Wisdom of the Heart
I deeply resonate with Henry Miller’s view on life, art, and authenticity. Miller’s writing style captivates me not just for its rawness but for the profound way he expresses the human experience. His perspective on authenticity, transformation, and self-liberation mirrors much of what I explore in my own reflections.
Miller’s belief in embracing life fully—its beauty, pain, contradictions, and extremes—is something I relate to. He encourages an unfiltered engagement with life, where embracing both the highs and the lows becomes a path to deeper understanding. I admire how he portrays the struggle for inner freedom, the need to create oneself rather than simply finding oneself, and his ability to express this through his writing. His works serve as a source of inspiration, particularly in understanding how art can be a way to access and express deeper truths.
The Wisdom of the Hear by Henry Miller
Unity of Life
"But at the summit, when the limits have been felt and perceived, there unfolds the grand perspective and one recognizes the similitude of surrounding beings, the inter-relationship of all forms and laws of being—the organic relatedness, the wholeness, the oneness of life."
I often reflect on how everything in life is interconnected, how there’s an organic relatedness between all beings and experiences. I truly believe that each of us carries the responsibility to live consciously, with good intentions and compassion towards our fellow humans and the planet. This understanding of life’s wholeness is something I strive to embody, much like Miller’s vision of the oneness of existence.
I’ve always felt that life has a rhythm, a cosmic flow that we can align ourselves with if we’re deliberate and present. By surrendering to that rhythm, I seek to live with greater harmony, to allow life to unfold naturally. The more I explore, the closer I feel to the truth—not just intellectually, but spiritually, with my whole being. It’s not about simply understanding life with the mind; it’s about experiencing it deeply, in every moment.
I often find myself driven by a need for change, for new experiences and moments of pure joy. When I’m inspired by life’s aliveness, I realize how much we’re all part of the same larger whole. In those moments of connection, I see the oneness of existence, and I feel more deeply engaged with the world around me. Life, for me, is about embracing the unknown, engaging with risk and experimentation, and letting that journey unfold in its own time.
Wisdom of Goethe
"When we look at an Olympian figure like Goethe we see a gigantic human tree that declared no 'goal' except to unfold its proper being, no goal except to obey the deep organic laws of nature. That is wisdom, the wisdom of a ripe mind at the height of a great Culture. It is what Nietzsche described as the fusion in one being of two divergent streams—the Apollonian dreamer type and the ecstatic Dionysian.
When I reflect on my own journey, I often see parallels with the Dionysian archetype. Like Dionysus, I feel a deep connection to both the ecstatic heights of creativity and the darker, more chaotic elements of existence. I strive to embrace both, understanding that true wisdom comes from the fusion of the Apollonian and Dionysian streams—order and chaos, structure and fluidity, intellect and intuition.
This duality has always shaped my approach to life. On one hand, I’m the dreamer, constantly envisioning new possibilities, new worlds, and new ways of being. On the other hand, I am deeply committed to seeking the divine in the everyday—whether that’s through nature, relationships, or creativity. To me, living authentically means unfolding my being without forcing rigid goals but instead allowing the deep organic laws of nature to guide me. Like Goethe, I want to live in accordance with these natural rhythms, letting my life and work grow and evolve with purpose and grace.
It is this fusion of dreaming and seeking that gives my life meaning, propelling me toward the discovery of something greater than myself. By embracing the tension between these forces, I create a life that feels both grounded and expansive, real and visionary.
Sacrifice in Art and Life
"He neither sacrifices himself to art, nor does he sacrifice art to life. (Henry Miller on Goethe)"
I think of art as an extension of life itself. I recognize that I have never sacrificed my life for art, nor art for life. Instead, they are deeply intertwined. My existence is an ongoing creation, shaped by the very acts of living fully, exploring, and expressing my experiences through my writing, photography, and storytelling. Creation is not something I simply do; it is as necessary as breathing—a natural, automatic process essential to my survival.
When I engage in my work, I understand that the process of creating great art goes hand-in-hand with becoming a great human being. It is a journey of continuous self-discovery and refinement. Growth in art, as in life, is a process of stripping away, of purification, and the art that emerges from this is not just for the sake of creation but also a reflection of the human experience.
