The Dark

I recently met someone that spoke of "The Dark".  The phrase resonated with me.  Most humans would consider themselves diurnal, whether they know the term or not.  The Children of the Sun have always greatly outnumbered the Children of the Moon.  We are radiant beings.  We dance in the light, reflect it, and absorb it.

But away from the equator, the winter season brings cold and darkness.  The cold drives us into our caves.  It must; we lack fur.  We find other sources of light and heat.  We have become quite proficient at interacting with others from the warmth and safety of our caves.  We schedule celebrations that encourage interaction.  We remind each other of the coming of spring.

I had not, honestly, considered the effect of the fading sunlight.  I am a Child of the Moon.  The quiet and mystery of the dark have always brought me peace.  The light of a fire brings out all that I find beautiful in my fellow humans. 

But for many, the long nights gnaw at them.  I do not know which of the myriad aspects of darkness drains them.  I cannot speak for them.  I can only empathize.  I can offer my hand.  I can point out the light that remains.  I can sit with them in the darkness.  I can break the silence or basque in it.

I am a Child of the Moon.  I never want anyone to be afraid of "The Dark" ever again.  I don't expect, or even wish, them to embrace it.  I do, however, want them to hold on until daybreak.  If I can help them do so, I will.

... this is gonna hurt like hell...

It has been a long year.

I had led a quiet life for so long.  I was often concerned that I was numb or simply disconnected.  Being content all the time was something I was told was impossible, and part of me listened.

I now know that I was never numb.  I was fortunate.  I understood the world and accepted it.  There were minor ups and downs.  I adapted to them.  I would say my life was filled with joy, but that isn't quite true.  I thought it was.  I had no idea.

I had seen it, but I didn't understand it.  Then, along came this girl.  I started using superlatives.  The concept of public ceremony made sense.  I finally understood what home meant.

But, as the universe has proven time and time again, all things balance.  To see all of the beauty, all of the light, to feel... you must take a risk.  I would learn of sorrow.  I would learn to cry.

Most importantly, I would learn that it was all worth it.  I got to be in love.  It redefined my reality.  It changed me.  I get to keep the memories.

I hope you all get the chance.

Novelty and change

I have probably mentioned that I do not fear change.  I consider change a paradoxical constant.  This is empowering living in the time period I do.  I have seen a fear of change cripple so many people.

However, there are two sides to everything.  Chasing novelty has probably contributed to the destruction of several marriages.  Others see stability, order, and constancy as ideals and equate change with chaos.  I often find myself basing decisions on whether or not I have already experienced something.  Boredom has a very negative effect on me.

I have been lucky.  My desire for change has never effected my relationships.  Human beings are far too complex to ever bore me or at least the humans I am drawn too are.  I feel sorry for any human you would describe as "simple".

I find myself once again seeing repetition, continuing a pattern, and my mind is rebelling.  I find myself looking at the variables and deciding which to change.  I do not consider any of the variables off-limits.  "Dropping everything" and "throwing caution to the wind" are inspiring phrases to me.

It may pass.  It often has.  The variables have a habit of changing on their own.  I hope they do again.  The universe is more creative than I am.  But, don't be too surprised if I "suddenly" do something "crazy".