Somewhere In The Spectrum

“People who exist at the margins of society are very much like Alice in Wonderland. They are not required to make the tough decision to risk their lives by embarking on an adventure of self-discovery. They have already been thrust beyond the city’s walls that keep ordinary people at a safe distance from the unknown. For at least some outsiders, “alienation” has destroyed traditional presumptions of identity and opened up the mythic hero’s path to the possibility of discovery. What outsiders discover in their adventures on the other side of the looking glass is the courage to repudiate self-contempt and recognise their “alienation” as a precious gift of freedom from arbitrary norms that they did not make and did not sanction. At the moment a person questions the validity of the rules, the victim is no longer a victim.” Jamake Highwater, The Mythology of Transgression: Homosexuality As Metaphor (via pansexualpride)

(via fuzzyhorns)

“The clearest example is the repeated use of the word “tolerate.” Students would write that we must not persecute homosexuals, prostitutes, mental patients, and others, that we must be “tolerant” of them. But one tolerates only those that one considers less than equal, morally inferior, and weak; those equal to oneself, one accepts and respects; one does not merely allow them to exist, one does not “tolerate” them.” “Sociology of Deviancy” - Liazos  (via journeytoenlightenment)

This.

(Source: yesalltheposts, via journeytoenlightenment-deactiva)

“At length the day is come on which I am to flirt my last with Tom Lefroy, and when you receive this it will be over—My tears flow as I write, at the melancholy idea.” Jane Austen
letter to Cassandra, January 15th 1796 -fb (via janeaustenquotes)

“The sage has said that others find contentment in being part of a crowd, no matter what kind of crowd it is. A follower of Tao is often away from the crowd, drifting, not knowing where they are or perhaps not knowing where to go. Yet, they always find their way. They are different, however - they are supported and nourished by the great Tao. We are only different because we live according to our nature. A simple mantra but so difficult for many to understand. In times of uncertainty, a wise man acknowledges uncertainty. Yet even in this uncertainty, there is always the presence of Tao to provide stability.” Roshi Hogan (via journeytoenlightenment)

(via journeytoenlightenment-deactiva)

“Each time you view your circumstances as possessing value, regardless of the apparent confusion or hardship, you grow. Your personal evolution will depend on how readily you embrace your lessons and integrate them into your life. Remember, the only consequence for resisting lessons, is that they will keep repeating themselves until you learn them. When you have learned a lesson, you will always be tested. When the lesson is learned, the test will be easily passed and you then move on to more complex and challenging ones.” Cherie Carter-Scott, from “If Life Is A Game, These Are The Rules” (via journeytoenlightenment)

(via journeytoenlightenment-deactiva)

“I’m not imagining it when I say that looking up at the sky, the clouds, the moon, and the stars makes me feel calm and hopeful. It’s better medicine than either valerian or bromide; nature makes me feel humble and ready to take each blow with courage.” Anne Frank, “The Diary of Anne Frank” (via journeytoenlightenment)

(via journeytoenlightenment-deactiva)

“At length the day is come on which I am to flirt my last with Tom Lefroy, and when you receive this it will be over—My tears flow as I write, at the melancholy idea.” Jane Austen
letter to Cassandra, January 15th 1796 -fb (via janeaustenquotes)

“As you encounter the difficulties and strife in life, the people who are in a stage of unrest always seek peace. You can be the calming breeze that tames the churning ocean. People are often reactors, meaning that they react to what is around them. If they see someone who is at peace, they are far more likely to settle down. You cannot walk the path of the Tao if your feet are on fire with anger.” Roshi Hogan (via journeytoenlightenment)

(via journeytoenlightenment-deactiva)