Tag: nature

Bridges and Chains

I was recently reminded of a walking tour in Budapest from a few years ago. The city, divided by the Danube River, is made up of two distinct halves: Buda and Pest. For centuries, they remained separate, each with its own identity, until the construction of the Chain Bridge in 1849. This bridge not only physically connected the two sides but also symbolized the merging of their contrasting personalities. The guide pointed out how this connection transformed the city’s architectural landscape, creating Budapest’s iconic eclectic style—a blend of influences from different cultures and periods. Buda, with its peaceful, upscale vibe, and Pest, bustling and full of life, each brought something unique to the city. Back then, they were distinct worlds, but today, they continue to coexist as separate yet complementary halves, each preserving its essence while contributing to the city’s dynamic whole.

My brain obviously went into reflection mode. There’s a famous saying: “Don’t burn your bridges.” It’s a reminder to leave situations and relationships in a way that preserves future possibilities. After all, bridges connect us, allowing for movement, exchange, and opportunity.

The bridge in Budapest is called the Chain Bridge for a reason, I guess. Chains symbolize strength and unity, holding things together even under pressure. Fleetwood Mac’s song The Chain encourages us to do just that. The song is a dark and desperate unity that reflects the band’s resilience. But the metaphor “break the chain” brings a different image to mind—liberating ourselves from cycles, constraints, or patterns that no longer serve us. This duality made me reflect on the concept of involution.

American sociologist Clifford Geertz described involution as stagnation — a loop of repeated behaviours that leads nowhere. In many ways, it reminded me of the famous Pink Floyd lyrics: “We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl, year after year.” This feeling of being trapped in a cycle, unable to break free or evolve, encapsulates involution perfectly. It’s like being in a situation that feels like you’re going nowhere, no matter how much effort you put in. In contrast, evolution propels us forward, toward growth and improvement. In-volution, quite literally, is the opposite of e-volution. Where evolution is expansion, involution is regression.

It’s true chains can be seen as both connectors and constraints, a symbol of unity and of being trapped. I guess if you feel like you’re heading toward involution, remember, you have the power to break the chain or avoid building bridges altogether. But if evolution is truly at play, natural selection will unavoidably take over and stop you from breaking any chains and push you to evolve — to build bridges and not burn them.

A Tale to Be Told

One day, I wandered into a forest—a vast, untamed wilderness alive with towering trees, curious animals, and lively birds. Not long after I entered, I stumbled upon a wise old tree. Its presence was commanding, and it spoke of a mountain hidden deep within the forest. At its peak, it said, there bloomed a Dandelion flower—a rare and magical bloom. I laughed off the idea. “Sure,” I thought. “Why would I bother climbing all the way up there when it’s so calm and peaceful down here?” The tree didn’t argue. It simply rolled its eyes and stretched taller, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Days turned into weeks as I wandered, unsure why I had come to this forest in the first place. The charm of it began to wear thin. The green was overwhelming, the wind ceaseless, and the birds’ endless chirping grated on my nerves. Even the animals seemed caught up in their constant, exhausting hunts. The more I stayed, the darker the forest seemed to grow.

Then the rains arrived. At first, the drizzle was refreshing—an exciting change of pace. But soon, the skies unleashed a ferocious storm. The birds and animals retreated to their shelters, but their presence still lingered, watching over me as I remained exposed. I figured I’d be fine under a tree. How bad could it get? It turns out, worse than I could have imagined. The rain soaked me to the bone, the cold numbed me, and the unrelenting storm drove me to the ground. I lay there, hugging myself, shivering and utterly defeated, as the storm raged on.

I’m not sure how long I remained like that, but eventually, I felt a presence nearby. A wolf with shiny grey hair appeared, its movements deliberate yet unthreatening. It approached me, its piercing eyes locking onto mine. Then, it leaned in close and whispered something in my ear before silently walking away. The words it spoke lingered in my mind, their meaning unclear but oddly comforting. Somehow, they sparked a flicker of strength in me. Despite my exhaustion, I pushed myself to stand.

The birds, who had been silently watching from above, fluttered down to help me. Together, we built a small shelter to weather the rest of the storm. With their care and my newfound determination, I endured.

When the storm finally passed, I emerged changed. I was stronger, braver, and, for the first time, truly alive. The forest, which had once seemed overwhelming, now shimmered with purpose. The wind carried life, the endless green breathed vitality, and the animals and birds embodied resilience and connection. Everything I had dismissed before was now illuminated with meaning. Why settle for just surviving, I thought, when I could soar?

Now, I’m flying—on my way to that magical Dandelion. The storms and cyclones may try to pull me down, but I’m holding onto a guiding star, a light that keeps me steady. Reaching the top no longer feels impossible; it feels necessary. The forest, once a source of frustration, has become my greatest teacher, showing me that even the chaos and discomfort were shaping me for something greater.

As I reflect, I finally understand the wolf’s whispered words: “You are an alchemist.” Back then, I couldn’t grasp their meaning, but now it’s clear. An alchemist practices the art of transformation, turning challenges into growth, fears into strength, and doubts into liberation. The storms, struggles, and moments of stillness—all of it has been part of my journey, teaching me to embrace the unknown and rise stronger.

After all, it’s only those who have faced the depths can truly appreciate the joy and weight of soaring, for the sky isn’t always clear. Storms and cyclones will come, but if you hold onto the right star and trust in your ability to transform, you’ll always find your way forward.