This is a wonderfully fascinating article Fliss. And, as you say, opens so many questions. Your friend must be very strong and brave. I wonder if he has found a freedom, through his isolation, to know himself in a way that the rest of us can't reach. I hesitate to say this but perhaps busy life is white noise and a distraction from seeking answers within ones self. I think that your reference to Bhudist Monks taking themselves away is a good one. From what I have read about this, the silence and disengagement from the "white noise" is possibly a vital step on the path towards self discovery.
It's a very interesting question. Who are we really once we relieve ourselves of the coat of many faces that we use to navigate our lives.
Thank you for sharing this article and the deep thinking that comes with it.
I'm off to see the film this evening and looking forward to it. I'll feed back something next week after I've had a chance to ponder over it. I'll also have a look at the link in your post. Enjoy the week ahead. ~A~
Some great questions to ponder here, Fliss, thanks! I hope to go see The Odyssey soon as well, having had little to do with it since studying it in school/uni. I'm glad to know it felt like a good old-fashioned epic to you, as that's what I'm craving from it too.
As I started to read this it began to remind me of the countless people I worked with as a probation officer, people for whom prison stripped back all they knew, all they were, usually all they had. Then you mentioned your friend. However it happens, choice or enforcement, taking time out is an important part of the process of becoming, I’m sure.
What a thought-provoking post 🙏🌿
Thank you David
Lovely set of reflections, Fliss. 🧡
Thanks Caroline
This is a wonderfully fascinating article Fliss. And, as you say, opens so many questions. Your friend must be very strong and brave. I wonder if he has found a freedom, through his isolation, to know himself in a way that the rest of us can't reach. I hesitate to say this but perhaps busy life is white noise and a distraction from seeking answers within ones self. I think that your reference to Bhudist Monks taking themselves away is a good one. From what I have read about this, the silence and disengagement from the "white noise" is possibly a vital step on the path towards self discovery.
It's a very interesting question. Who are we really once we relieve ourselves of the coat of many faces that we use to navigate our lives.
Thank you for sharing this article and the deep thinking that comes with it.
I'm off to see the film this evening and looking forward to it. I'll feed back something next week after I've had a chance to ponder over it. I'll also have a look at the link in your post. Enjoy the week ahead. ~A~
Some great questions to ponder here, Fliss, thanks! I hope to go see The Odyssey soon as well, having had little to do with it since studying it in school/uni. I'm glad to know it felt like a good old-fashioned epic to you, as that's what I'm craving from it too.
it ticked all my boxes. There has been online criticism of some of its accuracy and omissions but it does the job.
As I started to read this it began to remind me of the countless people I worked with as a probation officer, people for whom prison stripped back all they knew, all they were, usually all they had. Then you mentioned your friend. However it happens, choice or enforcement, taking time out is an important part of the process of becoming, I’m sure.
Hi Louise, my friend has been failed by the prison system, entirely set up for failure and through it all somehow manages to stay sane and calm.