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Wednesday, 3 December 2008
A life less ordinary
Today I was reading a friend's journal, as I do every day. I can't always get my head around what he writes, although I do try. Today, however, was different. I have not known this person for long; indeed, we have met only once, but I feel I already know more about him than myself – perhaps too much for my own good. You see, no matter how hard I try to fight it – ignore it even – his art, writing and music, is tattooed on my mind, 24/7. Mostly, I don't mind; he is an amazing artist after all, but today's journal entry literally tore at my heart. It describes a place in this person's mind that is agonisingly beautiful yet painfully ugly; a place I yearn for yet dread to go. I don't think he will ever, truly find the tranquility he seeks, a restful mind, a sleep unbroken. And that's what makes me so sad.
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4 comments:
It's so rare to be granted such an intimate and uncensored look at someone's thoughts... it does make you feel like you know the person. I have friends who are 1/10 as open. I am probably the same way. It's hard to be that vulnerable. It is also beautiful.
I do, however, think tranquility will eventually come to anyone self-aware enough to seek it. It may take a long, long time, especially for those fighting many demons... but it will come. (It's a hope I hold out for myself as well!) I look at the life of Leonard Cohen... a tortured soul if ever there was one... he has finally, in these last several years, found peace. Worth the wait, I would imagine.
I agree – I also think that that is how we should leave it: read it, hold it in our hearts without the "when I was..." and "You should do this and that..." comments, no matter how tempting at the time. It all seems a bit voyeuristic otherwise somehow :o)
I regard it as a privilege – I think... – although I sometimes wish I was not seeing QUITE as much, if you know what I mean. These days I take it in and then quietly walk away...
Do you think LC found it when he took himself off to that monastery?
It is so hard to read his posts sometimes and not feel the need to want to help him, I understand why people want to give their suggestions and tell their stories, it provides them with the hope that they may be able to help. It is not our help he is seeking, he is just simply putting himself out there and many people still need to realize that.
I agree that tranquility will find him, and I really hope the first pc of the puzzle comes to him when he moves.
Agreed 100% :o)
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