The idea that opposites are in relation to each other and structure our world goes against the modern view that there are no limits in this infinite universe. So I think we are all facing what you are dealing with to some degree as modern people. It often takes some kind of suffering to shift away from a life of accumulation and more. I feel for you knowing how difficult the shift has been for me. Keep faith in your deepest awareness.
Bill, Thank you, and so true. Sometimes it really does take suffering, crisis, or something shocking to shatter our ego, finally steering us toward the right and needed direction. Thank you always for your encouragement.
Can relate so much to this cycle — having an experience involving illness/death (reminders of the brevity of life) that spurs motivation to squeeze more out of life (seizing the day, so to speak, now that the sense of the end is so sharp) only to have the very act of squeezing/seizing at best block our ability to enjoy our true nature in this physical form (as long as we have it) and at worse accelerate the illness/death cycle by destroying ourselves/minds/hearts in the striving.
So often I want to study and read and write and experience all the things—because I love them and they are as easy to fall in love with in Kamakura as in Kyoto. My Daoist teacher likes to remind me "slow is the fastest way" so kudos to you for slowing down. A reminder for all of us to do the same.
Another teacher by another name (Bus Driver) has a couplet of lyrics that comes to mind whenever I notice myself trying to squeeze a bit too much out of life:
"I'm just doing all of my favorite stuff
And I'm doing too much
I may dislocate my rotator cuff"
The song & video for a more (and maybe needed) irreverent take so we don't dislocate our literal and figurative rotator cuffs:
Thanks as always PGC — I think I speak for other fans of your work when I say: we'd rather have a slow, healthy and safe you than a fast/ "productive" one that is in danger.
Alex, Really appreciate this. Thank you always and for this deep, thoughtful comment! You have a wonderful Daoist teacher. My teacher also tells me less is more; rest is now my important work!
I will spend some time exploring the archives of the creative work you have so generously shared. You are among my favorite writers here, and I thank you for all the pleasure. Sending you warm regards and best wishes for health and happiness ahead. Baird
Your intentional perspective is appreciated this morning. A lot of folks on my feed are questioning the regular cadence of the algorithm expected of us, versus a more intrinsic desire to share when the time comes.
I enjoyed your photo of your essay, beautifully laid out and with full typography treatment, more than I should. I hope the issue is still in circulation when I am back in the summer. Congrats again.
Peck Gee, if I may be so bold and suggest a piece on the humble woodcased pencil. It spans decades and travels to factories that I believe you may enjoy:
Wil, Thanks for your thoughtful reflections and well wishes! What a beautiful tribute to woodcased pencil, deeply introspective into something we often take for granted. I use multiple woodcased pencils all the time for my Japanese writing, but perhaps I need to loosen my grip a bit. Let me know if you're ever in Kyoto.
The idea that opposites are in relation to each other and structure our world goes against the modern view that there are no limits in this infinite universe. So I think we are all facing what you are dealing with to some degree as modern people. It often takes some kind of suffering to shift away from a life of accumulation and more. I feel for you knowing how difficult the shift has been for me. Keep faith in your deepest awareness.
Bill, Thank you, and so true. Sometimes it really does take suffering, crisis, or something shocking to shatter our ego, finally steering us toward the right and needed direction. Thank you always for your encouragement.
Can relate so much to this cycle — having an experience involving illness/death (reminders of the brevity of life) that spurs motivation to squeeze more out of life (seizing the day, so to speak, now that the sense of the end is so sharp) only to have the very act of squeezing/seizing at best block our ability to enjoy our true nature in this physical form (as long as we have it) and at worse accelerate the illness/death cycle by destroying ourselves/minds/hearts in the striving.
So often I want to study and read and write and experience all the things—because I love them and they are as easy to fall in love with in Kamakura as in Kyoto. My Daoist teacher likes to remind me "slow is the fastest way" so kudos to you for slowing down. A reminder for all of us to do the same.
Another teacher by another name (Bus Driver) has a couplet of lyrics that comes to mind whenever I notice myself trying to squeeze a bit too much out of life:
"I'm just doing all of my favorite stuff
And I'm doing too much
I may dislocate my rotator cuff"
The song & video for a more (and maybe needed) irreverent take so we don't dislocate our literal and figurative rotator cuffs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHM62T8TLHA
Thanks as always PGC — I think I speak for other fans of your work when I say: we'd rather have a slow, healthy and safe you than a fast/ "productive" one that is in danger.
Alex, Really appreciate this. Thank you always and for this deep, thoughtful comment! You have a wonderful Daoist teacher. My teacher also tells me less is more; rest is now my important work!
You have created a beautiful body of work here, Peck. You have been very fertile and productive. And now you recognize the need for a fallow season. I wrote about that a bit: https://bairdbrightman.substack.com/p/a-fallow-field-is-alive
I will spend some time exploring the archives of the creative work you have so generously shared. You are among my favorite writers here, and I thank you for all the pleasure. Sending you warm regards and best wishes for health and happiness ahead. Baird
Baird, Thanks for your kind words. It really does mean so much to me. And indeed, less is more. Rest is the real work!
“The power of not maximizing.” What a wonderful way to phrase it!
Modern life rewards maximizing everywhere, from school to substack. And Taoism really does wonders overturning conventional assumptions!
Even though I don't get to comment as often on your Chinese reflections, I continue to find joy and inspiration reading through them~ 加油!
Thank you! Wishing you good health.
Your intentional perspective is appreciated this morning. A lot of folks on my feed are questioning the regular cadence of the algorithm expected of us, versus a more intrinsic desire to share when the time comes.
I enjoyed your photo of your essay, beautifully laid out and with full typography treatment, more than I should. I hope the issue is still in circulation when I am back in the summer. Congrats again.
Peck Gee, if I may be so bold and suggest a piece on the humble woodcased pencil. It spans decades and travels to factories that I believe you may enjoy:
https://www.wayofthemirror.com/p/the-hidden-poetry-on-japanese-woodcased
Wil, Thanks for your thoughtful reflections and well wishes! What a beautiful tribute to woodcased pencil, deeply introspective into something we often take for granted. I use multiple woodcased pencils all the time for my Japanese writing, but perhaps I need to loosen my grip a bit. Let me know if you're ever in Kyoto.
Maybe life is disappointing for some people. Especially creatives.
And maybe it's not maximizing life but rather replacing it.
Replacing it with something of our own ...
Thanks, Dennis. Something of our own, by our own definition.