When we ponder over the idealism of humankind’s strive for progress and perfection, we are captivated by the notion that dissatisfaction with the status quo leads on to great things especially if we have the motivation to embark on such endeavors with a purity of heart and mind. This is unfortunately a tall order for homo sapiens, a fallen species, imperfect and imperialistic, impetuous and inconsistent – the ideals of striving for the common good and self-sacrifice is frequently a bridge too far.
We procrastinate when we need to act proactively, we react instinctively when deliberation is sorely lacking, and we vacillate when bold intent and a firm determination is called for.
Against this backdrop, another dimension to the journey of the imperfect man striving for realization is the Sands of Time – how does one live for the future when the moment is what you have, and how does one turn a dissatisfaction with the status quo to a more measured acceptance of the good that we already have with us?
Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Do not go gentle into that good night.
From The Poems of Dylan Thomas, published by New Directions. Copyright © 1952, 1953 Dylan Thomas ( 1914–1953)
Dylan Thomas’ most famous poem exhorts us to rage against the inevitable Winter, to fight against the closing chapters of Self into dusk, as if the rage and anger will undo and reverse the wrong-doings and transform metaphorical darkness into light.
The Lion in Winter, a 1966 play by James Goldman (1927-1998), depicted the personal and political conflicts of an ageing Henry II of England. Its fame had led to its contemporaneous use as a metaphor for the insecurities, and emotions of a powerful person in ageing, of loss of power, influence, of vitality – the guillotine of longevity.
Acceptance of self, and living for the present, requires a rethink of the value and purpose of our existence not just as ‘do-ing’ creatures, but as ‘be-ings’. The idea that we find meaning in doing good and changing the world around us, as opposed to being and becoming a better person first is a hard and even artificial divide. Over time, these divides present themselves as polarities in the dichotomies that we are only too familiar with: the Soldier – Scholar, the Biblical Martha – Mary, or Contemplative – Corporeal service.
Gospel of St Luke 10:38-42:
Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord’s feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered: ‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’
Acceptance of self as created beings is the first stage of a permission to self, to embark on a journey of awareness, discovery and zeal. With the passage of time, and the weakness of being, not to rage into the night, but to journey deep into our existence, and to find meaning and comfort in our pilgrimage through the journey of life.
Lumix GM1, G85, GX85 Panasonic, 2015, 2019
Scripture from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday.