Writing is a non-negotiable for me, but public writing is not.

I hope to one day resume writing here.

Thanks for reading.

#Life

But its purity is not revealed instantaneously, it takes time. I need to witness the feeling without pushing it or overthink it, no matter how uncomfortable—or even painful—it might be to do so.

I don't feel disconnected from life while experiencing sadness. On the contrary, fully embracing this feeling makes me take life as a whole, too—not only the parts that I like.

But while it last, this burning feeling on my chest is a sort of death and the following grieving process.

Death sounds quite fatalistic, but it is not. Life needs death. Dying means making space for something new.

This might be experienced in subtle ways. For instance, when finding that a personal belief is false, the old person who believed that dies, and a new one who doesn't is born. It is a tiny death that might go unnoticed.

But sometimes leaving a delusional state shakes our world to its core. It leaves a profound emptiness, which we I call sadness.

Fully experiencing the sadness is allowing such emptiness to exist. If we rush to fill the void with something else because it feels too uncomfortable, a fresh delusion takes the empty. We are numbed and delusional again until the new wrong view couldn't sustain any longer and collapse by itself—because everything lacking truth eventually collapses. Our life goes on and on in circles, and each time we end up at the starting point, the pain is greater.

Fearlessly experiencing the painful sadness is the path of least resistance.

#Personal

“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny” – Unknown

One-way friend's favourite quote, taken from his website.

#Quote

The intention was to walk there, but I was feeling lazy and took the car. This time, being lazy was wise because as soon as I get there, a pouring rain started.

I didn't meet the butcher though. He was doing his butchery craft on the back of the store while his son (?) take care of the customers—since it was near closing time, there weren't that many.

The kid speak some English, although he seems uncomfortable doing it. He's a kind and shy little gentleman; or that's my first impression.

I didn't know what meat cuts to pick up, my wife used to take care of this when we were together. I asked for some advice and went for some lamb, tartar, and beef—entrecote and sirloin. Plain, without marinate.

The price was a bit higher than in the AH, but it seems worth it. I'm planning to visit the local butcher store every week, and next time I'm going to pay with cash.

#Life

#Photo

Tactic and strategy (English translation of 'Táctica y estrategia' by Mario Benedetti)

My tactic is to look at you to learn how you are to love you as you are

My tactic is to talk to you and listen to you and construct with words an indestructible bridge

My tactic is to remain in your memory I don't know how nor on what pretext but to remain in you

My tactic is to be honest and to know that you are honest and that we don't sell each other fakes so between the two of us there’s neither a curtain nor an abyss

My strategy is by contrast more profound and more simple

My strategy is that one fine day I don't know how nor on what pretext you'll finally need me.

Translation by Paul Archer*

Perhaps one of the most beautiful poems I have ever read.

These words are also instructions. They work once you find someone who wants to build bridges instead of burn them down constantly.

#Poetry #Spanish

This sounds surprisingly refreshing today.

#Music

I mean, it is okay, but okay is not enough any more.

Apparently, there is an excellent butcher in town (if we can trust Google Maps reviews). The meat is more expensive there, but I can afford it. I rather give my money to a local business than a chain supermarket. Hopefully the meat is worth the premium price.

Visiting the slagerij might well become part of my Saturday's rituals. Maybe after drinking coffee on the bistro next to the church.

That sounds good. Very good indeed.

#Life #Random

How did I find this website? I don't remember, life's serendipity, I guess.

#Links #Serendipity

This morning I hit the gym at 06:39h. (it opens 06:30h.), then sat down in front of the computer to work at 08:24h., went out for a walk at 12:43h., end my working day at 5:44h

All that is okay.

But okay is not enough any more.

Better. Gym at 06:30h., sharp; start working at 08:00h., sharp; going for a lunch walk at 12:30h., sharp ... you get the idea.

This seemly trivial change is important. Not being sharp with time creates a creeping and undesirable mental effect. It opens a possibility for slacking or even skipping.

No. No, no, no. It does not matter how shit I feel in the morning, I'm in the gym, 6:30h, sharp.

Feelings are neither avoided nor suppressed, no. I might feel sad while working out. Feelings are free to come and go as they please. But life keeps moving at its own pace, and I'm not falling behind and drown in some disgusting self-pity.

I trust that, by sharpening my schedule, other aspects of my life will get back on track as a consequence.

#Life #Daily