Life, Love, and Martians…

I just watched the movie “Martian Child” on the flight down to St. Thomas this morning. I was going to write an article about aspartame (it’s bad for you. don’t consume it. that’ll have to do for now.) but I ended up getting sucked into this movie instead.

It’s about a kid who thinks he’s from outer space and feels like he’s going to float away. But it’s ultimately about our own human need for connection with one another. When those connections are lost (or broken) we lose a part of what holds us down to earth. A part of what make us feel whole and human. If you’ve ever lost a loved one or been through a divorce I’m sure you know what I mean.

Conversely, when we experience that spark of recognition with the intimate nature of another we suddenly feel reassured in the knowledge that we are not alone. In a way I think this is what love is.

I know that I am in love with a woman from another country and have been from the moment I first laid eyes on her. She may as well be from Mars because her cultural references, her language, nearly everything about her is foreign to me (and I to her). But all of that fades away when I look into her eyes and know that we are one.

She will always have a home with me. And I will never be alone as long as she is in the world. And isn’t that what we’re all really looking for anyway? When you boil away all the distractions. We want to feel loved. To be accepted. And loved and accepted so completely, so unconditionally that nothing else matters. Nothing we say or do can ever change that. A love so powerful that it transcends our very existence. Extends beyond time and space and our day to day reality of being alive.

I have found that in my own life. I found it by giving it and paying whatever consequences were necessary. And by giving love in that way I became capable of seeing it all around me. Capable of seeing that we are all one, yearning to be one with one another, even as we fight and kill one another all around the world.

Such is the poignant duality of man.

I guess that’s why I cry at sappy movies about dysfunctional families now.
But what the hell… I’m alive!

NOTE: Comments are now closed. Here is what was posted…

kathy erken

Hey Joshua;
That is a profound article. Very unexpected and surprisingly beautiful. It’s not very often we share our feelings with everyone and I am so happy for you! Kathy

Steph

I second Kathy’s motion!
Thanks for the great post, Joshua, and for sharing.
It’s amazing how your whole perception changes when you have a spiritual connection with someone – when you’re in love.

About 4 years ago, I decided to finally take care of looming credit card debt ($14,000 worth) by waitressing at a strip club. I justified that decision in many ways – and it was working for me.

About 3 months in, I met my love. It suddenly and steadily got harder for me to go to work. My eyes were opened to love and the stark contrast was unavoidable.
You’re right – nothing else matters in this life but love and acceptance.

Alheli

Hello! Joshua, I appreciate your sharing your feelings because I can relate with you. please keep sending me your blog.
Alheli

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