31. August 2008
“Joie de vivre (from the French joie, “joy”; de, “of”; vivre, “to live, living”; “the joy of living”) is a term sometimes imported into English to express a cheerful enjoyment of life; an exultation of spirit. Joie de vivre, as one scholar has written, can be a joy of conversation, joy of eating, joy of anything one might do… And joie de vivre may be seen as a joy of everything, a comprehensive joy, a philosophy of life, a Weltanschauung. Robert’s Dictionnaire says joie is sentiment exaltant ressenti par toute la conscience, that is, involves one’s whole being.”
Many people are looking for joy in their life. However, I find that we often tend to confuse joy with fun or pleasure seeking. There are plenty of activities offered to us that (supposedly) are fun and pleasureful. However, those feelings don’t last very long. They fade away shortly after the activities end and we’re often left feeling somewhat empty and longing, seeking more fun and pleasure in turn.
Joy on the other hand is not tied to specific actions but to our disposition, our attitude and outlook on life. Joy is often found in rather mundane things such as a nice meal, a walk through the park, lounging in the sun, a stroll down the beach as well as hobbies. Also, joy and happiness are closely related; a joyful person is most often a happy person. Someone that has a lot of joy radiates it and is a pleasure to be around. Joy can easily be shared while fun is most often tied to very subjective things, those only we may find exciting but aren’t as much fun for others.
While there is nothing wrong with having fun it is only one small part of a happy life. Finding joy is of much greater benefit and, depending on our disposition and outlook, can have a lasting affect.
28. August 2008
Journey to Erlendree – The Watchers, originally uploaded by Alternate:Words.
As I sit here writing these lines I realize that Malledral is pulsating intensely. My bond with the cursed blade is increasing. Every time I grab hold of it I feel its twisted power surging through my body. It is hard to explain, this feeling of calm and holiness combined with chaos and evil thoughts like two sides of the same creature, one darkness, one light, living as one. I can feel my old temper rise which I have sought to control for many years through deliberate study and meditation. I do not want to be tempted by it yet I know as if through divine revelation that much will depend on my ability to control the dagger. I cannot become tempted by its allusion of power and strength yet I must not be afraid to use it when needed. I am a scholar, a teacher, a healer but the art of combat is not far from my heart despite my physical limitations. I shun it as a necessary evil, a fire fighting fire. But enough of this, there will be plenty of time for reasoning at another time.
And now, as I am ready to depart I feel Karrinna’s heartbeat stronger than ever. I will have to go into the thick of the forest where she cannot follow. Hence she has called on her smaller brethren, on all the owls of the forest to be her eyes and ears as well as her beak and talons should it be needed. Her concern for me provides much needed encouragement. Within a short period of time I have become so used to feeling her presence that now I cannot imagine not having her close to me anymore; it will be difficult to part ways when the time comes. For now I am looking forward to concluding my journey, accompanied by the owls of Erlendree, the watchers Karrinna called upon.”
From the journal of Lucian the Seeker - © Thorsten Becker
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The giant twin suns of Tatooine slowly disappear behind a
distant dune range. Luke stands watching them for a few
moments, then reluctantly enters the domed entrance to the
homestead.
From Star Wars - A New Hope produced, written, and directed by George Lucas.
Something about the shape of the silo and the color of the sky reminded me of this rather well known scene from the first Star Wars movie. The only thing missing are the twin suns.
27. August 2008
© Thorsten Becker
This little poetic comedy is a homage to Edgar Allan Poe and his poem “The Raven”. I thought about the vanity of people searching for answers to their problems and ways out of their misery and how it often takes on bizarre forms. There is indeed much wisdom to be found around us, but not in the way we expect. Just taking some time out from our busy life, slowing down, sitting back and watching nature can provide much relieve and a new perspective.
26. August 2008
25. August 2008
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”
James 3:5-10
Just as a little match can set a large forest on fire so can words spoken in anger or without consideration burn the heart. Internet communication has most certainly added much to verbal harm due to its anonymity. Nevertheless, the responsibility for each one of us stays the same - to show kindness and consideration for our neighbor so that we may not set him or her on fire.
24. August 2008
23. August 2008
