@Mike Brock. Powerful and beautiful. Here’s a gentle question: is it an either or choice? Perhaps we go into the forest for silence and meditation, not to escape, but to return stronger, ready for not just the battle, but beyond.
Frodo needed the loyalty, courage and love of his friends to remember why the battle was necessary and worthwhile. And that it couldn’t be fought alone. So, for Frodo, Sam, Pippin, Merry, and all the creatures of Middle Earth —hobbits, dwarfs, elves, wizards, and yes, humans, flawed as we are.
I do not recommend self-erasure for anyone. I am only revealing that for me the recent dawning of the recognition that I’m ok if things don’t work out the way I want I am not required to suffer if my cause doesn’t succeed. And I will always feel it is worth fighting. I just happen to feel stronger and more at peace fighting from a grounding in humility.
I love your poetic imagery ❤️🔥 I see the lure of both philosophical foundations. But I wonder if is possible to be grounded in the serene acceptance that tho I fight I accept that I am not determinative. I’m 81 yrs old and have been burdened all my life by a desire to make everything good for others. It seemed a laudatory and unselfish attitude until, late in life, I realized there was a good deal of hubris mixed in with my good knight savior attitude. Now I live with the joy of realizing that it is the fulfillment of fighting for my ideals that enlivens me even as I accept that I will not determine the outcome.
I do not believe self-erasure should be asked of anyone. Some people will go sit down by the river. I don't judge them for it. Some people will tend to their gardens. And others will stand watch. There is no shame in tending to ones own needs. There is only shame in it when one exploits others or decides to lie to themselves because lying is more comfortable than truth.
You'll note I didn't suggest that the Hobbits of the Shire, tending to their gardens are cowards. I said, they should be defended. I didn't guilt them for their peaceful existence.
In some sense the one defines the other. Our understanding is shaped by their contrast. I think I choose to live in that bifurcated space rather than eschewing either entirely. I suppose I am challenging the notion of needing to choose
@Mike Brock. Powerful and beautiful. Here’s a gentle question: is it an either or choice? Perhaps we go into the forest for silence and meditation, not to escape, but to return stronger, ready for not just the battle, but beyond.
Frodo needed the loyalty, courage and love of his friends to remember why the battle was necessary and worthwhile. And that it couldn’t be fought alone. So, for Frodo, Sam, Pippin, Merry, and all the creatures of Middle Earth —hobbits, dwarfs, elves, wizards, and yes, humans, flawed as we are.
Heavens, you are a beautiful writer/thinker.
Love Ya Mike.
I do not recommend self-erasure for anyone. I am only revealing that for me the recent dawning of the recognition that I’m ok if things don’t work out the way I want I am not required to suffer if my cause doesn’t succeed. And I will always feel it is worth fighting. I just happen to feel stronger and more at peace fighting from a grounding in humility.
I love your poetic imagery ❤️🔥 I see the lure of both philosophical foundations. But I wonder if is possible to be grounded in the serene acceptance that tho I fight I accept that I am not determinative. I’m 81 yrs old and have been burdened all my life by a desire to make everything good for others. It seemed a laudatory and unselfish attitude until, late in life, I realized there was a good deal of hubris mixed in with my good knight savior attitude. Now I live with the joy of realizing that it is the fulfillment of fighting for my ideals that enlivens me even as I accept that I will not determine the outcome.
I do not believe self-erasure should be asked of anyone. Some people will go sit down by the river. I don't judge them for it. Some people will tend to their gardens. And others will stand watch. There is no shame in tending to ones own needs. There is only shame in it when one exploits others or decides to lie to themselves because lying is more comfortable than truth.
You'll note I didn't suggest that the Hobbits of the Shire, tending to their gardens are cowards. I said, they should be defended. I didn't guilt them for their peaceful existence.
In some sense the one defines the other. Our understanding is shaped by their contrast. I think I choose to live in that bifurcated space rather than eschewing either entirely. I suppose I am challenging the notion of needing to choose
Hilariously Sauren's armies believe that they are NOT the evil men, orcs, uruk hai or trolls serving a dark lord and master.
Amen brother!
Moved to tears. Thank you.