what rolls in my head before a day of homework
Common sense suggests that life is reliant on a myriad of factors. Shelter, food, clothing, just a few. Each world or national culture also incorporates specific elements into the list of needs. Japanese culture stresses teamwork for proper functionality; Hindu cultures add a hint of social hierarchy for control and balance; the American culture includes a considerable amount of materialism. So, in sum, life is a catalogue of dependencies; requirements; a big, fat checklist.
I would suggest, however, that a common perception regarding life is, in fact, ignorantly false. Individualism, at least the Americanized propaganda of such, isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Individualism, when left in its truest state, corrupts, debases, festers, maligns. My fascination of the film About A Boy, likely my one favorite movie, is that the character Will discovers a splendid abode in being totally self-dependent. Yet life inevitably crashes down around him as his single-hood falters. While understanding it is simply a choreographed movie, the displayed reality is harsh and honest.
With all of this said, my last few days have been brutal. I wanted a relaxing weekend but nothing of the sort came my way. Yet that’s ok. I’m alive, breathing, though not as refreshed as I’d prefer.
When we can’t walk hand in hand, it’s best to slow down. I believe that our haste and brevity in regards to relationships is a supreme disadvantage. There are, admittedly, needs that every individual calls upon, but the greatest inner desire cannot be met on a solo basis. The highest tier of satisfaction with life doesn’t locate itself in independent accomplishment or endeavor. The summit of life is love. Where all imbalances dwindle is also where concern, compassion, and respect are abundant.
I think this was a good time for me to come upon the Badly Drawn Boy video for “Year of the Rat“.