I love your post, but I have to admit that I believe myself rather "balm bare." I'm not nearly as empathetic a being as I wish I was. I hold my genes responsible! But that said, even boorish me can appreciate compassion, especially self-compassion. This quote is from one of the best good-guy-works-through-justifiable-revenge stories and I suppose it counts as balm, at least for me:
“Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes. You must look into that storm and shout as you did in Rome. Do your worst, for I will do mine! Then the fates will know you as we know you...” ― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo
That is a great quote, and it's not just about being a man but really being a resilient person. Something to work on. And remember, empathy can be learned!
Thanks Rosana. I'm still trying to figure out how I am going to navigate the next few years without going insane. Right at this moment, I have no earthly idea.
A recent New Yorker cartoon sort of summed up my mood. Two people were in conversation about the election and one of them was saying something like, “I now realize it was wrong to have had faith in humanity.”
Yes, seeking the good is the best way I know to get through dark times. The last two live music events I've experienced have definitely been balms for the soul.
All great balms!! I had a dream recently in which some authoritative-looking guy — maybe a therapist? — asked me what I like doing most. I replied without hesitation, “Writing, reading, hanging out with friends, listening to music, hiking.” Singing is even better than listening!
MUSIC! Especially live music. The concert my chorale sang in on Saturday, with harp, guitar, and marimba. The church was so full they had to set out a row of chairs behind the pews. At tonight's practice we start learning some Brahms, Schubert, and Schumann to offer in March 2025. Looking forward.
Yes, good one! That sounds wonderful, and I have a feeling it's even better to be singing in that than listening to it — though that would be great, too.
I love your post, but I have to admit that I believe myself rather "balm bare." I'm not nearly as empathetic a being as I wish I was. I hold my genes responsible! But that said, even boorish me can appreciate compassion, especially self-compassion. This quote is from one of the best good-guy-works-through-justifiable-revenge stories and I suppose it counts as balm, at least for me:
“Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes. You must look into that storm and shout as you did in Rome. Do your worst, for I will do mine! Then the fates will know you as we know you...” ― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo
That is a great quote, and it's not just about being a man but really being a resilient person. Something to work on. And remember, empathy can be learned!
Thanks Rosana. I'm still trying to figure out how I am going to navigate the next few years without going insane. Right at this moment, I have no earthly idea.
You are not alone in that!
I laughed at the reminder to keep watering your plants. So true in the literal and metaphorical sense.
It's weird to keep going with all the things we have to do in life! Thanks for reading!
A recent New Yorker cartoon sort of summed up my mood. Two people were in conversation about the election and one of them was saying something like, “I now realize it was wrong to have had faith in humanity.”
I think I saw that one, too. Yeah, humanity sure can suck at times! All the more reason we need to seek the good.
Yes, seeking the good is the best way I know to get through dark times. The last two live music events I've experienced have definitely been balms for the soul.
Singing! Listening to music. Petting my dog. Leaf-peeping. Taking walks. Working in the garden. Being with friends. Watching Ted Lasso.
All great balms!! I had a dream recently in which some authoritative-looking guy — maybe a therapist? — asked me what I like doing most. I replied without hesitation, “Writing, reading, hanging out with friends, listening to music, hiking.” Singing is even better than listening!
MUSIC! Especially live music. The concert my chorale sang in on Saturday, with harp, guitar, and marimba. The church was so full they had to set out a row of chairs behind the pews. At tonight's practice we start learning some Brahms, Schubert, and Schumann to offer in March 2025. Looking forward.
Yes, good one! That sounds wonderful, and I have a feeling it's even better to be singing in that than listening to it — though that would be great, too.