I love a post that makes me think, and yours always do that. Today was one of those days that hit home with me because I had to really think about who or what thoughts have guided my life. Am I Frodo, off on an adventure I never really understood because there must be a point or end or treasure somewhere? Or am I the Christian who wants to believe that I am guided wholly by God and the example of Jesus? I know I am not the soldier who willingly gives up his choices to follow commands that protect his brothers/sisters in arms, and maybe I am sad about that lack of loyalty.
Merton’s words brings my dear mother to mind. Born in 1919, she was a devout Catholic and was very dedicated to the Blessed Mother all her life. When she learned her leukemia was terminal and she only had weeks to live, she accepted it with so much grace. “My life’s work is done”, she said. “I raised six wonderful children”. My mother was humble, kind, compassionate, generous and wise. She saw the good in everyone. When visiting with her in her last few weeks I shared my concern that she not suffer. “I am not worried, she said. “I will pray to the Blessed Mother.” Such was her faith and trust in something greater than herself, something that offered great inspiration,solace and meaning, a sense of one’s place in this universe. The mystical, I think. She died so peacefully and was loved and mourned by many.
Thanks for the photos.☀️ I like seeing someone “interact” with his books: underlining, margin notes, etc. (Also, nice to see that your favorite Good Bi yellow mug is still hanging in there.)
My take is that the through line is the fear, or it's derivative emotion, each feels. The point is that we have to meet each moment of our lives as who we are in that moment - making no choice is also a choice. Uncertainty provokes anxiety, feeling awkward, etc. Acceptance of Life on Life's terms helps, I think. When I am feeling fear from uncertainty, I tell myself, “The Universe is unfolding perfectly, whether you know it or not." That is a paraphrase of a line written by Max Ehrmann, I believe. It helps me to release any feelings and relax into the moment.
Thanks for some intellectual stimulation this morning.
I enjoyed reading this article very much. On some level we all do want some kind of guidance even if we are afraid to ask. As a widow of 76 years old I question everything and yet I find it hard to believe in the guidance that is given to me.
One of the side effects of being a one-time English major is that we are hard-wired to “compare and contrast” anything and everything. I enjoy your insights.
Connection is something i seem to continually worry (not anxiety) but seek to see where I am headed. Reading is a forward and a past map for me. I have to go back to remembered favorites of the past now and then. I took a short detour back to Sabatini and was surprised by what I thought I remembered. I also note the evolution of the person I was then, and am now -- but whom shall I be in the future? And theree is the momentary shift when I read Thomas Merton and realign him with the other Merton of my recollection - the Oxford College and its founder.
Today’s through line triggered the recollection of a convo I had with a buddy from Argentina who noted the cultural differences in parting farewells. In the U.S., we are fond of wishing someone ‘safe travels’ - reflecting an American disposition towards risk aversion? Some cultures wish a ‘good trip’ (bon voyage) and others provide the blessing ‘go with God’ (pursue a righteous path? Maybe a similarly protective element to the farewell?)
While ruminating on how each of us are meant to experience this gift in of life in human form, two more quotes spring to mind:
(1) Ralph Waldo Emerson: “It’s not the destination, but the journey that matters”
(2) and the best line (of many good ones) from The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension: "No matter where you go, there you are."
Oh, thanks, buddy for these words. I am so happy to find the connections and your way of listing them off for us is really helpful for me anyway. I try to look at patterns of life events that I experience but I never thought to look at characters in books this way. I feel that my job in the Navy when I was 18 y.o. helped me learn how to take orders and also about facing consequences of not taking orders and of not following through... Thank you! You make me smarter for sure!
You make me want to be smarter everyday. Thank you.
Your commentary is wonderful. Smart, honest, humble and enlightening. Yay you!
