Harmony with nature is resonance, a current to be sensed. We find it by looking closely and moving in time with the natural world.
On a hike years ago I discovered a portal. Ensorcelled, I pointed a vintage camera at the threshold and asked silver film to record its surface.
Elvis Presley created his own personal motto - TCB - which embodies Elvis's approach to life. It was his mantra.
TCB stands for "Taking Care of Business" and is accompanied by a lightning bolt Elvis drew himself. I first learned about this from Baz Luhrmann's 2022 bio-pic: the logo is in the credits and poster for the movie.
I wear a t-shirt bearing Elvis's logo when I go to the gym. I also just bought a pocket square bearing one for when I'm out on the town, dressed like a true boulevardier.
The sewn pocket square comes from Lansky Brothers ("Clothier To The King"), a Memphis company founded by a tailor who designed and made flashy clothes for Elvis before and after he became famous. Bernard Lansky was a mensch who helped many rock stars find their unique style. One day he observed a poor, unknown musician (Elvis) peering in the window of his shop. Bernard went outside and invited Elvis in. The rest is history!
Nothing beats nature for fascinating views.
I'm looking through old photos taken 13 years ago (May 2013). The first is at a local park (Heckscher) in my hometown (Huntington, NY). The second is in Rhode Island where I visited the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence.
The second bird looks unreal -- almost like a cartoon -- but he actually exists and was kind enough to pose for my camera. :)
I'm reading a 3,000 year old book -- the classic "Tao Te Ching" written by Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu. The book erects a foundation for Taoism and most Eastern philosophy. Its teachings are discussed in a 1970s television show ("Kung Fu"), a 1964 Beatles song ("The Inner Light") and the opening lines of a popular 1970 song ("All Things Must Pass").
Written in laconic language, the Tao Te Ching presents pithy points of wisdom. They encourage harmony with nature as a key to insight and happiness. Sometimes intuitive, sometimes counter-intuitive its lessons lead the reader to ponder possible paths to enlightenment. That contemplation, I find, is itself joyous and educational. Rather than being esoteric, Taoism is a simple philosophy, guiding followers to better, kinder, gentler lives.
Here are a sample of its ideas:
To know
That one does not know,
To know that there is a limit
To what one knows,
This is true and highest knowledge.
* * *
Who knows
Does not speak.
Who speaks
Does not know.
Harmonize the light,
Blend with the dust.
This is the Mystic Union.
Whosoever attains this is neither loved nor rejected,
Receives neither benefit nor harm,
Is neither highly esteemed nor despised,
But is nonetheless greatly valued by All-under-Heaven.
Life is a precious and fragile gift. An opportunity to be happy, create joy and help others (of all species).
Yet sadly many humans squander this gift by desultory behavior. (Desultory: lacking a plan, purpose or enthusiasm.)
Memorial Day reminds us of men and women who lost their lives prematurely. To honor them we should live with passion. Their truncated lives ought to inspire us to dive into experience with brio and verve.
“I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.” (Vincent van Gogh)
National Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York (May 2020).
Taken with all-plastic Holga camera and 120-format photo film.
