COMMUNICATION versus SOLITUDE

Tags

communications, friendship, the other

 

 

 

Bataille is correct in his words – – – even though they are a bit hard to follow.

Possibly this is the fault of Hamilton’s translation – – – or possibly it is the fault of my  own weak mind.

So I re-read it several times and come to the conclusion that I can never accept the words of others; I must change the words into something that I can comprehend.

Yes, we are bathed (or awash) in communications, sometimes it is incessant chatter that has no real bearing on anything at hand. It is more likely the result of attempting to ‘discover’ the other person. So we treat the other person like a hot stove; we place ourselves near it, then we reach out – – – but not to touch – – – rather just to get a sense of the heat or lack of it. To touch it immediately may result in a burn or rejection. So most of us proceed slowly while others dare an immediate touch; sometimes to their dismay – – – or joy.

But this communication – – – does it really stop when we are by ourselves? Or do we continue reading the other person as we sit in solitude? We have met someone new and we think about our encounter; however slight it may have been. Did I read the person correctly? Did he or she give an indication of acceptance or rejection? Was there any indication such as a hint of smile or frown? Or possibly a telling silence?

Like opposing mirrors there are multiple possibilities to these questions. Reflections upon reflections; some growing nearer, others farther away. Some fainter, some clearer.

Then a second encounter with the person cements – – – or breaks – – – our relationship.

The communications, although subdued in level, result in shouts within ourselves. The multiple possibilities can only result in a cry heard by others. We have communicated, the others understand me – – – and their cry is understood by me. This, oh so human, reaching out has resulted in some sort of bond; possibly slight, possibly substantial, possibly positive, possibly negative.

By ourselves, in solitude, we have unconsciously found our way through the maze. Yet, by ourselves, we continued the quiet shouting in our own minds, the wondering, the multiple possibilities, the consideration, the contemplation, the deliberation; this reflection of possibilities.

Together, on the second encounter, we have broken the impenetrability between ourselves. We have shared our thoughts. We have communicated. We may even disagree. But in the end we have made a friend – – – or possibly a noble and worthy challenger.

AS I WANDERED #93 TROUT FISHING

Tags

Companions, friendship, philosophy, Reflection, Religion, Solitude

All of the fellows in the rail yard agreed that trout fishing on a small stream was much better than on a large river.

That was especially true for those who had a secret little stream somewhere up in the mountains.

Finding a secret stream and then trying not to brag about it is very hard. You wish to keep the stream for yourself but yet you would like to show a friend what a great spot you have discovered.

Finally you share it and a new type of friendship is discovered.

THE WOODLAND STREAM

 

 

~

©W. Tomosky♠

FISHERMEN: #39 OPINIONS

Tags

angling, balsam, balsam scent, dock, eagle, fir trees, fishing, fly fishing, friendship, lake fishing, libations, Mountain scene

 

Whew – – – that was rather taxing.

This is the tenth and very last picture of fishing lakes and streams with that big dome in the background.

I was running out of words.

See that young fellow wading around out there? Pretty clever guy.

His friend wanted to build a dock – – – and he did so.

But not that dock.

The other dock is long gone. You see – – – his friend built it on stakes pounded into the lake bed. And then he built his dock on that. The following spring the snow and ice caps melted off of big dome and the lake rose two feet. It tore his dock right off the stakes and completely ruined it.

So this fellow, the one in the red checkered shirt that is attempting to fool the fish, he told the other fellow with the ruined dock “I have an idea.”

And the ruined dock fellow says “Do tell.”

Then checkered shirt guy says “We can build a dock that is attached at the shore line with hinges. The outer end will float on barrels. We can put stakes inside the dock to keep it from twisting but we won’t attach them to the dock. Then when the lake rises the outer end will rise and fall with the lake level.”

And they did so together. Became good friends in the process. Had a beer together when they finished.

I am not sure if the beer was meant to bond the friendship or just to quench the thirst. It really doesn’t matter. Probably did both.

And even I got something out of the process. That dock made me change my dealings with other people.

“Do tell” you ask.

Well – – – I was like that stiff dock. When the tempers rose, like the lake, I would remain adamant and would not budge. It didn’t work out most of the time. Now I stay grounded in my base opinions but allow others to raise or lower my outlook.

I used to get destroyed in most opinionated discussions. But now people realize I am listening and am willing to change.

Guess what! They also change their opinions once they realize we are having a discussion and not an argument.

Go figure.

© Copy written for what I will never know.