A Mr. Lebowski once asked another Mr. Lebowski "what makes a man?"
A curious question. But it seems that it must be answered by all of us at some time. Or maybe over and over and over. I have this desire to leave my impression on the world, but in a world oblivious of my existence, how is that going to happen. Perhaps I need to "open myself to the gentle indifference of the world." With that would come a freedom from so many burdens. If I can guide my hand with kindness yet stop taking myself so seriously, it would seem that I could be a better person. A stronger, more steadfast person. Someone who does not let the tediums of the normal day to day bring him down. But therein lies the rub. How do I maintain a social consciousness, a kind and caring mentality when I have no strings to connect me. No sympathy. No empathy. In short, no understanding. With pain come clarity. Without that clarity, even the best actions become empty and mechanical. They lose efficacy. Although it hurts, pain reminds me of life. It brings out the worst and the best in me. It is necessary to appreciate joy. It highlights life's happiness and forces fear to the surface. Maybe I need to embrace this pain. Live in it. Understand it. And soon conquer it. Because, at the end of the day, it is our feelings that make a man. If you have no sorrow, there is no joy. No pain, no happiness. To every yin there is a yang that creates the balance the constantly reminds us of who we are and what makes life amazing, vibrant, and worth living. To lose that would be to lose everything.
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