On Reason and Passion

On this Labor Day holiday, my wife Faye and I were on the road by 7:00am heading out to support our team mates at Essex Running Club to co-host the annual Verona  5K Labor Day Classic race. One of the most valuable things anyone can give, is their time, and the rewards are immeasurable. The gift of our time today was well rewarded by seeing the effort and passion on the faces of the runners. Runners of all ages, from 5 years to over 70 years, as they crossed the finish line, the expression on their faces speaking volumes. Looks of sheer joy, determination, grit, relief, pain. 

But mostly joy in completing a challenge they set for themselves. I, unfortunately could not run, as this is day 4 of my one-leggedness. (The brace on my leg has to remain on for two full weeks!) And it is my own challenge to obey my doctors orders to sit still and keep my leg elevated. However, following this worthwhile charity fundraising event we did relax at the New Community Corp. picnic. Another good cause, to raise funds for education scholarships. With my foot properly elevated this time, we were able to enjoy a perfect 80 degree sunny day under the shade with good friends and reminisce.  It got me to think of the enlightening words of the great Kahlil Gibran, whom I call a 'poet for the Soul' It is his words on reason and passion that follow enjoy:

Volunteers Faye and Joan.

"Your soul is oftentimes a battlefield, upon which your reason and your judgment wage war against your passion and your appetite.

Passing on the passion.

Would that I could be the peacemaker in your soul, that I might turn the discord and the rivalry of your elements into oneness and melody.
But how shall I, unless you yourselves be also the peacemakers, nay, the lovers of all your elements?

Your reason and your passion are the rudder and the sails of your seafaring soul. If either your sails or your rudder be broken, you can but toss and drift, or else be held at a standstill in mid-seas.
For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion, that it may sing;
And let it direct your passion with reason, that your passion may live through its own daily resurrection, and like the phoenix rise above its own ashes.

I would have you consider your judgment and your appetite even as you would two loved guests in your house.
Surely you would not honour one guest above the other; for he who is more mindful of one loses the love and the faith of both.

Among the hills, when you sit in the cool shade of the white poplars, sharing the peace and serenity of distant fields and meadows -- then let your heart say in silence, "God rests in reason."
And when the storm comes, and the mighty wind shakes the forest, and thunder and lightning proclaim the majesty of the sky -- then let your heart say in awe, "God moves in passion."
And since you are a breath in God's sphere, and a leaf in God's forest, you too should rest in reason and move in passion."

Be well,

PeaceWarrior.

p.s. Thanks to Chris Jaworski for the pictures.