I live by the belief that life itself can be made into art—a practice where every moment, interaction, and experience contributes to something greater. I strive to connect these elements of life into a cohesive whole, allowing art to express the joy, sadness, and complexity of existence. This interconnectedness is the root of my creative process, where living fully and creating meaning merge into one
Writing as Exploration
"Writing, like life itself, is a voyage of discovery. The adventure is a metaphysical one: it is a way of approaching life indirectly, of acquiring a total rather than a partial view of the universe"
I resonate deeply with the idea that writing is a voyage of discovery, much like life itself. For me, writing is not merely an act of recording thoughts or experiences; it’s a metaphysical adventure—a way of approaching life from angles I might not otherwise see directly. It allows me to explore the unknown, to delve deeper into the complexities of existence, and to seek connections between seemingly unrelated moments.
Through writing, I am able to piece together a more holistic view of the universe. It’s a process of uncovering hidden truths, drawing meaning from both the conscious and unconscious realms of my mind. Writing helps me step back and see the bigger picture, to gain clarity on the intricate interconnections between life, people, nature, and the world beyond.
It’s not just a means of expression—it’s a way of living, of navigating the internal and external landscapes I find myself in. Writing allows me to weave the fragments of life into something coherent, meaningful, and even beautiful. In that sense, it mirrors the adventure of living: unpredictable, profound, and always leading to new revelations.
Convergence of Failures
"Finally I came to a dead end, to a despair and desperation which few men have known, because there was no divorce between myself as writer and myself as man: to fail as a writer meant to fail as a man. And I failed."
I often reflect on the inseparability of my identity as a writer and as a person, much like the sentiment expressed by Henry Miller. The weight of my creative work and personal life are deeply intertwined, and there have been moments where the struggle to express myself through writing felt like a reflection of a deeper existential failure.
When I am stuck, or when my words fail to flow, it can feel as though I’m failing in life itself. Writing is not simply a task for me; it’s how I understand myself, how I process emotions, experiences, and the world around me. To fail in writing means to feel disconnected from who I truly am. In these moments of creative block or emotional turmoil, the weight of it all can be suffocating. It’s not just about writing words on a page—it’s about bringing my inner world into alignment with my outer one.
Yet, what I’ve learned from these periods of despair is that failure is also part of the process. It teaches me resilience and patience. Each time I hit a dead end in my writing, I’m forced to dig deeper into myself, to uncover new insights and paths forward. These struggles, though painful, often become the catalyst for my greatest breakthroughs, both in life and in art. It’s through this cyclical dance of failure and discovery that I grow—not just as a writer, but as a human being.
Artistic Living
"My life itself became a work of art"
I’ve often reflected on the idea that my life itself is a work of art. Every experience, whether joyous or painful, adds a brushstroke to the larger canvas I am creating. Just as an artist carefully considers each stroke, I have learned to view my actions, choices, and experiences as deliberate contributions to a larger, unfolding masterpiece.
I’ve come to see, that life, much like art, is about intention, creativity, and expression. Each decision I make is not just about survival or success—it’s about crafting something meaningful. My interactions, relationships, travels, and even my struggles are all part of this larger creation. I aim to live in a way that aligns with my values, turning everyday moments into opportunities for reflection, growth, and artistic expression.
Just as a painter steps back to view their work from a distance, writing allows me to step back from life and see the bigger picture. It’s through this process of living intentionally and reflecting on those experiences that my life takes on the quality of a work of art—ever-evolving, sometimes chaotic, but always authentic and deeply personal.
Descent into Knowledge
"I had to grow foul with knowledge, realize the futility of everything, smash everything, grow desperate, then humble, then sponge myself off the slate, as it were, in order to recover my authenticity. I had to arrive at the brink and then take a leap in the dark."
I’ve been stuck many times, both financially and personally. I’ve felt the frustration of being unable to return to a place of comfort due to a lack of funds, and the weakness of feeling constrained despite my skills and experience. I know the despair of facing the consequences of past choices.
I’ve questioned my professional direction and self-worth, expressing doubts and frustration. I’ve struggled to find my place and purpose, often feeling crushed before experiencing a rebirth.
But I’ve also come to recognize the journey toward authenticity as a shedding of old layers, embracing life fully despite the setbacks and confusion. The shedding process is scary and, at times, painful. Yet, I had no other choice but to enter into the dark. My only hope was that somewhere deep within, I would find the inner light that would ignite my eternal flame.
Social and Cosmic Alignment
"I lived out the social problem by dying: the real problem is not one of getting on with one’s neighbor or of contributing to the development of one’s country, but of discovering one’s destiny, of making a life in accord with the deep-centered rhythm of the cosmos."
