Cycles

Was talking to Rach about cycles just the other day. It seems that both our relationship issues with certain individuals in our respective lives tend to go in cycles. And our cycles occur at around the same time. It starts off on a good note, followed by several bumps and hitches, and inevitably it will lead down the path of the slippery slope.

And then, the tedious cycle repeats again.

...

As I reflected on what was discussed, and how best to break away from the cycle, it suddenly struck me that perhaps it wasn't the outcome or the fact that the cycles kept repeating which mattered. Rather, what's important is the journey along the way. For with each cycle, comes fresh realization. With each cycle, new lessons are learnt. And if we make a conscious effort to bear in mind these lessons and learn from our mistakes, then surely, the cycle will naturally be broken. And regardless of the outcome, be it for or against what one had initially intended it to be, it would have been considered a battle won. Cos these experiences gained and accumulated would gradually suffice to give us the boost to another higher level.

...

The Road to Ithaca

When you start on your journey to Ithaca,
then pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.
Do not fear the Lestrygonians
and the Cyclopes and the angry Poseidon.
You will never meet such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your body and your spirit.
You will never meet the Lestrygonians,
the Cyclopes and the fierce Poseidon,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not raise them up before you.

Then pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many,
that you will enter ports seen for the first time
with such pleasure, with such joy!
Stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and corals, amber and ebony,
and pleasurable perfumes of all kinds,
buy as many pleasurable perfumes as you can;
visit hosts of Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from those who have knowledge.

Always keep Ithaca fixed in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for long years;
and even to anchor at the isle when you are old,
rich with all that you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would never have taken the road.
But she has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
With the great wisdom you have gained, with so much experience,
you must already have understood by then what Ithacas mean.

- Constantine Cavafy