Trade-offs and balances. "For everything that is given, something else is taken." This is my instinct with regard to medicine's primitive, but ever-burgeoning attempt to "protect" the immune system from its job - negotiating hazards. Every prevented encounter with hazard - not a simulation of hazard, but real hazard - corresponds to a degree of competent function not attained. Life without risk is life without reward.
My cousin was in the Peace Corps in the early 80's, in Sierra Leone. She had some wonderful as well as scary stories. She's one of the few people I know with whom I can talk about alternative views of what is happening now. She is not firmly entrenched on a side. Thank you for this piece.
That's so interesting, Sybil. I do think that living in other parts of the world helps inoculate one against a certain rigidity of perspective. Thanks for your comment!
It reminds me a lot of Sophie Strand's writing, and Bayo Akomolafe's work. We have this ideal of control and predictability in colonized lands, but there's a wild/earth wisdom beyond anything we can control which we see as Covid keeps mutating and mutating. And I think it's made me realize the importance is in being really, truly, alive and connected while we're alive. Not in an over-hyped way like an addict feels, but deeply connected to our experiences where we aren't running from them or trying to "fix" them or judge them as acceptable and unacceptable.
Totally agree, Laurel! Makes me think of the serenity prayer: Give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I think it's that last part that can be especially tricky, for all of us. But serenity, courage, and wisdom do seem like things worth striving for. And, as you said, presence and connection. Hugs to you, my friend.
Trade-offs and balances. "For everything that is given, something else is taken." This is my instinct with regard to medicine's primitive, but ever-burgeoning attempt to "protect" the immune system from its job - negotiating hazards. Every prevented encounter with hazard - not a simulation of hazard, but real hazard - corresponds to a degree of competent function not attained. Life without risk is life without reward.
Love this, Brian. Totally agree.
My cousin was in the Peace Corps in the early 80's, in Sierra Leone. She had some wonderful as well as scary stories. She's one of the few people I know with whom I can talk about alternative views of what is happening now. She is not firmly entrenched on a side. Thank you for this piece.
That's so interesting, Sybil. I do think that living in other parts of the world helps inoculate one against a certain rigidity of perspective. Thanks for your comment!
Two amazing writers in one family? Yes!!! This piece made me feel and think. I subscribed.
Thank you so much, Kevin! Quinton speaks highly of you. Really appreciate your kind words.
Love this piece, Mo.
It reminds me a lot of Sophie Strand's writing, and Bayo Akomolafe's work. We have this ideal of control and predictability in colonized lands, but there's a wild/earth wisdom beyond anything we can control which we see as Covid keeps mutating and mutating. And I think it's made me realize the importance is in being really, truly, alive and connected while we're alive. Not in an over-hyped way like an addict feels, but deeply connected to our experiences where we aren't running from them or trying to "fix" them or judge them as acceptable and unacceptable.
Totally agree, Laurel! Makes me think of the serenity prayer: Give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I think it's that last part that can be especially tricky, for all of us. But serenity, courage, and wisdom do seem like things worth striving for. And, as you said, presence and connection. Hugs to you, my friend.