Sep 10 2008
Learning processes
I think I have come at that crossroads in life where I should stop, look back, and make a list of the learning experience so far. What have I learned in this journey?
I have learned to wait patiently, without thinking of a future, as I realize now more than ever that the present time is all we have. I have learned to listen beyond the mere surface of words. People do not always say what they mean, or mean what they say, and they seldom recognize the difference. I have learned to neglect my instinct, preferring to dive into a wild ocean than look at it from a safe distance. Untimely bravery has cost me more tears, but most of the time it has been worth it. I have learned to believe good things are possible, even when they do not last, for reasons that escape me. I have learned to love myself a little more, and that has allowed me to love others for what they are instead of what I would like them to be. However, I have also learned that love is a relative term universally overstated into an absolute goal we should all aim for. It is this paradox that feeds most romantic literature, and who would not want to have (or be) a young Werther at some point? I have learned that suffering is not an enhancer or a leveler, but sometimes it can be a dysfunction that elicits a crippling self-pity. I have learned that trust is not a given, even if for me it is a must. Trust should be earned, and working for it is a rewarding task if the objective is reached. I have learned that life is made of uncertainty, and yet we plan around it as if time were granted to us without question.
I am full of doubt, hence I exist. I have not learned anything yet, but I may have understood. I must go on.
Dear Woolfian:
We must always go on, like I think I´ve quoted Dr Livingstone previously. Understanding seems more complicated than learning sometimes, there´s a little string that keeps us from merging with other people´s reality, mind, thoughts, soul. That little rope creates chaos, but defines our individuality. Oh, I´m also full of doubt, look how I´ve started babbling in your elegant space, I´m sorry for that. Your achievements are admirable, there are one or two that I wish to fullfil before 2009 (I´m not that ambitious for the rest of them).
By the way, let me say a late Happy Birthday to you!
Kind regards,
Manon
Werther sólo es aceptable desde la ficción. Saber/poder/elegir escapar del sufrimiento ea también un (el mayor) rasgo de inteligencia.
¿Balance post aniversario? Veo, con regocijo que las cuentas caen en el “haber”.
Tarde, pero van mis deseos de felicidad para estos tiempos.
Un beso
Dear Manon,
You are so right in describing that string that keeps us from merging with other people’s reality, mind, thoughts and soul. Sometimes the line is thin, sometimes it is so thick that it makes even communication a challenge.
So you are full of doubt? Good for you! By the way, you are not babbling at all, you are expressing the uncertainty that makes and breaks us with amazing clarity. I see you have lived, and I am glad life is not passing in vain on your side.
Thanks for your birthday wishes, and read you soon!
Regards,
W.
Dear Fiamma,
Thanks for dropping by and leaving that imprint of innate (and acquired) wisdom that characterizes you on this space. Suffering is indeed a weak currency, and I agree that Werther is only useful as a fictional character. At this point in my life, I am more and more inclined to make my savings in the hard currency of work for healthy and nurturing relationships. However, I must confess that the exchange rate is quite unfavorable these days.
Whatever the case, c’est bon de faire un bilan de soi de temps en temps. I am there, right at that point where only the greatest poet, Dante, could show the way. Exploring is what this is all about.
Thanks for your birthday wishes, Fiamma. It does not matter that they may be arriving at a later date, their expression is what counts.
Regards
W.
Woolfian:
Siempre es bueno, pensarse en el camino con algunas cosas mas claras. Es bueno saber a donde mirar cuando todo cambia, cuando todo es igual pero ligeramente distinto. Me sucede hoy con lo leido lo que con algunos libros, en lo que sonrio por algo que le sucede al personaje, usted bien entiende mi comentario, no explico más no hace falta.
PD: terminé de chequear en el libro en cuestion (ella tb lo releyo) y estoy en condiciones de afirmar, que la cita referida no pertenece a ese grupos de entrevistas, del buen Borges. Tengo otros libros de entrevistas, si los miro y los encuentro….se lo hago saber. Soy metodica, tarde o temprano lo encontraré jajaj
Dear Emi,
You are right. It is indeed a good exercise to try and draw a line somewhere between what we thought we knew and what we really know.
Thank you a million times for the research on the Borges quote. I really appreciate it, and so much more knowing that you got your beloved involved in the dutiful task of finding the master’s observation on our Argentinian sense of friendship. If you ever come across it, I would be delighted to read that again in some form.
Once again, it is a pleasure to know you have dropped by, and I am looking forward to our next meeting, either at your cyberplace or mine.
Best regards,
W.