Woah. Can I hitch a ride on that train of thought the next time it goes back and forth like that? I want to see how it works. Just when I think it is off track, it comes back on, as smoothly as a trapeze artist catches his partner's hands mid-somersault. A beautifully written piece, as always, Jonathan.
Wait, I’ve skied that couloir on the top upper left, not the tippy top ,the one next to it, just kidding, but would like to.
As you mentioned in Fotini’s reply, ”…there's something with story-telling that really works. So I'm so reassured that these small vehicles are having some impact.”
That is part of what I love about your writing. Bringing a new narrative, or a very old one, in the form of prose and fictional stories with deeper meanings lying buried just under the surface. Like an archaeological dig , I need only brush away the top layer, which in itself is a world of fun, exposing the valuable treasures just beneath.
“I wanted to understand why people actively yielded to values that eventually hijack their independence of mind.
Why they so readily became inseparable…”This thought fits snuggly between so many other aspects of human interactions. Sometimes the permanence of this hijacking drives a wedge between. And why is this now the norm? I want to stay in the “…actively sailing in the wind group .” More appropriately for me, skiing through the pure white virgin powder. Oh, I forgot to mention, I’m the one seated in front of you, forehead leaning on the glass, eyes focused out the window, day dreaming about the perfect line. This is what I deserve for actively searching for answers and clues🧐;
“Jacques Clément Dominican friar, partisan of the Catholic League; on 31 July 1589 “ he assassinated King Henry III. But you already knew that, way to throw me off Jonathan…
I thought it was amusing (to me) to use the name of Jacques Clément for the actor character. It was perfect for the themes of the last while - the dangers of feudalism, castles being bastions of dangerous social constructs, from The Tea Man (and others). It felt like a rebellion from the social order (although in his case he just wanted to impose another social order which a'int heading in the right direction). That's why he's described as "demonic" and angelic". - So I just thought it was kinda funny and here you are discovering my private jokes 😂
Love the "an archaeological dig" metaphor! And boy I could do with a day's skiing, haven't been for a long time. Love it.
Really interesting pivot in this piece, Jonathan. Rich and deserving of more than one reflective read. Which I've now done (!) This reflection on the dance at thresholds of ourselves through the lens of acting. The inner and outer roles we identify with. And live.
Sorry Síodhna, in my mind I had replied to you, and now I see I hadn't. Thank you so much for actually reading this one twice! I was thinking that maybe I made it too broad, or just stuffed too much in there...I'm not sure really, so I'm really grateful that you have engaged and helped me to see my own writing more clearly (I think that's an amazing, probably unplanned, side-effect of Substack - that writers get such new insights into their own work). I really wanted to write about the roles we play and what motivates them, and the ways those roles change in society, across time and in different social forms, but I think I need to revisit this a few times in different ways to ask better questions. Anyway, thanks, I so appreciate it :)
Between the uniqueness/quality of your ideas and the skill/clarity of the writing, I am certain you have the makings of an interesting book of essays at the least.
I love how you set this up Jonathan, the speeding through space, both backwards and forwards, a macrocosm of your interior. I often find my own thoughts shifting from subject to observed, actor to audience, an exercise I did even as a little girl that often disturbed me because I didn’t want the separation, I only wanted to be experiencing. No actor, power structures, no subjugation, no witnessing of the dramas being played out, just living it. I love hearing about a time where actors and audience were in a more active and intimate relationship with one another. If only this were a model for all of our performative interactions and social agreements. Your writing is such a wonderful blend of deep inner reflection mirrored by our vastly storied human landscape.
I feel so privileged to have such astute readers! That feeling you had as a child is exactly what I'm getting at - "No actor, power structures, no subjugation, no witnessing of the dramas being played out, just living it" - imagine if we could edge closer to "a more active and intimate relationship with one another"! I think this is a theme in lot's of my writing.
I liked the train (of thought) too, tunnels like being lost in thought before the world reappears...thanks Kimberly, your helping me to understand my own writing as well a commenting! 🙏🏽
This is a brilliant essay Jonathan, as labyrinthine as the backdrop of mountains and inky black tunnels your train is speeding through... and of course this country bumpkin, not prone to theatrical roles other than when acted out by my whimsical mist ghosts, had to read it twice!
I'm there now, I think... I'm ashamed to say I also have no idea who Jacque Clément is either, though I'm intrigued enough to search him out.
Subjugation however... bowing to the feudalism of corporate or government (one and the same IMHO) regulation at the cost of losing self, I see this every day, watch with horror their moulding and manipulation, and subsequent capitulation of the thousands. This also touches on my comment on your last post.
Been there, done that and found a life less ordinary, at least in terms of retaining identity, financially, uh-hm, needs work!
