Nearer the Clouds

To live free without limits? Ah, that's one man's version of Utopia, but in this go-round, we're here to find freedom within the limits. As per Lars Von Trier (see The Five Obstructions), we all have obstacles to overcome. How we do so, is our task, our choice. Do we do it gladly, artfully, or unwittingly, reluctantly?

Melville, (that's Herman) used life as a Merchant Marine to illustrate that one should be careful what one chooses to do, and who one chooses to spend time with; those in the rigging and the crow's nest are far-seeing, the dreamers, spending their time looking at the horizon, the sun, the sky, the stars. Those working in the dimly-lit hold of the ship use their hands, their muscles; they are grounded, solid, a camaraderie of men. Melville, of course, overcame his fear of heights, to spend his days nearer the clouds.

The trick is to stay grounded even as the crow's nest violently sways in the wind. Are we 'pre-disposed' for one mode or another? Are some of the choices made for us, or do we make all the choices ourselves, wittingly and unwittingly?

I believe that I can 'see more' thus, I make choices now, that I didn't know were there for me to choose. Can I navigate this roiling, ocean with eyes wide open?