Light Child, Lightly.

Posted on by Live & Learn

When I was younger I often thought I should travel more and farther, spend more time in foreign countries, that I should be in a constant state of velocity so that I could get out there and truly live, but with time I have come to understand that everything I was looking for was right here, inside of me, inside the things that surround me, in the money jobs that became my actual jobs, in the constancy of the everyday, in the eyes of the people I meet when I allow my gaze to linger.

— Ia Genberg, The Details: A Novel (translated by Kira Josefsson) (HarperVia, August 8, 2023)

Notes: Post Title & Inspiration: Aldous Huxley: “It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them.

19 thoughts on “Light Child, Lightly.”

  2. Haven’t heard of this author or the novel – is this a recommendation or fuel for thought – or both? I was reading an Albert Brooks article in the Atlantic when your notification came through. He writes about about stoicism v hedonism…His perspective dovetails with this passage. His oped represents a similar concept in understanding that for stoics joy is an internal goal; hedonism argues that happiness is found in external moments. He doesn’t write about hybrids though – and I think that most people volley between the two

    2. Hi Mimi. I came across the passage from the book and have added it to my reading list. It was featured in New Yorker’s Best Books of 2023 and shortlisted for the International Booker Prize. Between these commendations and that its < 150 pages, I figured time to get after it. Will let you know what I think… As to Albert Brooks, I'm a big fan of his work.

  3. I wanted to live in other countries because I wanted to make new, other experiences. And I did. What came right then was a terrible homesickness!!! Wherever I lived ever after, the urge to also see my family, my loved ones (at home), was always there. NOW I‘m at home in myself, I make sure I stay in contact (which is so much easier since letters don‘t take weeks any longer – and anyway – who {apart from me} still writes letters, real cards), I phone, send messages, ecards, and of course I meet up. I do rest in myself more and I like it very much. But, as a counter-situation, I also like to get inspired and fuelled by things/stuff outside my inner sanctuary.
    As always, I would appreciate YOUR opinions! I fear I wait in vain….

    1. Laughing. No waiting in vain today. We typically cheer on a line of thinking that square’s up directly with our own, and this was no different. I had traveled a good amount in my working career including overseas trips (2 million + miles) and while I loved seeing new places and experiencing new cultures, I find that home is where I am most comfortable and at peace. And as my Son reminds me, “Dad, you didn’t get COVID because you never leave the house.” There’s a whole lot of truth in that! Hope you are well Kiki.

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