Down the Coast

Epiphany can occur at the most unexpected moment. Today I had such a sudden realization. Looking back I should have been prepared for the manifestation, having already experienced since early this morning an uncommonly prolific euphoria in all that I embraced.  For example a hastily organized visit to our nail salon for what began as a mere manicure broadened to include a thoroughly relaxing pedicure and lower limb massage. Afterwards we put on the nosebag at our favourite breakfast joint - homemade oatmeal and fresh fruit followed by the perfect plate of eggs, bacon, sausage patties and American cheese. Then I went for what started as a routine bike ride and ended by traveling the seemingly effortless distance of eight miles to Longboat Pass bridge.

Where however things really took off was during my return stop at Bayfront Park. Apparently so enthused was I by what had earlier transpired throughout the day that I began to reflect upon what might propel the advantage even further. Perhaps the enlargement was the natural evolution of self-improvement, the way sleep restores the vibrancy for living. Or perhaps it was the acceptance of the proposition that the most cursory analysis of the current circumstances would lead anyone in their right mind to think positively.  As a purely deductive process it was undeniably compelling that the adoption of anything other than an attitude of laissez-faire was destined to fail; which is to say that there was simply no reason whatsoever to fuel but an attitude of understanding and compassion.

Admittedly this liberal view of humanity afforded a wide berth for what some might prefer to label an entirely saccharin disposition. And that may yet prove to be true. But on the balance of possibilities I was prepared to risk the defeat of spontaneity and hope for the more guaranteed result of calculated despair. The first - and most vital - step was to distance myself from either approbation or disputation; for the overwhelming personality of such characterization instantly qualifies the rendition as hopelessly demonstrative. What matters however is rather the less than indulgent isolation of thought from emotion. It hardly bears repeating that the fulfillment of any creature's destiny is the submission to its instinctive desires - a bent not predicted by greedy or lascivious appetite but instead by elemental ambition. Though I would certainly not pretend to advance myself as a transcendentalist, I do however harbour a keen faith in the propriety and irrevocable conviction of one's inner prompting.

"A core belief of transcendentalism is in the inherent goodness of people and nature. Adherents believe that society and its institutions have corrupted the purity of the individual, and they have faith that people are at their best when truly self-reliant and independent.

Transcendentalism emphasizes subjective intuition over objective empiricism. Adherents believe that individuals are capable of generating completely original insights with little attention and deference to past masters."

The core of this philosophy is to believe in what one sees in oneself.  This is so, notwithstanding the frequent collision with ulterior motives and ambitions, behaviours which are as regularly dependant upon unrelated theses and analyses which more often than not are unwittingly designed to insulate oneself from oneself (as though the inclination were somehow contaminated against a higher purpose of self-interest or self-protection). Therein lies the rub for it is quite impossible to dispute the natural predilection for affinity; or what in the popular vernacular is denoted by the adage, "You is what you is."  The competition is not between right and wrong; it is between the far simpler disparity of real and imagined.  If there is any debate at all about the preference for fact or fiction, the relieving option is indisputable. Nor is there any need to dignify the response by the putative elevation to instinct. We know in our heart what must be done.  Take a break, do what has to be done!