Gerry, thank you so much for introducing O'Donohoe to us. Prior to my reading this wonderful post, I was unfamiliar with his poignant words. The Hebrew prayer used to be more familiar to me; I would hold it in my hands and read the Hebrew whenever I traveled back and forth to college via plane in hopes of safe, peaceful travel. Nowadays, as you point out, peace is so elusive in the world. At the same time, I reflect that peace has always been elusive in some part of the world, and I've given up hope that peace will prevail. Despite this, I try to maintain a peaceful existence and treat others as I would want to be treated. I know this is a cliche, but there's so much truth to that.
I love this line that “'ballast”'can also refer to the things that weigh us down." Traveling spontaneously seems so liberating in many ways, yet we can also be weighed down by physical, emotional, and spiritual causes and so forth -- whether or not we travel. I so appreciate your candor. I find that life often weighs heavy on me -- either from watching too much news or emotional anguish. My form of travel has become the canvas, and with each brushstroke, I feel peace. Painting is the only true time I find solace.
Gerry, thank you so much for introducing O'Donohoe to us. Prior to my reading this wonderful post, I was unfamiliar with his poignant words. The Hebrew prayer used to be more familiar to me; I would hold it in my hands and read the Hebrew whenever I traveled back and forth to college via plane in hopes of safe, peaceful travel. Nowadays, as you point out, peace is so elusive in the world. At the same time, I reflect that peace has always been elusive in some part of the world, and I've given up hope that peace will prevail. Despite this, I try to maintain a peaceful existence and treat others as I would want to be treated. I know this is a cliche, but there's so much truth to that.
I love this line that “'ballast”'can also refer to the things that weigh us down." Traveling spontaneously seems so liberating in many ways, yet we can also be weighed down by physical, emotional, and spiritual causes and so forth -- whether or not we travel. I so appreciate your candor. I find that life often weighs heavy on me -- either from watching too much news or emotional anguish. My form of travel has become the canvas, and with each brushstroke, I feel peace. Painting is the only true time I find solace.
Another great essay, Gerry. Thank you so much!