Hi, everyone!
Books
I read nearly a dozen books this month. Vacation suits me. Here are two choice quotations.
“Crying is for when there’s nothing else left to do.” – There There by Tommy Orange.
This collection of short stories follows the familiar format of “six degrees of separation” when all characters finally meet during the last scene. What makes it unique is the Native American voice which audiences don’t often encounter. It is striking that the characters are fractured, similar to the reality of the fractured Native communities that were ravaged—first by settlers, then by drugs and alcohol. This quotation is a testament to the resilience of their people and serves to highlight a common humanity. No one escapes pain and misfortune, but how one faces the conflict reveals his/her mettle. The characters could not afford to despair until all avenues were exhausted. Let us learn from this proverb that action precedes mourning.
“We are addicted to being the way we are.” – The Four Agreements (A Toltec Wisdom Book) by Miguel Ruiz.
The four wisdoms imparted by the Toltec are:
- Be impeccable with your word
- Don’t take anything personally
- Do not make assumptions
- Always do your best
These precepts are an apt corollary to Tommy Orange’s novel. As miserable as life can be, we can still take responsibility for ourselves and reinvent ourselves to be better, stronger, and more resilient. If we try our best and circumstances of life still devastate us, then we cry. Without shame. Comforted perhaps by the knowledge that we acted fully and with integrity. This opportunity only exists if we are willing to shed the persona of “Self” and release our addictions to our “Self” so we may truly embody an elevated version of “I”.
Beats
The characters in There There are of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribe, but this Lakota Lullaby is beautiful and captures the tone of the novel.
Barbells
Swimming is a great summer activity (or all year round) and can help you reach your fitness goals. Build confidence *and cardiovascular health* with all types of water sports, aerobics, and play. Synchronized swimming, water polo, and diving are all unconventional activities that can be enjoyed in the water!
Peace and love,
Kit
Find the balance. 