What I’ve been reading:
"Jung and Frodo: 7 Paths of Individuation in Lord of the Rings" by Robin Robertson
I will start by saying that you don’t need to be "The Lord of the Rings" fan in order to appreciate and enjoy this book.
What you do need, however, is to be open to the idea that fictional stories are more than entertainment or escapism. And even when they do provide escapism, that shouldn’t always be an argument against them but rather an argument for why they are important. You need to be open to the idea that fictional stories can sometimes hold more wisdom than the most complex philosophical system.
"Jung and Frodo: 7 Paths of Individuation in Lord of the Rings" explores the connection between the psychology of Carl Jung and the character development of Frodo Baggins in J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Besides those interested in the work of Carl Jung, this book would be a great read for anyone interested in the concept of "hero’s journey."
What I’ve listened to:
"John O'Donohue — The Inner Landscape of Beauty" - the On Being podcast
This was my second listen of one of my favorite podcast episodes ever. And it reminded me that I should listen to this one more often, as the first time I listened to it was around 3 years ago.
John O'Donohue was an Irish poet, theologian, and philosopher. Before listening to this for the first time, I didn’t know anything about him. If that’s the case with you as well, please don’t let that stop you from listening.
I am selective with using this term, but I can say that John O'Donohue was, or still is, depending on what you believe happens after death, a beautiful soul. And I believe this conversation will help you rediscover beauty in life.
Listen to it here or on any other podcast streaming platform.
What I’ve been thinking about:
Ever since my mind was developed enough to understand the concept of different parts of the world having different climates, I have said that my dream was to live somewhere where "it’s always summer."
Although the life circumstances under which I left my home country last January were far from dreamlike, I did achieve my childhood dream in some way. I’ve spent more than a year "in summer."
Last week, I changed my location from a place with almost regular temperatures of 40°C (104°F) to a place where the maximum temperature at the moment is 7°C (44.6°F).
I dreaded this transition. And it was as uncomfortable as I anticipated.
However, I was reminded of how important change is. I don’t enjoy the cold. I believe I never will. But it seems that almost any type of change can have a positive effect on a person.
I don’t suggest that you need to travel somewhere to experience this type of change.
As someone who sticks to his daily routine pretty rigorously and lives what seems like a pretty boring lifestyle from the outside, I know how small of a change you need to feel its positive effect.
Take a different route to or from work/school.
Change the place where you drink your daily coffee for a week or two, even if you love your usual place.
Find a new genre of music to listen to.
Or think of some other small change that you can make. If you have some interesting ideas, let me know.
Thank you for reading.
Stay strong, love life, and never feel sorry for yourself.
P.S. the enrollment for the Sisyphus Society ends in a little over 24 hours. If you still haven’t heard about it or you are on the fence, check it out here. There is an interesting challenge and a guarantee I have for you.
Thank you for the support.