The Tao of Roo

The way, the truth and the life always brings up the concept of the gatekeeper. No one gets to the future except by me, eh? But who defines the path/tunnel as such? Don’t tell me we’re all literalists here.

We Americans would seem to prefer that our gates come with remote control so we can open them like a garage door.

The following is a list of generalisms/ common ontological problems on this trip of life:

The Stone- Some of us were born with pebbles in our shoes. Some of us were born with boulders. Yes, your JESLUVSU vanity plate may make you feel better, but will it heal my ankle? From birth, the differences in this uneven playing field can crush even the toughest spirit. How can you self-actualize when you can’t eat?

Diagnosis: When hurt/ lack of basic opportunity/ bad luck/ etc prevent you both from seeking and opening the gate

The Mountain- Let’s face it, some of us have an easier climb than others. Some of us make it harder than it has to be. Some of us need it to be hard just so we don’t get bored. Some of us make the trip with stones still in our shoes, and bear the scars. Some of us have learned to channel our experiences, bring the right equipment, and beat the Prada loafer crowd to the top. Are you listening, Mr. You Don’t Know Who You Are? Of COURSE you aren’t! You have nothing I want.

Diagnosis: Uphill climbs are hard on bodies seeking the gate. Sometimes it’s just easier to give up, or paths diverge and lead onto new ones. The prerogative to change one’s mind is not just limited to women. Strains/sprains, broken bones and even loss of life are natural consequences.

The Valley- This is the perfect summer day, the peaceful valley, the good time, the complacency. For every one person who relies on God to get through the bad times, there is another person who has no reason to need God through the good/moderately ok times. And vice versa. There are people who solve this see-saw through alternative belief systems, and rightfully so. Suffice it to say, there is a tendency to linger in the light rather than face what lies ahead; to resist change even when it’s time. (6 year college plan, anyone?)

Diagnosis: People who believe they have reached the gate and linger too long under the erroneous impression that there is just one. The valley also contains those who are waiting for someone to open the gate for them. Moral of the story: just keep moving. Also: bring sunscreen.

The Silence- When the answers are not apparent and won’t come. For those situations when you’re convinced there is no “right” answer. For all the “why am I heres” and “ just why am I doing this agains”. For when your mind won’t stop racing long enough to give you any peace. Ever walk on a street after dark in an unsafe neighborhood, peek over your shoulder and wish for a sign of life so you don’t feel totally alone? That’s the silence. When you need to talk to someone but no one will pick up their phone? That’s the silence too. The relationship between silence and isolation, both spiritual and physical, is real.

Diagnosis: Going it alone is hard but sometimes necessary. Value both independence and dependence. Recognize and take care to protect what makes you resilient.


More t(roo)isms:

There are no destinations. The train station ahead doubles as a stage. Parapets won’t always keep you from falling.

Water is life.

Never underestimate the healing power of _________.

The shoebox under your bed will eat at your conscience. Eventually Mom will find your Playboys. And you’ll secretly be relieved.

Look for the simple in the complicated. Give me a kernel of truth and I’ll be fed for a week.

There is art in everyone. The extent to which it is recognized/ appreciated by others is neither your fault nor your mission.

Vindicated? Not yet. Just closer.


**Program Note: Dr. Roo will now be featured on channel 23 at 12:30am. This post brought to you by PBS and the support of viewers like you.