Greetings, friends!
I have been doing a lot of re-reading recently. This month I reconnected with Bless Me Ultima by Rodolfo Anaya, a Chicano classic, about a seven-year-old by named Antonio who struggles to reconcile his Catholic faith and his beliefs about the powers of good and evil. Throughout the novel, Antonio struggles to determine where he belongs and searches to know his future. He seeks guidance from the healer Ultima, his family, and his friends. Yet Antonio understands he cannot force a revelation because “that part of [his] life [his future] was not yet ready to reveal itself to [him]”. Antonio must unravel his future himself, step by step, as he slowly makes sense of the collective experiences of his young life.
The protagonist in Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich likewise ruminates upon life’s purpose. After he takes ill, Ilyich understands that he lived a lie and suffered for it. Following socially acceptable rules and meeting other people’s expectations in the hope of reaching happiness has instead, left him empty. “And he had to live thus all alone on the brink of an abyss, with no one who understood or pitied him.”
Both characters seek guidance, but their experiences are not the same. Antonio learns from the wisdom of others to create his own inclusive truth. His story is brutal, violent, and remains hopeful., whereas Ilyich follows other people’s truth at the exclusion of his own. His life is entitled, secure, and miserable. Will Antonio come to regret his choices like Ilyich? Give them both a read and let me know what you think.
Beats
The track Views by Noga Erez is a slick track that highlights the problem of various lies people face in life. I love this song and you will too. Can’t go wrong with horns and an ensemble.
Barbells
First, I am excited to share that I have officially started working in a gym again. I missed personal training and I am so happy to be helping people meet their goals. What’s one physical fitness skill you would like to unlock?
Second, I am indebted to my friend Aby who swung his kettlebell with me this month. We committed to 100/day and got it done. Anyone want to join for the next challenge?
Peace and love,
Kit
Find the balance. 