That's perfectly encapsulated Susie - bowing to the feudalism -moulding and manipulation - exactly. I see it a lot too. What you've done, choosing to continue sailing in the wind, is a powerful rejection of subjugation in so many ways. I'll bet you're never troubled with keeping distance.
Don't worry a bout not knowing Jaques Clément is, I made him up. Just imagine a collage of lots of black and white actors and he'll emerge :)
Dearest, sweetest, Jonathan...so, if I understand correctly, you are saying that people aren't vulnerable enough any more, in such a way that they connect powerfully with other people. instead, we are all these singular pseudo-dramas and everyone is tired of everyone else's pseudo-dramas, so they just pay attention to their inner monologues or work persona? Sweetheart, I am giggling a little here and being extra, extra nice...if the people who you're being vulnerable with aren't really listening anyway, then what is the point? :-) Which is WHY everyone is engaged in their own singular pseudo-drama.
I LOVE how adorable the two of you are and how beautifully you write. THOSE are real, valid, authentic things that help YOU connect powerfully to YOUR audience. Truth!! I'm listening! XO
That was some journey, Jonathan. I stopped for a while in "People internalise their work role depending on their innate tendency to accept or reject their own colonisation." Maybe because I saw myself in these words, in every job I had so far, and saw clearly for the first time my innate reaction to subjugation... And now my train of thought rushes on... Just a quick word before I leave: I love your writing!
I know, it's so wonderful when suddenly a new perspective opens and you see your own behaviour and reaction to whatever stimuli in a new light. Like doors open to rooms you didn't even know you had :)
Thanks so much for reading and really engaging, Fotini. I'm always trying to think of ways to get ideas like these ones across without being "academic" about it. I honestly think that somehow these narratives have the potential for more impact than traditional essays (no need for either!/or, but there's something with story-telling that really works). So I'm so reassured that these small vehicles are having some impact. 🙏🏽
Woah. Can I hitch a ride on that train of thought the next time it goes back and forth like that? I want to see how it works. Just when I think it is off track, it comes back on, as smoothly as a trapeze artist catches his partner's hands mid-somersault. A beautifully written piece, as always, Jonathan.
I love that trapeze artist analogy there Sha, can I steal it :)
If comments had prize ceremonies you'd be winning something here :)
Thanks so much for your kind comment 🙏🏽
You bought him there with your writing, Jonathan, how can I be the one to allow you to steal what you have gifted? Hahaha.
😂
Wait, I’ve skied that couloir on the top upper left, not the tippy top ,the one next to it, just kidding, but would like to.
As you mentioned in Fotini’s reply, ”…there's something with story-telling that really works. So I'm so reassured that these small vehicles are having some impact.”
That is part of what I love about your writing. Bringing a new narrative, or a very old one, in the form of prose and fictional stories with deeper meanings lying buried just under the surface. Like an archaeological dig , I need only brush away the top layer, which in itself is a world of fun, exposing the valuable treasures just beneath.
“I wanted to understand why people actively yielded to values that eventually hijack their independence of mind.
Why they so readily became inseparable…”This thought fits snuggly between so many other aspects of human interactions. Sometimes the permanence of this hijacking drives a wedge between. And why is this now the norm? I want to stay in the “…actively sailing in the wind group .” More appropriately for me, skiing through the pure white virgin powder. Oh, I forgot to mention, I’m the one seated in front of you, forehead leaning on the glass, eyes focused out the window, day dreaming about the perfect line. This is what I deserve for actively searching for answers and clues🧐;
“Jacques Clément Dominican friar, partisan of the Catholic League; on 31 July 1589 “ he assassinated King Henry III. But you already knew that, way to throw me off Jonathan…
I thought it was amusing (to me) to use the name of Jacques Clément for the actor character. It was perfect for the themes of the last while - the dangers of feudalism, castles being bastions of dangerous social constructs, from The Tea Man (and others). It felt like a rebellion from the social order (although in his case he just wanted to impose another social order which a'int heading in the right direction). That's why he's described as "demonic" and angelic". - So I just thought it was kinda funny and here you are discovering my private jokes 😂
Love the "an archaeological dig" metaphor! And boy I could do with a day's skiing, haven't been for a long time. Love it.
Really interesting pivot in this piece, Jonathan. Rich and deserving of more than one reflective read. Which I've now done (!) This reflection on the dance at thresholds of ourselves through the lens of acting. The inner and outer roles we identify with. And live.
Always love your posts!
