What is precious
inside us does not
care to be known
by the mind
in ways that diminish
its presence.
Maybe it's not so much what other's think of me that makes me feel isolated, but what I think of me.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Inclusive or Reclusive?
From the Cosmic Tarot, the Two of Cups; from the L'Oeil de Lotus, "Isolation:"
These cards are about as opposite as can be. On one hand, there is the Two of Cups which represents making a connection with another person. It may be as simple as a shared interest or cause, or it may be about finding emotional intimacy with someone. Regardless of which type, there is a bond formed that results in no longer feeling alone. Yet that is exactly what is portrayed in Isolation - a person on a bare rock in the middle of the sea. There's no impression of relaxing in solitude on a tropical island; the feeling here is one of desolation and separation. Rudyard Kipling once wrote, "We're all islands shouting lies to each other across seas of misunderstanding." Why the hell do we do this, wearing masks instead of being genuine? My first guess was it has something to do with feeling vulnerable and worrying about where we'll wind up on someone's yardstick. But then I came across this excerpt of a poem ("The Winter of Listening") by David Whyte:
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It is so easy to lay the blame for every discomfort outsides ourselves. Looking inside and putting out the garbage is so much more difficult. But what wonders could we then find in the clearance of our mind.
ReplyDeleteI love to be alone but I hate to feel lonely.
I am more of an introvert than extrovert, so there are times when I need to recharge my batteries by being alone. But it's another case entirely when I want to be "a part of" instead of "a part from" yet don't make an effort to do so.
DeleteI have to remind myself often to be "a part of" because being alone comes so easy for me
DeleteI understand that feeling! But it's like resisting the pull of depression by making myself get up, shower and get dressed every day. Small steps, but helpful.
Deletewe are all islands quote is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI quite liked it too. :)
DeleteInteresting thoughts, Bev. At this point in my life, I often wish for a bit of alone time, a bit of privacy. Yet, that is different from isolation. Perhaps the Two of Cups speaks of connecting with ourselves, too...
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point; I do need some Hermit time to reflect and explore myself. That is the only way my relationships with others will improve (if I am the problem).
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