This quote speaks to much of what I’ve reflected on in my journey—the tension between societal expectations and the deeper quest for personal alignment. I’ve come to understand that the real challenge isn’t about fitting into societal molds or contributing to external achievements. Instead, it’s about discovering my own destiny and crafting a life that flows in harmony with the deeper rhythm of existence.
I often write about the idea of a North Star, a guiding force that is more fluid than a rigid sense of purpose. It’s not about achieving a fixed goal but about aligning with something greater, a force that constantly shifts as I grow and change. My journey is about finding that alignment, not with the expectations of others, but with the inner rhythm that guides my actions and choices.
It’s not merely a matter of “getting on with one’s neighbor” or fulfilling social roles; it’s about tuning into that guiding rhythm—the North Star—that helps me live deliberately and authentically. This internal compass pulls me towards a life that is more in tune with who I am and the larger flow of life around me.
Style and Clarity in Expression
"A man is revealed in his style, the language which he has created for himself. To the man who is pure at heart I believe that everything is as clear as a bell, even the most esoteric scripts. For such a man there is always mystery, but the mystery is not mysterious, it is logical, natural, ordained, and implicitly accepted"
The Artist's Imperfection
"Like the primal spirit of the universe, like the unshakable Absolute, the One, the All, the creator, i.e., the artist, expresses himself by and through imperfection. It is the stuff of life, the very sign of livingness."
Obscurity in Great Art
"Art teaches nothing, except the significance of life. The great work must inevitably be obscure, except to the very few, to those who like the author himself are initiated into the mysteries. Communication then is secondary: it is perpetuation which is important. For this only one good reader is necessary."
Writing's Deeper Dive
"Writing was not an 'escape,' a means of evading the everyday reality: on the contrary, it meant a still deeper plunge into the brackish pool—a plunge to the source where the waters were constantly being renewed, where there was perpetual movement and stir. Looking back upon my career, I see myself as a person capable of undertaking almost any task, any vocation. It was the monotony and sterility of the other outlets which drove me to desperation"
Artistic Risk
"The facility of speech which I possessed was a handicap; I had to throw myself into the current, knowing that I would probably sink. The great majority of artists are throwing themselves in with life-preservers around their necks, and more often than not it is the life-preserver which sinks them."
Dance of Life
"Throughout his books* it is the indirect or Oriental way of life which he stresses, and this attitude, it may also be said, is that of art. The art of living is based on rhythm, on give and take, ebb and flow, light and dark, life and death. By acceptance of all the aspects of life, good and bad, right and wrong, yours and mine, the static, defensive life, which is what most people are cursed with, is converted into a dance, 'the dance of life,' as Havelock Ellis called it. The real function of the dance is—metamorphosis. One can dance to sorrow or to joy; one can even dance abstractly, as Helba Huara proved to the world. But the point is that, by the mere act of dancing, the elements which compose it are transformed; the dance is an end in itself, just like life. The acceptance of the situation, any situation, brings about a flow, a rhythmic impulse towards self-expression. To relax is, of course, the first thing a dancer has to learn. It is also the first thing a patient has to learn when he confronts the analyst. It is the first thing any one has to learn in order to live. It is extremely difficult, because it means surrender, full surrender. Howe’s whole point of view is based on this simple, yet revolutionary idea of full and unequivocal surrender. It is the religious view of life: the positive acceptance of pain, suffering, defeat, misfortune, and so on. It is the long way round, which has always proved to be the shortest way after all. It means the assimilation of experience, fulfillment through obedience and discipline: the curved span of time through natural growth rather than the speedy, disastrous short-cut. This is the path of wisdom, and the one that must be taken eventually, because all the others only lead to it."
The Illness of Being
"The truth is, we are sick," he says, and not only that, but—"we are sick of being sick"
Metaphysical Cure
"The remedy is metaphysically achieved, not therapeutically: the cure does not lie in finding a cause and rooting it out."
