Ffolkes,

“He that respects himself if safe from others;
He wears a coat of mail that none can pierce.”

~~ Henry Wordsworth Longfellow ~~

The Crab Nebula, composite photo of 5 DST images, via NASA,…

http://nineplanets.org/news/the-crab-nebula/

Hajime…. The Pearl you will find below is one you may find to be resistant to classification, or, for that matter, quantification. Even more, it defies all normality, due to a recent decision made by my subconscious mind, which seems to indicate I have given up trying to maintain any semblance of sanity. It seems, according to all the evidence I can gather, insanity is a more rational response to life in today’s world. I suppose it makes R. D. Laing’s statement the most relevant, to wit: “Insanity is a sane reaction to an insane world.”…..

In truth, this is not, necessarily, a cause for worry; in fact, I regard it as a good sign, that I am on the correct path to find my ‘bliss’, as it were. I’ve been reading, and thinking long and hard about, the work of Joseph Campbell. His lifelong study of human mythology, examining the common thread running through all the cultures of humanity throughout our history, led to what I think is the most coherent, inclusive, and accurate assessment of the human condition. By identifying the ‘monomyth’, the story of humanity’s expression of our core nature, and our connection to the universe, he offers us all an understanding of ourselves, and each other, which I find incredibly valuable, as a means of learning how to be true to our nature….

This, naturally enough, has occupied a great portion of my mind’s attention for the past few weeks, which has, as a side effect, influenced the production of Pearls, generally by sending me out into the real world, to re-engage with those parts of reality I have been neglecting, in favor of spending time in cyberspace, or in my own head. The most telling reflection is shown by the number of times I’ve missed posting, or re-blogged, rather than creating anything fresh. Go figure, eh? It seems the real world is more engaging than my need for the sanity which creating Pearls maintains….

I suppose it makes sense, though; real is always more engaging than unreal, if not as attractive. I mean, it does demand we be mindful, for the consequences of NOT doing so are uncomfortable, to say the very least. But, in this insane world we have engendered as a species, the distractions provided to befuddle and control the less mindful are powerful, making the lessons to be learned rather less valuable, than any of those taught by nature. This, of course, ties in quite nicely with our human talent of denying reality, and our own nature, so, it isn’t hard to figure out; it’s only hard to avoid….

It also takes a lot of practice time, which is why fewer Pearls have been seen here; I’ve been practicing the skills needed to live according to the dictates of my nature. Writing about that merely slows down the actual doing of it, so, less of it has been forthcoming…. So be it. It’s taken me 66 years to arrive at the point on my path where I currently exist, & I’m still searching. The search, as is required by our very nature, is all that matters….

I guess this intro doesn’t resolve much; neither does it explain much, I suppose, but, it got us this far…. Let’s go see what else happened, & get on with the rest of our journey for today….

Shall we Pearl?

“The greatest happiness you can have
is knowing that you do not necessarily require happiness.”

~~ William Saroyan ~~

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This video comprises a summary and exploration of the ideas of Joseph Campbell’s work, as seen through examination & discussion of the central ideas, regarding the commonality present in all human myths, from all human cultures. The presentation of those ideas is laid out clearly, so clearly, and so powerfully, I wept through the first 30 minutes I watched, simply from the joy of learning; the truth has a power not to be denied…. Watch it all, and think about it, for it can change your life….

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Finding Joe
The Timeless Tale of
The Hero’s Journey

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Further Proof

No evidence exists, no rumored promise
of a guide on the path we seek.
Salient information lies hidden, seeking solace;
each possibility lost, no longer unique.

The past cascades through today, resolute;
finished and gone, by all reputable report.
Common failings decry any fever in the root,
as pillars of salt offer up little retort.

Longitude has latitude, one dimension to the next;
truth and lies, mirrored, transform on first exposure.
Born in chaos, living in change, by guile and pretext;
artful insanity, with no rational cure.

‘Tis no wonder, some do say now and then,
such creatures are doomed, by their own hand.
Cursed by the force of their very own ken,
until only the leaving seems very grand.

Perhaps, but, then, say those who doubt,
it’s all part of how it works, in fact.
We can’t know, really, what it’s all about
without completing the final act.

Is there any hurry?

~~ gigoid ~~

6/23/2016

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Naked Pearls

Love at Large….

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“Time is precious, but truth is more so.”

~~ Benjamin Disraeli ~~

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“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go….”

~~ Dr. Seuss ~~

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“I look at you all, see the love there that’s sleeping…”

~~ George Harrison ~~

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“And what is good, Phaedrus, and what is not good,
Need we ask anyone to tell us these things?”

~~ Robert Pirsig ~~

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“Your task is not to seek for love,
but merely to seek and find
all the barriers within yourself
that you have built against it.”

~~ Rumi ~~

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“Anything worth doing well is worth doing slowly.”

~~ Gypsy Rose Lee ~~

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“All I know of love is that Love is all there is.”

~~ Emily Dickinson ~~

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Hmm… It’s done, & the words used in the intro remain valid; it defies description. So be it. I’m done for today; moreover, I cannot say when I’ll be back. I have to write; that is a given. But, it’s also a given I will be walking on my hero’s journey much of the time, & have yet to figure out how to do both. When I do, I’ll let you know…. In the meantime, try to enjoy your own journey; be safe, & let your love shine…. See ya….

Y’all take care out there,
and May the Metaphorse be with you;
Blessed Be, dearest Carole, Mark,Theresa, & Richy
and everyone else, too…

When I works, I works hard.
When I sits, I sits loose.
When I thinks, I falls asleep.

Which is Why….

Sometimes I sits and thinks,
and sometimes,
I just sits.

gigoid, the dubious

The *only* duly authorized Computer Curmudgeon.

PLEASE STOP READING THIS MESSAGE NOW.

“SCRAM!!!!!!!!!!”- Oscar the Grouch

À bientôt, mon cherí….