Here are this month’s offerings as the world turns and burns:
Books
I re-read the Hebrew translation of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Expuéry (whose eventful life is summarized for the National WW2 Museum). The story follows the Little Prince from outer space who lands on Earth. As he wanders in the desert he meets a snake and asks the strange creature, “Where are all the people? I feel lonely in the desert.” The snake responds, “You’ll also feel lonely in the company of men.”
Over the past few years, and even more so over the past few months, I too feel lonely. I’m not able to fully connect with people. There are restrictions to our interactions. Maybe technology, maybe lack of shared vocabulary, maybe an inability to speak honestly because certain subjects create barriers. Perhaps it’s a combination of all these, but it leads to a greater schism, a wider chasm. It leaves me wanting to pull further into a shell while simultaneously aching for something real – deeper than familiar conversations with people whose opinions I already share, and safer than contentious monologues from people who want me to see I’m wrong and they’re right.
I want to find someone who is able to say, “Hello. I see you. Do you see me?” The Little Prince was originally published in 1943. I guess some things are simply part of life.
Beats
It’s no secret that I am in love with Justin Bieber. This video of him leading an orchestra to create the “sounds in his head” is refreshing to watch. For someone who has accomplished so much and is still highly sought after, Bieber does not need to challenge himself and expand into new realms. But he does. And that underscores his artistry.
Barbells
I have been reconnecting with breathwork this past month. With all the tension in the world, sometimes it’s nice to recenter just for a few minutes. James Nestor leads this video practice (and if you haven’t read his book Breathe, I highly recommend that too).
Peace and love,
Kit
Find the balance. 