The Greeks told the story of the minotaur, the bull-headed flesh-eating man who lived in the center of the labyrinth. He was a threatening beast, and yet his name was Asterion -- Star. I often think of this paradox as I sit with someone with tears in her eyes, searching for some way to deal with a death, a divorce, or a depression. It is a beast, this thing that stirs in the core of her being, but it is also the star of her innermost nature. We have to care for this suffering with extreme reverence so that, in our fear and anger at the beast, we do not overlook the star.
Thomas Moore
Care of the Soul
1992, HarperCollins Publishers
* * * * * * * * * *
We would rather be ruined than changed.
We would rather die in our dread
Than climb the cross of the moment
And let our illusions die.
- W.H.Auden
1 comment:
After reading this I am starting to think my boss is a minotaur named, Travis. Sounds harmless enough but he is suffering with a purpose. Thank you posting this...it may be enough inspiration to get me through the day.
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