Back in December, I found myself in Florida for an art unveiling, and I went to the water at sunrise before leaving, as I always do when so near the coast.
As I walked along the water's edge, a Great Blue Heron flew up beside me, landed in the water, and then we proceeded to stroll along together for several minutes.
Thanks so much for this episode. I am out of kilter with the episodes but this one required my attention before catching up with others. The subject is one I know plenty about. I was unfamiliar with the poem beforehand, but there is so much in it, and not in it. I was very relieved when Jack commented that he has plenty to actually be ashamed of, there is a tendency nowadays to rush to the (supposed) defence one one who admits to shame or guilt, the assumption is that this is a sign of a lack self-esteem and we mustn't have this must we, it must surely be a sign of something unhealthy. I was very taken with the idea of confession as candour, I can really use this, it's something I've been moving towards and now have a word. So much to say, too much for here, but one thing from my own experience; the way shame can become piled on top of shame. I remember so many times being alert (far too alert) to my own sense of shame that, even when I did not feel ashamed of something, I could still burn if I thought that THEY might think I ought to be ashamed. The sheer power of it, invading the yard.
Thank you, Michael- I am sure I speak for Seth and Sam to say that we are grateful and honored to have you as a listener. I’ve concluded a while ago that we have a lot in common- apparently wrestling with shame is something we share as well. What you describe feels so familiar. I hope - it seems perhaps- our discussion was at least therapeutic. I’m thankful for you Michael and your generous spirit.
What a poem! Thank you for diving into it and bringing out so much. You’ve made me want to memorize it now! It feels like an important one to keep in the heart.
One of my favorite parts of the Brother’s Karamozov (I’m only halfway through it) is when the K family gathers in Zosima’s cell and Zosima tells Fyodor Pavlovich something like “Be yourself. Don’t be ashamed.” Fyodor is caught off guard and responds with “you don’t mean that! You don’t know what I’m like!” Fyodor is truly such a vile, awful person, but Zosima knows he is ashamed and putting on a performance to distract from his true self… I need to go back and reread that scene along with the poem.
I think Moriarty tells the story about Eve and the moon in his talk “Trying to Walk Beautifully on the Earth”. That talk hasn’t left me since I heard it.
It has been decades since I’ve read the Brother’s Karamozov. It has been surfacing a lot lately- might be time to revisit it.
I believe you are right about the Moriarty reference. He echos his ideas throughout his writing and speaking- which I love. So this story of Eve emerges in multiple forms. Thank you, Kim for your attention and contributions!
I am still new to Moriarty, but that talk I listened to was so powerful and challenging. I listened to it right before I saw your work for the first time!
Amazing chirpings!!! Thank you each for your candor wrestling cogito...& that a great light (like that which exposes Peter or Adam/Eve) also enables what's exposed to be without shame, simply grand candor. Night knowing. Who knows!? Brought up much in me. Thank you each.
Back in December, I found myself in Florida for an art unveiling, and I went to the water at sunrise before leaving, as I always do when so near the coast.
As I walked along the water's edge, a Great Blue Heron flew up beside me, landed in the water, and then we proceeded to stroll along together for several minutes.
This is so wonderful. I just saw the video of the heron you posted. So timely.
Thanks so much for this episode. I am out of kilter with the episodes but this one required my attention before catching up with others. The subject is one I know plenty about. I was unfamiliar with the poem beforehand, but there is so much in it, and not in it. I was very relieved when Jack commented that he has plenty to actually be ashamed of, there is a tendency nowadays to rush to the (supposed) defence one one who admits to shame or guilt, the assumption is that this is a sign of a lack self-esteem and we mustn't have this must we, it must surely be a sign of something unhealthy. I was very taken with the idea of confession as candour, I can really use this, it's something I've been moving towards and now have a word. So much to say, too much for here, but one thing from my own experience; the way shame can become piled on top of shame. I remember so many times being alert (far too alert) to my own sense of shame that, even when I did not feel ashamed of something, I could still burn if I thought that THEY might think I ought to be ashamed. The sheer power of it, invading the yard.
Thank you, Michael- I am sure I speak for Seth and Sam to say that we are grateful and honored to have you as a listener. I’ve concluded a while ago that we have a lot in common- apparently wrestling with shame is something we share as well. What you describe feels so familiar. I hope - it seems perhaps- our discussion was at least therapeutic. I’m thankful for you Michael and your generous spirit.
What a poem! Thank you for diving into it and bringing out so much. You’ve made me want to memorize it now! It feels like an important one to keep in the heart.
One of my favorite parts of the Brother’s Karamozov (I’m only halfway through it) is when the K family gathers in Zosima’s cell and Zosima tells Fyodor Pavlovich something like “Be yourself. Don’t be ashamed.” Fyodor is caught off guard and responds with “you don’t mean that! You don’t know what I’m like!” Fyodor is truly such a vile, awful person, but Zosima knows he is ashamed and putting on a performance to distract from his true self… I need to go back and reread that scene along with the poem.
I think Moriarty tells the story about Eve and the moon in his talk “Trying to Walk Beautifully on the Earth”. That talk hasn’t left me since I heard it.
It has been decades since I’ve read the Brother’s Karamozov. It has been surfacing a lot lately- might be time to revisit it.
I believe you are right about the Moriarty reference. He echos his ideas throughout his writing and speaking- which I love. So this story of Eve emerges in multiple forms. Thank you, Kim for your attention and contributions!
I am still new to Moriarty, but that talk I listened to was so powerful and challenging. I listened to it right before I saw your work for the first time!
Amazing chirpings!!! Thank you each for your candor wrestling cogito...& that a great light (like that which exposes Peter or Adam/Eve) also enables what's exposed to be without shame, simply grand candor. Night knowing. Who knows!? Brought up much in me. Thank you each.
Here is to “Grand Candor”!
Grand Candor is a good phrase.
'God' unscripted, just yipped at by honest creatures
thank you for this!
This theme and Wendell’s words have tied me in a snarl of knots. A discussion I’ll not soon forget.
Thank you for always listening, Michelle. The snarl of knots- I feel that.