The Bridge #78
in which we face up to the truth, we're all gonna die. & so we have the choice : how will we spend our time?
Hello
& Welcome to The Bridge!
We have some heavy topics today that hopefully are felt to be treated in a light way.
If not, then come back here and read again the following:
Roll yourself in wrapping paper and then tape it shut.
That’s how you live in the present.
The Fun Thing
“Some Little Bug is Going to Find You Someday” sung by Billy Murray
As you may already know (I didn’t), this little ditty was recorded a hundred years ago by one of the most famous singers of the 20th century. Billy Murray was born in Philadelphia, lived a fairly nomadic life, and recorded thousands of songs at a time when the phonograph was a relatively new technology.
Like the song from last edition (“Numb Little Bug”), the song Murray sings here takes an upbeat approach to a relatively taboo topic. When I first heard the lyrics, thanks to The Telelibrary, I fell in love with the dark humor and archaic recording style. It’s a true blast from the past.
Listening to a guy (no longer living) sing about all the ways we might die from germs or food poisoning (and this at a time when germs had been only recently discovered) makes me wonder what it’d be like if someone today recorded a song about malware and then it went viral… 🦠💀🖥️👾
The Thing to Consider
Have you ever heard the story of the two wolves living inside us?
A grandfather explains that inside us are two wolves. One - the dark wolf - is angry, jealous, greedy, resentful and self-centered. The other - the light wolf - is loving, joyous, peaceful, honest and always thinking of others. We become whichever one we feed.
When said that way, it’s obvious we want to feed the light wolf and become the good person we know we are. But when at the end of a long day we’re tired from work, frustrated with kids, and someone rubs us the wrong way we’re likely to lash out. & just as likely to say, it wasn’t our fault! We are kind. It’s because of this and him and that and her…
but who are we feeding then? For if we’re honest, we are entirely ourselves all the time, on our best days and our worst days. Will we punish ourselves for not being kind? Or will we embrace even the angry side of ourselves?
& will we do right if we deny our self-centered ego? If we hide our dark thoughts and behaviors from others? Is that the right way to find balance?
Maybe the wise way is to feed both wolves. Maybe the dark wolf was angry simply because it was hungry and wanted attention.
But seriously, how are there two wolves living inside us? Where do they fit?
The Thing to Explore
“To Be a Healer” (Vivek Murthy interviewed by Krista Tippett for the On Being podcast)
They say there’s nothing new under the sun, but if we look at what’s under the sun in a new light (even just turning our head a little, or letting time pass, is enough) - then it feels new. & that matters.
The current U.S. surgeon general Vivek Murthy has not only tended to the matter of how we deal with COVID; he’s also given quite a lot of time and attention to the question of how we address the public health problem of loneliness.
It turns out there’s a free medicine available to help us tend to our mental health, and it was invented long ago: It’s social connection!
Tending intentionally to our relationships with others, easier said than done. So let’s hear it again in a new light. Vivek Murthy says:
Take your hand and put it on your heart, and close your eyes. Think about the people who have loved you over the years, who have supported you without judging you, and who stood by your side even when it was hard. Think about the people who have celebrated with you your moments of greatest joy, who saw your successes as theirs. Feel their love flowing through you, lifting you up, brightening your mood. & know that that love is always there, even if they are not physically with you, because you carry that in your heart. & know that you always will and are worthy of that love. It [that love] came to you because you deserved it.
& now open your eyes. How do you feel?
The Thing to Practice
No matter who we are or where we are, we can all practice what Vivek Murthy has shared - a short meditation on the power of love and social connection to enrich our lives. The words he has shared are words that we can say (out loud or in our hearts).
& if we’d rather not, then just go back up to the top and re-read the instructions on how to live in the present. 🎁😃
In these days of indigestion
It ofttimes comes a question
As what to eat
And what to let alone?
Have you ever asked yourself that question?
JPC