| We have always been, ultimately,
countries of one. Humans are inclined
to live a life that seems much like that of their neighbor, their
sibling, their child, parent, spouse. Yet, and yet, there has probably
always been that nibble at the edge of waking, “nobody feels this
doubt,” or this fear, or this rage. We like to think we’re part of a
community, perhaps a community of communities. And yet in the small of
the night, the dizzy height of a day alone, the savanna of daily,
family life, there are these stray trails of thought leading off into
the forest of doubt and aloneness. “I am a country of one.” Now we live in ubiquitous connection around the world. Radio is now satellite rather than a local tower. One can direct dial to any continent. The Internet silently connects a community in one’s imagination via messaging or posted material – the web as multi-faceted community bulletin board. The country of one seeks its geography, its citizenship... its kin. They are found. They become kin. They are lost. They become other. As the saying goes, “same-same.” This is not a new problem. It is not a problem grown larger by technology. It is what has always been. Now is a great opportunity. Now the signs at the border of one are much more visible. The one is one. It is not one. We are two. We are not two. We are one. We are not one. “Same-same.” The eternal choice: “Who is this “self”? What should its connection be to the self of a moment ago? Or a moment from now?” Time flows past and through and does not flow at all – same-same. All is not one, not two. Always. That is the country of Zen. RD Savage
© 12/04/04 |