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Breathe and Face The Terrors When They Come

Like everything else terrors are moments we should face and let go

I once lived in the mountains of Northeast Georgia. The mountain I lived on was a flat topped plateau, which had such sights to see - and weather to experience. Small tornadoes came through a number of times. Even Hurricane Irma visited later in the year this video was made, 2017, as a tropical storm. Irma caused a good deal of damage, but nothing like the damage Helene left the region this year.

I have been through three Hurricane scale storms, many tornadoes, and other weather related events. I prepare to face them. And I do face them. I don’t pretend they are not happening. I don’t hide from them until I must.

This year I’ve been going through other kinds of storms. Homelessness, illness, even a near death experience.

I’m still here. But the sanctuary I had for awhile, so at least I had a place to stay, is no longer a sanctuary. I must leave here as soon as I can.

I am stronger for facing the terrors better. But strength is not the only thing required in times like this. I have learned my lessons well, but might have failed to make the grade. I don’t know yet. But I still breathe and face the terrors as they come.

The next two weeks I’m selling or finding homes for pretty much everything I can. I have a keyboard to sell. Not any more of my real instruments. Not my working gear. But my artwork, some craftwork, remaining books, whatever I can. I’m going to photograph my artwork until I’m satisfied I’ve done it justice. I will keep the images if not the pieces. I have publications that show some of my past work well, and I am keeping those. The remainders of mementos.

My life will be lighter after that. And I will keep it that way.

Have you ever seen Ellen Burstyn and Sam Shepard in a film called Resurrection? I think it’s time I was like Ellen’s character in that film. Except I will fail at that too. I love people too much to be a hermit. I just want most material things to be gone for good.

Then it will be easier to breathe when the terrors come. There will be nothing left to lose.


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Tongo Ni: small stone zen
Tongo Ni: small stone zen