I love a post that makes me think, and yours always do that. Today was one of those days that hit home with me because I had to really think about who or what thoughts have guided my life. Am I Frodo, off on an adventure I never really understood because there must be a point or end or treasure somewhere? Or am I the Christian who wants to believe that I am guided wholly by God and the example of Jesus? I know I am not the soldier who willingly gives up his choices to follow commands that protect his brothers/sisters in arms, and maybe I am sad about that lack of loyalty.
Excellent share today. I wonder, though, if another through line is the surrender of ego and the distortion it produces?
Merton’s words brings my dear mother to mind. Born in 1919, she was a devout Catholic and was very dedicated to the Blessed Mother all her life. When she learned her leukemia was terminal and she only had weeks to live, she accepted it with so much grace. “My life’s work is done”, she said. “I raised six wonderful children”. My mother was humble, kind, compassionate, generous and wise. She saw the good in everyone. When visiting with her in her last few weeks I shared my concern that she not suffer. “I am not worried, she said. “I will pray to the Blessed Mother.” Such was her faith and trust in something greater than herself, something that offered great inspiration,solace and meaning, a sense of one’s place in this universe. The mystical, I think. She died so peacefully and was loved and mourned by many.
Our conundrum, do we want more or less choices...
Thanks for the photos.☀️ I like seeing someone “interact” with his books: underlining, margin notes, etc. (Also, nice to see that your favorite Good Bi yellow mug is still hanging in there.)
My take is that the through line is the fear, or it's derivative emotion, each feels. The point is that we have to meet each moment of our lives as who we are in that moment - making no choice is also a choice. Uncertainty provokes anxiety, feeling awkward, etc. Acceptance of Life on Life's terms helps, I think. When I am feeling fear from uncertainty, I tell myself, “The Universe is unfolding perfectly, whether you know it or not." That is a paraphrase of a line written by Max Ehrmann, I believe. It helps me to release any feelings and relax into the moment.
Thanks for some intellectual stimulation this morning.
I enjoyed reading this article very much. On some level we all do want some kind of guidance even if we are afraid to ask. As a widow of 76 years old I question everything and yet I find it hard to believe in the guidance that is given to me.
One of the side effects of being a one-time English major is that we are hard-wired to “compare and contrast” anything and everything. I enjoy your insights.
Pondering...I feel compelled to add a Yoda thought, "Your path you must decide."
Connection is something i seem to continually worry (not anxiety) but seek to see where I am headed. Reading is a forward and a past map for me. I have to go back to remembered favorites of the past now and then. I took a short detour back to Sabatini and was surprised by what I thought I remembered. I also note the evolution of the person I was then, and am now -- but whom shall I be in the future? And theree is the momentary shift when I read Thomas Merton and realign him with the other Merton of my recollection - the Oxford College and its founder.
The soldier, Merton, Frodo, and Gandalf must face the eternal choice of which road to take without knowing where that choice will lead them.
Well I went to Mass. I have often been told I need to read Merton. So I guess you can now be the impetus and I can blame you. Stay well
Today’s through line triggered the recollection of a convo I had with a buddy from Argentina who noted the cultural differences in parting farewells. In the U.S., we are fond of wishing someone ‘safe travels’ - reflecting an American disposition towards risk aversion? Some cultures wish a ‘good trip’ (bon voyage) and others provide the blessing ‘go with God’ (pursue a righteous path? Maybe a similarly protective element to the farewell?)
While ruminating on how each of us are meant to experience this gift in of life in human form, two more quotes spring to mind:
(1) Ralph Waldo Emerson: “It’s not the destination, but the journey that matters”
(2) and the best line (of many good ones) from The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension: "No matter where you go, there you are."
Oh, thanks, buddy for these words. I am so happy to find the connections and your way of listing them off for us is really helpful for me anyway. I try to look at patterns of life events that I experience but I never thought to look at characters in books this way. I feel that my job in the Navy when I was 18 y.o. helped me learn how to take orders and also about facing consequences of not taking orders and of not following through... Thank you! You make me smarter for sure!