the-corona-journal-blog

[the-corona-journal-blog]

the storm

Its funny, that saying: “the calm before the storm” - but no one ever mentions the calm after the storm. For me, this hypothetical, metaphorical, disruption to humanity - before the storm is just our haphazard hyper ‘productive’ universe, there is no calm. Maybe moments here and there, but I am most certain that among us, regardless of generation, we are addicted to the stimulation of constant chaos.

So. I think it should be acknowledged, there is chaos before the storm, during the storm, and after it. we scramble for the supplies we think we need, whether it’s the comfort food or extra blankets. We brace ourselves for the expected breakdown. And when it arrives, the storm - with its downpour of rain, fleeting lightning and thunder - that flashes and echoes through the sky – a sight and sound we cannot grasp. there will be the destruction of homes and the flooding of gardens. Our way of life, in the grand scheme of history, will be altered for just a moment, our perspective will shift - and aesthetics will remold to fit what is left over. And yet, in due time, we will calmly retreat back to the chaos.

this is all mirrored in the processes of writing, thinking, philosophizing, and meditating. To sit and allow the storm, the one brewing inside to finally take place - not with rain, wind, and lightning - but through the exercise of mind. engaging with one’s own self – there is a real sense of electricity, flashing before  the eyes with power, if not for anyone else but yourself.

There are times you may think, will you become the X that you wish to be? Or will I reveal all my secrets, or damage the being behind my abstractness.

I don’t know. But there is truth to this fear. the journal is an intimate object - and it can be commercialized. Your innermost thoughts can be bought, your bound wisdom on sale for $15.99. To be shared on Instagram. We can sell pieces of ourselves to strangers all over the world.

And of course, this is our world, we must sell something - whether our time, intellect, or physical labour. simultaneously, we must also buy. Buy the fruits of other’s labour in order to survive. We have this system riddled with interdependencies, and yet we remain isolated, content with the chaos of give and take.

So we are trapped, and if you are lucky enough – you may even have the opportunity to choose what you must sell. That is the reality for the great majority of us. And I think the only thing that is worth selling is time - And that should be sold to no one else, but yourself.

As this specific storm pushes forward, and you take shelter with your loved ones – try to withdraw your love for the chaos.