Inspiration for the Day

In Iran, there is a tradition wherein individuals open the collected works of Rumi at random and place a finger on a phrase without looking as a sort of fortune-telling device. As Rumi is considered one of the great poets and philosophers of Iranian culture, one might imagine a similar tradition in the English-speaking world of doing likewise with the collected works of William Shakespeare.

There are those who read a chapter from the Bible or a Surah from Qur'an each morning upon rising, and others who use 'inspirational' books published precisely for this purpose. I never have been fond of commercially-created 'inspirational' books myself, nor do I read newspaper columnists who earn a living by dispensing THEIR homespun wisdom to readers.

Finally, it never would occur to me to use the television as an inspirational device, nor would I watch television in the morning. With game consoles connected to a television screen, however, I must power up the television in order to work on my guides for Animal Parade, the latest Harvest Moon game for the Wii. Having watched a film in the dead of night, the channel still was set for the television rather than the Wii.

Some random film was playing and the first words I heard before the channel changed to the Wii screen were:

'Discipline is not the enemy of enthusiasm.'

Wisdom most profound, acquired accidentally. I did not continue to watch the film. I do not know if it contained any more gems of truth but I rather suspect that the sentence I heard was the best in the entire script.

Somehow, a mistake has been made with respect to the role of discipline in life and it HAS been featured often as the 'enemy of enthusiasm'. Children are allowed to run wild by parents who do not wish to 'squelch their natural creativity'. Yet, how could any one who thinks in logical terms believe that discipline could have a negative effect on the minds or souls of any creature? Discipline should not be defined as corporal punishment or indeed punishment at all. It is a modus operandi rather than a judgement. It allows the smooth running of society really. To say that discipline has no positive value in a person's life would be akin to stating that oil has no value in the running of any machine with gears. Discipline sorts out our lives, places our activities in order and allows smooth, painless interactions with society. Rather than diminishing natural creativity, it should allow it to blossom.

Discipline is what keeps artists and writers at their desks creating, even when they do not 'feel like it', propelling them forward to complete their work.

Valkyrie Profile Freyashawk

To dare to dream...

It may have become an advertising cliche, but how many of us actually dare to dream to the extent of creating a reality that incorporates the dream? Whether it is lack of energy, lack of time, lack of means or the thought of the expectations or potential disapproval of others, very few human beings truly are willing to dare to dream.

These photographs capture not only my own dreams, but the dreams of many others. The chamber in which the photograph was taken is some one's dream. The outfit is another woman's dream. The sword was created as a result of yet another... The list is endless but the winged Valkyrie, heavily armed (too heavily in practical terms) definitely embodies one of my own dreams. The sword actually can be used to 'push' a brute or any opponent into another area of the world, out of sight and out of mind. The sword worn at the belt is simply decorative, but the ring worn on the left hand can cast a multitude of spells, surrounding the winged Valkyrie, like Brunnhilde, with a protective circle of fire. It can summon wind to blast an opponent from the area, similar in effect to the sword but very different in form.

This is Second Life, of course. Some people refer to fantasy as 'play' but I think it goes far deeper and can have a far-reaching effect. Empowerment, whatever form it takes, can strengthen an individual's spirit and maintain a balance in a person's life. It is only when one neglects reality in favour of fantasy that it can be a negative influence. When fantasy becomes a positive tool to express desire and ambition, it can work as an extremely potent ally on many levels. The heart, soul and body are connected. There is no reason why empowerment on a virtual level could not be reflected in physical as well as spiritual empowerment in reality.

Perhaps this is mere sophistry created to justify what essentially may be nothing more than self-indulgence, but I don't think so. I think virtual reality may offer a new venue for healing as well as learning. The potential is unlimited.

N.B. Lest any one think that the heavily-armed nature of the avatar denotes a propensity for violence, I have to confess that it is the grace and movement of the weapons that attract me most. I love swordplay and I love the way their creators manage to invest them with 'power' in their various effects. This particular Valkyrie spends more time exploring new regions, art exhibits and other 'creations' than she does in haunting battlefields for fallen heroes to carry back to Valhalla.