A Separation: A Novel

   
     In "A Separation" by Katie Kitamura, the obvious separation is that of a married couple, a husband and wife soon to be divorced.  But other types of separation are revealed, some that we all experience.
     The nameless narrator is searching for her missing husband and uses her keen power of observation and imagination, speculating about other people, some close to her and some strangers.  Of course, she assumes her speculations are correct.  Her husband had asked her to temporarily keep their separation a secret and she did.  She began to realize "there was a small but definite wedge pushing between the person I was and the person I was purporting to be."  Later, she admitted to herself, "I acted on poorly defined sensations - what are called instincts and impulses."  As she looked back on her actions, she thought, "I would be constantly aware of the gap between things as they were and things as they should have been."
     Often, we get overconfident in our assumptions which limits our search for truth.  We may have two separate personas, one private and one public.  We can allow emotions to overrule logic which separates us from the truth.   We may wish to change the past, but all we can do is learn from our regrets and change the future.
     Katie Kitamura's nameless woman was a translator of the written word.  The author and the narrator seem to believe "life rarely finds its exact likeness in a novel, that is hardly fiction's purpose."  This well-written and enjoyable novel tells a story that could have happened and shows how faulty assumptions can separate us from the truth. 
 

Inspiration

 
      Inspiration flows through the senses: the beauty of nature and art, music and meaningful conversation, home-grown produce and a new recipe, fresh air and a pleasant breeze.   Admiring other lifestyles can also inspire.  Inspiration enters the brain and causes us to think, act, and create something new.  Inspiration can flow out of us towards others.  We can inspire others to focus or broaden their thinking, to set a goal and plan, and to live a better life.
     Sometimes inspiration comes to us like a surprise gift.  Other times we need to seek it out.  We may want to make an improvement or change in our lives, but procrastination stops the momentum.  A spark is needed to light our way.
     These are ways I have been inspired.  Through active pursuits: talked with a family member, spent time outdoors, read a book, wrote a blog, Googled, took a class.  Through quiet time: stopped extraneous noise and distractions, relaxed and calmed my mind.
     Open your mind to inspiration.  Share your life and inspire others.
   
   

"Brief Answers To The Big Questions"

   
     Stephen Hawking gives "Brief Answers To The Big Questions" based on the laws of physics.  He answers in Chapter 2: How did it all begin? then in Chapter 10: How do we shape the future?  The additional chapters answer many other big questions.
     With wit and brilliance, he advises us to "understand more about ourselves and our place in the universe."  He continues, "Through scientific endeavor and technological innovation, we must look outwards to the wider universe, while also striving to fix the problems on Earth."

Traditional Or Not

   
     Traditional, nostalgic, and disciplined or modern, futuristic, and spontaneous, all are words that can describe your values and influence your choices.  Some people find comfort in repeating religious rituals and holiday celebrations.  Others feel uncomfortable with the pressure to conform, to be expected to do what others do, to give up their freedom to be different.
     In nature, one day seems much like the next with the exceptions of oncoming spring and fall, seeds sprouting then harvest.  Humans began the first "special" days celebrating the promise and return of spring and the bounty of harvest.  Then things started to get complicated.
     Often, we easily accept the calendar of events in our culture, special days calling for certain activities.  Our traditions, started centuries ago or more recently, may guide our lives.  Emotional nostalgia seems to affect our acceptance.  We may like the predictability of what comes next.  Even guilt can play a part when we don't do what is expected.
     While enjoying some traditions, some of us may prefer our freedom to question the wisdom of following them.  After all, someone else has created this calendar to suit their purposes.  We may begin to feel uncomfortable with pressures to conform to what others want us to do and perhaps go along with some traditions to produce harmony.  The last thing we want to do is judge or criticize what others wish to do.
     Tradition has its upside and downside.  The upside must be obvious since we hold true to many traditional activities.  One downside is we may only value our own traditions.  Another downside is the pressure to spend time and money on the celebrations.  Lastly, traditions may limit other possibilities.
     Use your freedom and encourage others to use theirs.  Realize your past decisions have influenced those around you.  Be careful that you don't pressure others to go along with your decisions.  Question and challenge traditions.
   
     
       

Departure

   
     Our departure from this earth may be sudden or prolonged.  Some leave almost before their lives begin, others live decades, and those fortunate few may survive to witness many generations.  We may make good decisions about health and lifestyle, but much is beyond our control.
     Some say our life on earth is just one phase toward life after death.  Others say this life is all we have, so make the most of it.  Whatever the outcome after our last breath, we all must depart.
     Some people have warnings of things to come.  We can get clues from inherited traits that may or may not partially seal our fate.  As we age, we may witness a gradual decline.  Fatal conditions may take us away.  Other people may depart quite suddenly with no warnings.  Much is beyond our control.
     Fasten your seat belts and be ready for departure.