Tradition of Solitude

The Holidays are in full swing.  There is always something to commemorate, someone with whom to commiserate or celebrate, or just plain "it's that time again".  Tradition is a big word for a small idea, that of routine.  A routine can be ongoing, or it can be periodic, but they always stay resident, anticipating their next turn.  Imagine a world without traditions.  It would mean there is infinite probability that NOTHING is enjoyable enough to be repeated.  Couples have their date nights, or EVERY NIGHT. Children love birthday parties, and so much so that many kids track the next  birthday in fractions, to celebrate their half birthday...more gifts.  Enjoyable.  Speaking of date nights, it's where the kids came from to begin with.

Traditions usually are a social affair involving familiar smells, sounds and familiar faces.  But for those who are alone at these times, you need not be left out of the affair.  At very least, a solitary visit to familiar places can provide for a future full of mirth and folly if one is bold enough to share the story of their solitary tradition...maybe you'll develop a following...a fan club of sorts...because after all, there really is nothing that new on the planet, such that no one else would find it worth repeating.

Be alone, but get out and do things alone.  You will not be alone for long.

The Desiderata by Max Ehrman

This is one of the most satisfying readings I have ever taken in.  It was written by Max Ehrman.  Enjoy.

The Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrman

Shy Guy

So I enjoy a great conversation, but I have difficulty having truly great ones with strangers or new interests.  Is it just me, or is it they? 

I have pondered that question for a number of weeks now and have settled upon the hypothesis that I might be shy.

Unpacking that, I reasoned that I lacked confidence when I sizing up myself to my potential conversation partner, perhaps also estimating that I am not a very well prepared or well read person, having nothing interesting to talk about.

While my perceived shortcomings may upon introspection lead to a rally from mediocrity and complacence, I discovered in my readings online the notion that shyness is about the self.  Essentially in a conversation, it is a misdirection of the focus of a potentially great conversation onto my self, not only so much as becoming the topic of conversation, but more of being an equal partner in the conversation.  The remedy was to focus on the partner, really listening, and enjoying them for their fascinating contribution.  Not caring whether I am Equal, or even whether I have anything to contribute, as long as I create a comfortable space for my partner and myself to see where our words may lead.

A Little "Light" Reading

Got my copy in the mail of the book "Aristotle - On Rhetoric...", 2nd Edition, translated by George A. Kennedy.  I started with the indexes and tables of content.  I flipped through the beginning pages and down to the end.  It looks dense but it is so well translated and marked up that I might actually learn something about logic and reason, beliefs, and persuasion.

On My Humanity

Take it to life.  Stake a claim.  Establish dominion. Be a dominant but gentle and loving soul.  Have a heart, please. Always have the best of intentions, doing either the right or wrong thing as the case may be, but always for the right reasons.  Keep pushing until a breakthrough occurs where either a goal is reached or all reasonable means have been fully exhausted and it has become obvious this goal needs to be broken into smaller objectives.  Let the little person inside come out to play in all endeavors. This, to me is the essence of being a true master of self and all grown up in my humanity. 

I'm committed to being better.  Spend time working on being better.  Dress better.  Eat better.  Perpetual motion.

What's done is done, but don't give up, things can always be spun.