The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances - if there is any reaction, both are transformed.
Carl Jung's words found me in the midst of reading Loving and Leaving the Good Life, a book written by Helen Nearing that describes her life before during and after its intersection with the life of Scott Nearing. This couple has been active in my thoughts for a while now, and hearing Helen's perspective is fascinating. 21 years Scott's junior, she makes it clear just how profoundly her life has been changed by having known him. And the reverse is certainly true as well.
I'm pretty fascinated by human interactions and personal dynamics - people, the way we relate to one another, and the amazing things we gain in the process - our countless experiments in human chemistry. The life I lead is not so unique; I'm not doing anything that anyone else can't do or hasn't done; but, in the richness, the spontaneity, and the depth of the relationships I form, I create an experience that is special and affirming
but not always easy.
Because there are all kinds of external forces telling me what my relationships should look like.
Because the grey area is murky and confusing - and it's much easier (if sometimes less fulfilling) to be black-and-white, defined, comfortable.
Because doing my best to be intuitive and living true to what I believe is also being selfish; and in any relationship, there are at least two individuals to consider.
Because people don't want to talk on the elevator, make eye-contact on the street, or open up a conversation with a stranger on a plane. Or if they want to, they feel like they shouldn't.
Because leaving your heart open to people is also leaving it vulnerable.
Of course I'm an optimist. I'm hopeful. I've seen the potential we have to light sparks for each other - friends, family and strangers alike. And I believe in the strength and possibility of the connections we form, no matter their brevity or label. I also know that any pain my heart has felt has always been followed by a deepening of the love I'm able to offer others. So I'm in this human chemistry experiment for the long haul. A beautiful experiment it is.
but not always easy.
Because there are all kinds of external forces telling me what my relationships should look like.
Because the grey area is murky and confusing - and it's much easier (if sometimes less fulfilling) to be black-and-white, defined, comfortable.
Because doing my best to be intuitive and living true to what I believe is also being selfish; and in any relationship, there are at least two individuals to consider.
Because people don't want to talk on the elevator, make eye-contact on the street, or open up a conversation with a stranger on a plane. Or if they want to, they feel like they shouldn't.
Because leaving your heart open to people is also leaving it vulnerable.
Of course I'm an optimist. I'm hopeful. I've seen the potential we have to light sparks for each other - friends, family and strangers alike. And I believe in the strength and possibility of the connections we form, no matter their brevity or label. I also know that any pain my heart has felt has always been followed by a deepening of the love I'm able to offer others. So I'm in this human chemistry experiment for the long haul. A beautiful experiment it is.
Hello, Beautiful Woman.
ReplyDeleteYour words found a place somewhere between my head and my heart to settle in and ferment. I often wonder why strangers interpret my eye contact or smile as a come-on or a challenge and then wonder why I'm projecting what I think their awkward response means. I think awkward encounters with those near and dear and passersby are the spice of life, but, sometimes, the spice catches me off guard and makes me sneeze.
Enough metaphor. Thank you for your words. I would like to delve more deeply into your recent wanderings and wonderings. CAN I HAVE YOUR NEW ADDRESS. Welcome back to the Pacific Northwest.
LOVE LOVE LOVE TO YOU.