Pink lotus * a famous photographer * change the world * The Oracle * fantasy * the path of the sly man * butterfly or snake * a new old friend * it has to stop * write the book * hide the book
There is so much going on here and would like to comment. What sticks for me is how H knows the game very well it seems and fails to understand how anyone else cannot be like him. He exudes so much sovereignty after all. I pick up on that on how stoic and directive he is with the protagonist and then how he shifts to a hospitable, grandma like and mystical for other influential people when he needs it. So yes, this is Fun... but almost to the point of manipulation. Not that it's all there is, but how the Ego sneaks despite all the insights you might have had.
On the other hand, I see how Soraya (I believe means Sun) and the dancing partners are on that chapter a much better version of compassion, mystery and wisdom than what H is offering and it feels totally right to break up and keep some distance.
This being said, I recognize some of that power of certainty in myself (also 40+ Man) and helps me realize again how things are easier for me in some ways and only recently started to shift to let people grow in their own way without my advice. Appreciating their struggles and walking alongside them. It makes it now for a much better experience on both ends.
Full Disclosure, I have read only the first 3 chapters and this one. Was planing to read it all once on vacation next week. I suspect there is likely so much subtlety in the character that makes him charismatic.
But, that last injunction... oh man.... so much manipulation over his fears and insecurities. Suddenly nobodies there to speak on behalf of the mystery...
Andredge, I'm so glad you commented. Your observations and insights help me a lot. Specifically, your pointing out the tendency towards manipulation in H. Yes, I see this now (not so much then, though I was having intuitive hits, which I've tried to write in).
I knew when I wrote that part about him showing up like a grandmother for the FB executive it would have that effect. I think that moment it did actually dawn on me that he was changing for some strategic purpose--self-serving or altruistic (he wanted to influence the way FB was rolling out a currency), it's hard to say. That kind of behavior is exactly what corporate capitalism rewards (shapeshifting, social intelligence, narcissism, sociopathy) and he was using it. At that time, I believed he was doing it as part of a spiritual mission, but I'm not sure. Even now, I'm not sure. He would have to weigh in here. I wish he would. I miss his voice. And here I've come to the end of our story together and I thought I'd have more clarity.
It makes me wonder, if I took more liberties and really picked a lane: made him an outright narcissist OR absolved him completely, would that make for a better story? I'd love the community's take on this.
I'm so glad you see the role of Soraya and the dancing partner. YES. They both represented the arrival of a new spiritual friend into my life as I was exploring and growing. Maybe they represent seekers a little farther along on the path or just sangha. I love them both. Thank you for pointing out that Soraya means sun. That's not her real name, but it's close and it came to me as an obvious choice for her. In a way it's a funny choice for a woman who keeps reminding me of the "dark" feminine. Beautiful, actually.
And bravo for mellowing with age! I feel it, too, as I move swiftly towards turning 50!
There is so much going on here and would like to comment. What sticks for me is how H knows the game very well it seems and fails to understand how anyone else cannot be like him. He exudes so much sovereignty after all. I pick up on that on how stoic and directive he is with the protagonist and then how he shifts to a hospitable, grandma like and mystical for other influential people when he needs it. So yes, this is Fun... but almost to the point of manipulation. Not that it's all there is, but how the Ego sneaks despite all the insights you might have had.
On the other hand, I see how Soraya (I believe means Sun) and the dancing partners are on that chapter a much better version of compassion, mystery and wisdom than what H is offering and it feels totally right to break up and keep some distance.
This being said, I recognize some of that power of certainty in myself (also 40+ Man) and helps me realize again how things are easier for me in some ways and only recently started to shift to let people grow in their own way without my advice. Appreciating their struggles and walking alongside them. It makes it now for a much better experience on both ends.
Full Disclosure, I have read only the first 3 chapters and this one. Was planing to read it all once on vacation next week. I suspect there is likely so much subtlety in the character that makes him charismatic.
But, that last injunction... oh man.... so much manipulation over his fears and insecurities. Suddenly nobodies there to speak on behalf of the mystery...
....Aahhh People....
Andredge, I'm so glad you commented. Your observations and insights help me a lot. Specifically, your pointing out the tendency towards manipulation in H. Yes, I see this now (not so much then, though I was having intuitive hits, which I've tried to write in).
I knew when I wrote that part about him showing up like a grandmother for the FB executive it would have that effect. I think that moment it did actually dawn on me that he was changing for some strategic purpose--self-serving or altruistic (he wanted to influence the way FB was rolling out a currency), it's hard to say. That kind of behavior is exactly what corporate capitalism rewards (shapeshifting, social intelligence, narcissism, sociopathy) and he was using it. At that time, I believed he was doing it as part of a spiritual mission, but I'm not sure. Even now, I'm not sure. He would have to weigh in here. I wish he would. I miss his voice. And here I've come to the end of our story together and I thought I'd have more clarity.
It makes me wonder, if I took more liberties and really picked a lane: made him an outright narcissist OR absolved him completely, would that make for a better story? I'd love the community's take on this.
I'm so glad you see the role of Soraya and the dancing partner. YES. They both represented the arrival of a new spiritual friend into my life as I was exploring and growing. Maybe they represent seekers a little farther along on the path or just sangha. I love them both. Thank you for pointing out that Soraya means sun. That's not her real name, but it's close and it came to me as an obvious choice for her. In a way it's a funny choice for a woman who keeps reminding me of the "dark" feminine. Beautiful, actually.
And bravo for mellowing with age! I feel it, too, as I move swiftly towards turning 50!
Gratitude and friendship,
S