Seclusion, dispassion, cessation, and release are uppermost on my mind as of late. And? I am entangled by publicity, passion, commencement, and dire engagement.

Addendum I (December 19, 2015)

Nearly a year later, seclusion, dispassion, cessation, and release are uppermost on my mind one more time. It appears that these longings return with the holiday season. Every new year rekindles old hopes, too. This time around, though, things are a bit better than ever before, I dare say. That is, I am not entangled by publicity, passion, commencement, and dire engagement any longer. I do have a few projects nearing completion, but there is no pinch to any of them. Even better, there is no hoopla surrounding these projects. Thus I feel that I am entering a new and considerably calmer era in my life, which fills me with quiet enthusiasm. At long last, I feel that I have left the hubbub behind me. And for good.

Addendum II (March 12, 2016)

Now that the rumpus is well behind me, Seneca’s words feel so very soothing: Imperare sibi maximum imperium est (Epistles to Lucilius, CXIII:30). How very true! And good old Latin cannot but add weight to these solemn words.