Page 31 - Reflections_over_Akamas

To feel...
“It’s the beginning of August. It’s
hot, and I find myself at an altitude
of 150 feet above Cyprus’ farthest
western coast, just above the Tower
of Rigena (Regina). As I seek to
witness the sunset from higher
heights, its emerging golden orange
reflection expands my mind and
soothes my body. The refreshing
breeze caresses me as I hover over
the entirety of Cape Arnaoutis.
During these moments of eternity,
any scattered thoughts take a back
seat, while bliss and amazement
give an extra lift to my spirit.
Alas! A spike of worry interrupts
my nirvana with an important
message: ‘Dear captain, the letter
‘E’ on your fuel gauge stands for
‘empty’, not ‘extra’. Please manage
your fuel.’ Crosswinds exacerbate
the tension. Should I turn back
to safety, or keep floating in
amazement? Each choice comes
with its own price.
... is to know me. To see eye to eye with the depths, wilderness and amplitude
of myself, in contrast to everything that surrounds me; both internally and
externally. It’s about feeling before thinking; feelings show me the direction;
arguments help me to justify my decisions. The way I see it, feelings are the
raw truth as registered by my body. Ironically, in this case, reason becomes
the embellisher, the package designer, if you will.
It is often said that the eyes are the windows to our soul. In reality, our entire
body is the loudspeaker for our feelings. A firm handshake, a gentle touch, a
passionate kiss or a grimace can reveal more truth about our state of being
than any of our automated reactions. Our days are made up of information
and corresponding feelings: highs and lows, brights and darks, warms
and colds. Feelings translate emotional turmoil into the most insightful
landscapes, bearing gifts at every peak and crevice, demanding our attention
and consideration.
I wonder when, in our evolution, ethereal emotions were deemed inferior
to square logic as a mental function. Try motivating any team using only
numbers and arguments without passion firing your heart, brightening your
eyes, animating your hands or colouring your voice. It’s impossible. We are
all emotional beings, yet we raise our children to avoid their emotions. How
often have we told them not to cry? How can we teach, or better yet show our
children to acknowledge the gifts that our feelings evoke, especially the most
unpleasant ones?
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