own sovereignty—remembering that with discipline, we always possess the agency to shape our lives, influence the world around us, and intentionally direct our own energies.

The Deep Front Arm Line

The Deep Front Arm Line (DFAL) extends from the thumb through the inner forearm, inner elbow, upper arm, and connects deeply into the chest and ribcage. The DFAL is led by the thumb, and the direction it turns. Anatomically, this pathway governs our capacity to grasp, hold, and apply opposing force to our other 4 fingers. This line is the primary tool for holding one’s arms positioned at a keyboard, as well as thumb-texting, doorknob turning, twisting a screwdriver, armwrestling, and giving a “thumb’s down”.

It seems historically and symbolically, our thumbs have represented authority, intentionality, and sovereign power:

  • The Greek term megas daktylos ("great finger") highlights the thumb’s significance, emphasizing power and capability.

  • In Latin, pollex (thumb) is rooted in polleo, meaning "to have strength or power," reinforcing our thumb’s symbolic connection to personal agency.

  • The Roman gesture pollice verso, "with a turned thumb," once signified ultimate authority in arenas, deciding mercy or death—an explicit expression of sovereign power.

  • Phrases like rule of thumb imply practical wisdom and a reliable standard,

  • while under someone's thumb vividly illustrates loss of agency to external control.

These rich cultural metaphors reflect people’s awareness of the DFAL’s embodiment of sovereignty as intentional agency—our ability to wield influence with clarity, decisiveness, and conscious responsibility. When we engage this line through mindful movement, we reinforce the integration of physical strength and emotional clarity.

Be it thumb-texting or competitive armwrestling, throughout the month of July, try to notice anytime you are using the DFAL. Wether sending words from your thumb-tips or over-the-top arm slamming like Lincoln Hawk, pause to ask yourself “am I applying force wisely and compassionately.”

Sovereignty

“Sovereignty is the capacity to apply force that emerges from clarity, not coercion.”

The lives of both Lincoln Hawk and Julius Caesar teach us that true sovereignty is not merely possessing power, but intentionally and consciously wielding it. It is not domination over others, but mastery over oneself—clarity in thought, strength in action, and compassion in leadership. Just as the thumb, historically symbolic of power, must apply force skillfully and appropriately, our personal sovereignty requires discernment, integrity, and wisdom.

This July, practice embodying sovereign agency by:

  • Cultivating clear intention: Reflect regularly on your core purpose, aligning your daily actions with what brings you genuine fulfillment.

  • Applying force wisely: Like the thumb that can express mercy or judgment, learn to discern when to act decisively, when to nurture gently, and when to pause mindfully.

  • Practicing empowered compassion: True authority uplifts others rather than subdues them. Lead through genuine compassion and humility, wielding power responsibly.

With decisive intention, clarity of purpose, and the thoughtful application of our efforts—our "great fingers" of authentic agency can actively shape both our personal world and the broader one.