Sorry Síodhna, in my mind I had replied to you, and now I see I hadn't. Thank you so much for actually reading this one twice! I was thinking that maybe I made it too broad, or just stuffed too much in there...I'm not sure really, so I'm really grateful that you have engaged and helped me to see my own writing more clearly (I think that's an amazing, probably unplanned, side-effect of Substack - that writers get such new insights into their own work). I really wanted to write about the roles we play and what motivates them, and the ways those roles change in society, across time and in different social forms, but I think I need to revisit this a few times in different ways to ask better questions. Anyway, thanks, I so appreciate it :)
Yes, not stuffed, a germination of a BIG idea.
And the interconnectness of those roles.
Very thoughtful, and really, full of ideas new to me. Fascinating, thanks Jonathan.
Ha ha that’s good news Wes, I’ve got a bunch of ideas I’d be glad if you’d take off my hands 😂 cheers pal
Between the uniqueness/quality of your ideas and the skill/clarity of the writing, I am certain you have the makings of an interesting book of essays at the least.
Thanks Wes, that's very kind of you 🙏🏽 (I was just tryign to work out how to make that happen).
Hope you all had a lovely birthday BTW :)
I will pass on your wishes to my Laurita.
I love how you set this up Jonathan, the speeding through space, both backwards and forwards, a macrocosm of your interior. I often find my own thoughts shifting from subject to observed, actor to audience, an exercise I did even as a little girl that often disturbed me because I didn’t want the separation, I only wanted to be experiencing. No actor, power structures, no subjugation, no witnessing of the dramas being played out, just living it. I love hearing about a time where actors and audience were in a more active and intimate relationship with one another. If only this were a model for all of our performative interactions and social agreements. Your writing is such a wonderful blend of deep inner reflection mirrored by our vastly storied human landscape.
I feel so privileged to have such astute readers! That feeling you had as a child is exactly what I'm getting at - "No actor, power structures, no subjugation, no witnessing of the dramas being played out, just living it" - imagine if we could edge closer to "a more active and intimate relationship with one another"! I think this is a theme in lot's of my writing.
I liked the train (of thought) too, tunnels like being lost in thought before the world reappears...thanks Kimberly, your helping me to understand my own writing as well a commenting! 🙏🏽
This is a brilliant essay Jonathan, as labyrinthine as the backdrop of mountains and inky black tunnels your train is speeding through... and of course this country bumpkin, not prone to theatrical roles other than when acted out by my whimsical mist ghosts, had to read it twice!
I'm there now, I think... I'm ashamed to say I also have no idea who Jacque Clément is either, though I'm intrigued enough to search him out.
Subjugation however... bowing to the feudalism of corporate or government (one and the same IMHO) regulation at the cost of losing self, I see this every day, watch with horror their moulding and manipulation, and subsequent capitulation of the thousands. This also touches on my comment on your last post.
Been there, done that and found a life less ordinary, at least in terms of retaining identity, financially, uh-hm, needs work!
That's perfectly encapsulated Susie - bowing to the feudalism -moulding and manipulation - exactly. I see it a lot too. What you've done, choosing to continue sailing in the wind, is a powerful rejection of subjugation in so many ways. I'll bet you're never troubled with keeping distance.
Don't worry a bout not knowing Jaques Clément is, I made him up. Just imagine a collage of lots of black and white actors and he'll emerge :)
🙏🏼
Dearest, sweetest, Jonathan...so, if I understand correctly, you are saying that people aren't vulnerable enough any more, in such a way that they connect powerfully with other people. instead, we are all these singular pseudo-dramas and everyone is tired of everyone else's pseudo-dramas, so they just pay attention to their inner monologues or work persona? Sweetheart, I am giggling a little here and being extra, extra nice...if the people who you're being vulnerable with aren't really listening anyway, then what is the point? :-) Which is WHY everyone is engaged in their own singular pseudo-drama.
I LOVE how adorable the two of you are and how beautifully you write. THOSE are real, valid, authentic things that help YOU connect powerfully to YOUR audience. Truth!! I'm listening! XO
That was some journey, Jonathan. I stopped for a while in "People internalise their work role depending on their innate tendency to accept or reject their own colonisation." Maybe because I saw myself in these words, in every job I had so far, and saw clearly for the first time my innate reaction to subjugation... And now my train of thought rushes on... Just a quick word before I leave: I love your writing!
I know, it's so wonderful when suddenly a new perspective opens and you see your own behaviour and reaction to whatever stimuli in a new light. Like doors open to rooms you didn't even know you had :)
Thanks so much for reading and really engaging, Fotini. I'm always trying to think of ways to get ideas like these ones across without being "academic" about it. I honestly think that somehow these narratives have the potential for more impact than traditional essays (no need for either!/or, but there's something with story-telling that really works). So I'm so reassured that these small vehicles are having some impact. 🙏🏽
Bang ;)
😂