We can not cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.
- Joey, or J.C.
Several references led me to remember this quote and tenant. We must not be overwhelmed with all the pain in the world or we will not paint with pretty colors or make useless things or experience any joy - we will be vacant of strength to help the human condition.
.... and lord knows, misery loves company.
Jayne and I refer to Joseph Campbell as "Joey" and Leonardo Da Vinci as "Lenny"
It makes it all less ominous, and although conceited and blasphemous, it is meant as endearment and familiarity. It makes it easier to absorb lessons if they are coming from a dear friend, rather than a Genius or God. (Joey would hate those last words)
(Click on the picture for a better view)
I love the painting and that you call Leonardo, Lenny. You are one cool cat. I only dare do that with Wills.
ReplyDeleteAs to not letting the weight of life get you down, you are right. If you are going to cry regularly, you are not going to live or create or be of any inspiration to those you are trying to help. But you have to admit, there is such poetry in the tragic. Think of Poe.
A wonderful policy, to treat the greatest ones as familiars. Because, in the end, we are all human beings, suffering the human condition (and that is, goodness knows, a heavy weight to bear).
ReplyDeleteAs for the sorrows, no one has taught me that lesson more succinctly than our daughter, whose joy shines brighter than the sun, and who has more reasons than most to feel the weight of sorrow and deprivation. She simply chooses not to see the world from that angle. I take that lesson from her every day.
I keep coming back to the idea of the need to be effortless - I’ve recently read an article on Zen and Houdini on this.Of course in their way Joey and Lenny, speak of this....the message isn’t about you, it’s about the big picture. About a small piece in the giant puzzle, that, fitting well will have a chance to complete everything.
ReplyDeleteI love the under-painting in this work...I don’t believe I’ll seen this one. Thanks for sharing it.
Let’s not forget Lenny’s nemesis, Mickey.
‘A beautiful thing never gives so much pain as does failing to hear and see it.