Personal Myth: Humans

Humans, by me

Humans, by me

Here is my next chapter in my personal myth project, which explores what it means to be human in this world. For me, what's interesting about being a humans is how language, laughter, and story can be used to   mediate the natural cycles of life and death. Given that I love learning foreign languages, I really feel that language is an integral part of the human experience. Maybe it's because I feel that words fail me too often, and that stories uplift me, but my own experience of the world is closely related to the human faculty for language and for nonlanguage too.

Habits in Space

Photograph from the collection Modern Life of the Soul, by Melanie Bonajo
via The Ornamism Project

Have you heard the NPR story "What Vietnam Taught Us about Breaking Bad Habits"? The gist is that our habits can be tied to specific places, as in the couch as a place to sit and eat ice cream, and that changing the environment can give you a chance to consciously change your behavior. 

The story makes me see my home in a new light. What behaviors am I reinforcing? (Rather than worrying about New Year's resolutions, I think I'd better start by seeing things a little more clearly!)

It also makes me think about building an altar more seriously; they're one place in the home that can help you re-mind yourself and "alter" your habits. The altar wouldn't need to be sculptural—it could also be a flat work of art—it seems like the important part of such a space would be your response to it.

Witnesses of Tolerance

Tolerance, by Jaume Plensa
via glasstire

Driving through Houston, you may discover the seven sculptures of Tolerance by Jaume Plensa. At night, they are illuminated and sit like peaceful guardians, keeping watch over the city.

The figures are composed on individual letters. The artist grew up with a love for books and sees each letter as a symbol of the individual. Together, the letters come together to create language, culture, and humanity. 

Walking Meditation

Maiden Crone, by Bonnie Wildwood

The great teacher Thich Nhat Hanh suggests that we try walking meditation while holding the hand of a child.

I would also suggest visiting an elderly relative or friend and walking with them. I visited my grandmother this weekend, and going at her pace, stopping with her to smile at the people we passed by, and remembering that growing old and frail is a natural part of life were all great lessons for me. 

How to Wander

Creating a life can be hard. Especially when there's no set vocational path. It can feel like you're wandering out in the wilderness.

by Alyssa Nassner

(The personal element: I'm trying to grow in the beautiful world of language preservation. It's rewarding and challenging work, but sometimes I see all the monsters out there in the wilderness--all the problems and politics--and think that I should have chosen another path. Something that makes more money. Something that doesn't leave me feeling quite so exhausted.)

I used to think that being wise meant seeing everything clearly. But lately I've been thinking that wisdom sometimes means exchanging clear sight for stubborn tunnel vision. If there's scary monsters out there, don't see the monsters. Just diligently pursue the path.

Rainbow Circle by Animalsleep

Watch with Glittering Eyes

But above all, watch, with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.

    —Roald Dahl

(quote via Joie Butter)

Oilily, Fall 2010, via Precious Couture