I came upon this essay today, and it reminded me to try to remember every so often that I am alive. It describes that shock of existential clarity when you suddenly experience your self in the moment. It’s such a weird epiphany….sometimes exhilarating or sometimes terrifying, in my experience, anyway. It’s the feeling of “Shit! I’m alive! But not forever! How have I forgotten this?!”
Read the essay, it’s short, and read the comments as well. There is something poignant about the discussion, and it’s entertaining in a nice, unpretentious way.
For sheer existential dread, on the same topic, go here. The original essay, “There is a Secret World” has been expanded and is followed by some impassioned manifestos about how to reject any limitations on one’s personal freedom. I think. Here is a quote from one of them:
Kiss with every tooth in your mouth, fight with your heart on your sleeve and blood in your eyes–it helps, I promise.
If you’re not feeling too jaded, the romanticism will offest the dread.
Long live rebellious spirits everywhere (except Austria, of course)!
This may be an obvious question, but have you read “A New Earth” by Eckhardt Tolle. You may find it interesting. It really is a strange concept, one that makes me feel kind of naseous when I sit and think about it.
I stumbled upon your site and I really like it.
http://www.shinylittlethings.com
Thank you, Julie, I will definitely have a look at it, although I am generally afraid of books endorsed by Oprah.