Being Alive
Tuesday, May 6th, 2008
I came upon this essay today, and it reminded me to try to remember every so often that I am alive. It describes that shock of existential clarity when you suddenly experience your self in the moment. It’s such a weird epiphany….sometimes exhilarating or sometimes terrifying, in my experience, anyway. It’s the feeling of “Shit! I’m alive! But not forever! How have I forgotten this?!”
Read the essay, it’s short, and read the comments as well. There is something poignant about the discussion, and it’s entertaining in a nice, unpretentious way.
For sheer existential dread, on the same topic, go here. The original essay, “There is a Secret World” has been expanded and is followed by some impassioned manifestos about how to reject any limitations on one’s personal freedom. I think. Here is a quote from one of them:
Kiss with every tooth in your mouth, fight with your heart on your sleeve and blood in your eyes—it helps, I promise.
If you’re not feeling too jaded, the romanticism will offest the dread.
Long live rebellious spirits everywhere (except Austria, of course)!