Pondera. It’s the Latin word for balance. Very few people know that I do this sort of artwork that I call Pondera. It’s quite unique and can be very weird to stare at. I haven’t done it in awhile but it’s kind of like doodling with a bunch of straight lines. I came up with it by accident and only ever had two rules in it. 1) No two lines can ever touch. Ever. 2) Each line must be balanced on either side by a line of the opposite orientation. That simply means that if you draw a vertical line, then you must have a horizontal line on either side of the vertical line. It may sound complicated but it’s very easy. The thing about that is, everything will balance.
I don’t know if there’s a religion out there based on balance in the universe or not. But if there isn’t, there should be. I don’t talk about my spiritual ideas or feelings very much because I feel they are very personal. I’ve had religious conversations with various people and in a lot of cases, people get very defensive and uptight and insist that my views are wrong. Maybe they are wrong, but they are mine to believe and no one can take that from me. Just because I believe in a higher power, or the power of balance, doesn’t make me dumb or stupid, just different than those who believe mankind was an accident.
I mentioned balance a moment ago. If you look at the world around us, and think about things in terms of balance, and being level with the world, I truly believe that everything that goes on in our own lives, and in the lives of others, is governed by a sort of supernatural balance. If you want to call it God, or Karma, or whatever, that’s your choice. But I’ve seen way too many instances of where balance has shown that the world cannot be lopsided.
Let’s look at a very sad, and tragic example. September 11th, 2001. This day will probably stick out in every persons mind for a very long time to come. It was one of the largest terrorist attacks on the United States. There were a lot of people killed, and a lot of suffering that occurred because of it. There was also a huge showing of strength, and pride among Americans as they helped rebuild. There was a huge show of support among world leaders and other countries who all wanted to help out the people that were affected by 9/11. I believe that 9/11 is a very good example of how balance governs the universe.
In general, the United States is seen as the “home of the free”. They are indeed a very powerful nation. They in fact do a lot of good in the world. However, it is also generally accepted in most Eastern nations, that the United States has become somewhat arrogant in it’s power, and it’s position in the world. Many European countries scoff at American tourists yet embrace Canadians. There have been numerous incidents throughout history where the United States has stuck it’s nose in where it didn’t belong, and in fact has pissed off a lot of people. They have also made a lot of friends, but they have made enemies. In the 50 or so some odd years since the end of World War II, the US has not had a major war-like attack, or shall I say, slap in the face, to show them what some of the world really thinks. The US was riding very high on themselves at the time of 9/11. And look what happened.
At a very high point for them, they received a very low blow to their country. A devastating attack from a powerful enemy who sought to destroy the American way of life. It was a all-time low for the American people.
A high for the US. Then a low for the US. Balances out doesn’t it?
The surge of people and nations who wanted to help the US in their post 9/11 efforts saw a HUGE high point for the world. We all came together to help those in need. Once again, a high point in our world. Then the relentlessness of Bush & the US military to take out Saddam Hussein, against the UN’s wishes. A somewhat low point. Then the falling of a statue of Saddam, showing the collapse of an insane military leader, and the joys of the Iraqi people who kicked their former leaders statue in the street. Another high point.
In just that one example, you can see how there’s the odd sense of balance that seems to be happening, even if you don’t think about it, it is there. Smaller examples include people I’ve known who have spent their lives lying and deceiving others, and achieving great success through their deceit, and then having it all crash down on them. People who have hurt and devastated loved ones thinking their choices were good, then paying the price afterwards.
It’s an continuing cycle. It’s almost a comfort though because if you think in these terms, when you are at a low point in your life, you will know that a high point is coming.
I’ve been experiencing highs and lows my whole life, as most people do and I guess I’m just trying to make sense of it all. I can’t help but wonder if this sense of balance I see and feel is really there, or if it’s just my imagination. I don’t think it’s coincidence that these things happen, but to try and explain it away, good luck!
So there. I’ve had my say.
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