Conflict and Acceptance
"Life, as we all know, is conflict, and man, being part of life, is himself an expression of conflict. If he recognizes the fact and accepts it, he is apt, despite the conflict, to know peace and to enjoy it. But to arrive at this end, which is only a beginning (for we haven’t begun to live yet!), man has got to learn the doctrine of acceptance, that is, of unconditional surrender, which is love"
Fourth Dimensional Reality
"The whole fourth-dimensional view of reality, which is Howe’s metaphysic, hinges on this understanding of acceptance"
Growth Through Time
"The fourth element is Time, which is another way, as Goethe so well knew, of saying—growth. As a seed grows in the natural course of time, so the world grows, and so it dies, and so it is reborn again. This is the very antithesis of the current notion of 'progress,' in which are bound up the evil dragons of will, purpose, goal and struggle—or rather, they are not bound up, but unleashed. Progress, according to the Westerner, means a straight line through impenetrable barriers, creating difficulties and obstacles all along the line, and thus defeating itself. Howe’s idea is the Oriental one, made familiar to us through the art of jujitsu, wherein the obstacle itself is made into an aid. The method is as applicable to what we call disease, or death or evil, as it is to a bullying adversary. The secret of it lies in the recognition that force can be directed as well as feared—more, that everything can be converted to good or evil, profit or loss, according to one’s attitude. In his present fearsome state man seems to have but one attitude, escape, wherein he is fixed as in a nightmare. Not only does he refuse to accept his fears, but worse, he fears his fears. Everything seems infinitely worse than it is, says Howe, 'just because we are trying to escape.' This is the very Paradise of Neurosis, a glue of fear and anxiety in which, unless we are willing to rescue ourselves, we may stick forever. To imagine that we are going to be saved by outside intervention, whether in the shape of an analyst, a dictator, a savior, or even God, is sheer folly. There are not enough lifeboats to go around, and anyway, as the author points out, what is needed more than lifeboats is lighthouses. A fuller, clearer vision—not more safety appliances!"
Embracing Being
"Let go and let be! Howe urges. Being is burning, in the truest sense, and if there is to be any peace it will come about through being, not having."
Wholeness in Realization
"For the awakened individual, however, life begins now, at any and every moment; it begins at the moment when he realizes that he is part of a great whole, and in the realization becomes himself whole"
Rediscovering Balance
"Balance, discipline, illumination—these are the key words in Howe’s doctrine of wholeness, or holiness, for the words mean the same thing. It is not essentially new, but it needs to be rediscovered by each and every one individually"
Knowledge of the Heart
"If he is a very capable analyst, as is generally admitted, even by his detractors, it is not because of what he knows, but because of what he is."
Path to Self-Discovery
"recognize that the attitude towards life set forth in these books is but a rediscovery of the Doctrine of the Heart. The element of Time, so fundamental in Howe’s philosophy, is a restatement, in scientific language, of the esoteric view that one cannot travel on the Path before one has become that Path himself. Never, perhaps, in historic times, has man been further off the Path than at this moment"
Adventure in Truth
"To live in truth, which is suspense," says Howe, "is adventure, growth, uncertainty, risk and danger. Yet there is little opportunity in life today for experiencing that adventure, unless we go to war."
Discipline as Freedom
"Discipline Howe defines as 'the art of the acceptance of the negative.' It is based on the recognition of the duality of life, of the relative rather than the absolute. Discipline permits a free flow of energy; it gives absolute freedom within relative limits. One develops despite circumstances, not because of them"
Unconditional Love
"one must obey the deeper law of love, which is based on absolute tolerance, the law which suffers or permits things to be as they are. Real love is never perplexed, never qualifies, never rejects, never demands"
Magic of Circulation
"The idea of 'unlimited circulation,' not only of the necessities of life, but of everything, is, if there be such a thing, the magic behind Howe’s philosophy."
Liberation Through Knowledge
"By abandoning all that they most cherished they found the way to a larger life."
Dawn of New Consciousness
"Nothing will liberate us but a new knowledge—not the Socratic wisdom, but realization, which is knowledge become active."
Man's Developmental Stasis
"What he stressed was the flowering of the personality. He was impressed by the fact that man is in a state of infancy, psychologically speaking. Neither the dynamic attitude of the West, anchored in the will, in idealism, nor the attitude of the East, anchored in a fatalistic quietism, seemed satisfactory to him as a way of life. They were both inadequate. 'Man as yet is only half-born,' he said. 'No sign of bud anywhere.'"
Search for the True Self
"What he is searching for continually is the true self, that central source of power and action which is called the Holy Ghost, the mysterious, unknowable area of the self out of which the gods, as well as men, are born."
Art as a False Refuge
"Whereas before his escape from the pain of living was through art, today he has no escape except to deny his own validity. Today all the hierarchies have broken down: in every field of human endeavor we are faced with chaos. There is no choice, only to surrender. Surrender to the flux, to the drift towards a new and unthinkable order."