As I’m writing this at 4:30 AM, it’s unknown to me whether I’ve written another blog post with the title “Unknown,” although I suspect I have.
Many people have a fear of the unknown. My fear of the unknown is unknown to me, perhaps because I have spent so much of my life inhabiting the unknown.
If the meaning of that previous sentence is unknown to you, my extremely rare congenital heart condition has made any predictions about my life span unknown. Therefore, I seem to feel very comfortable living in the unknown.
On the other hand, it is unknown to me why I can get so anxious about mundane issues like doing my taxes or choosing tiles for a shower remodel while fearlessly facing the realities of serious, life-long health issues. It’s also unknown to me why I waste so much time wondering who in the universe might be mad at me or wish me ill, forgetting that those people can’t really hurt me.
It is not unknown to me that I am not alone in being puzzled by the unknown operations of one’s own mind.
Let’s see what some known people have said about the unknown.
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Do you see the unknown in any of my other images for today?
The Ides of March are known to me but it is unknown to me why those of us who are not Caesar should beware them.
If the recently deceased jazz legend Wayne Shorter (quoted above) is unknown to you, allow me to introduce you to one of his beautiful compositions.
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I hope my gratitude is not unknown to you, dear reader.
The big March snow and your post about the unknown fit neatly together in my mind this morning, Ann. What will the roads be like? Will the other person on the road with me be able to drive in it? Will I be able to see 10 feet in front of me when the wind blows? All of these unknowns make me fret about getting in my car when it snows … even though I purchased an all-wheel drive vehicle the last time around.
So many unknowns, my friend, and I am so glad we are known to each other.
Of my Congressman, Adrian Smith: Are you afraid to answer my questions or are you just an arrogant twit? (My Senator Ben Sasse ignored my questions, too, but he clearly had different career plans for a return to academia. And good riddance, Ben! Constituent queries are part of what you jokers are there for.)
Unanswered questions are a particularly frustrating part of the unknown, aren’t they?
Indeed!
I can second Thich Nhat Hanh. I’ve known a few, and I’ve always thought that they are in love with the pain. It defines them.
They are known to me also, Barbara.
“The Don’t Buy It Diet” is an appealing title for a book. I hope you go for it! Don’t buy it, just write it!
One of your quotes made me laugh at my memory is so bad I can’t even remember it now. I’m going to have to go back and re-read your post. I enjoyed your photos especially of the group of you smiling together in an elevator or someplace that looked like an elevator.
I’m so glad I know you, Maureen, and that unknown-by-you location for the photo was a room at the group therapy conference I attended last week.
Your response “One tweet at a time” answered a question I thought about asking. I couldn’t ask just one question, though. I never really know how someone is going to answer a question and I like how every answer just leads to more questions. The unknown isn’t really scary because it’s everywhere, spreading out from what we know.
I can’t ask just one question either, Chris, and I’m very glad I know you.
Caressed
With snow
Like Starch
On Ides of March
Lump Sums
Groans
from Known
Gnomes
Unknown
And Seeing
Done
Wearisome
Yet Birthing
Stone
Thanks for making your poems known to us, Maria!
Yes – the greatest fear
Indeed, Derrick, and thanks for making your thoughts and feelings known here.