R.U.O.K.?
Bogus Basin Road above Boise. May 2020.
“Let us just say I was deeply unhappy, but I didn't know it because I was so happy all the time.”
- Harris K. Telemacher, “L.A. Story”
Do you remember the scene from the film “L.A. Story”? They’re cruising down the freeway in L.A. and the car is somehow stopped by an electronic marquee billboard, the old kind made of thousands of small light bulbs. Well, it’s a sign. Obviously. Harris Telemacher gets out of the mid-80’s Mercedes that belongs to his girlfriend, lifts the hood, and the sign gets his attention and asks him, “R.U.O.K?”
Do you think signs know when we’re not ok? Or are they ambivalent? Do signs have their own agendas? Or do they embrace purely the idea of indifference as described to us by the Stoics?
I don’t know. But These Things inspired me recently:
Right now, things suck - Are you looking for permission to say it? Maia’s snarky intelligence gets under the skin of our human experience, and response, to our personal, local, national, and global situation. And she has worksheets to help us through it.
The True Power Behind Stoic Indifference - I’ve been cruising through Stoic philosophy recently and finding some really helpful tidbits. I love what Buddhist practice does for me spiritually, and the Stoic teachings help me with the daily mental practice of being (becoming) ok.
This Tibetan book was printed before Gutenberg Bible - “containing Sanskrit dhāranīs and illustrations of protective mantra-diagrams and deities,” and printed in 1410! This is a rare treat to see.
But, if you are having trouble reading - here’s a very practical guide if you, like me, are having a hard time reading these days.
“Thinking of Buying a Bike? Get Ready for a Very Long Wait.” - Guess what? Bicycle sales are 300% higher than normal for this time of year in some parts of the United States. Get in line now if you love riding a bicycle (so you can get on a bicycle).
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