The Tower of Quiet Desperation
Posted by Robin Easton
This dream occurred many years ago, shortly after embracing the vast “Nothingness”, which I talk about in my post titled:“What Might This Mean?” (Click title). It has been copyrighted as a song.
IN THE DREAM: I stood at the bottom of a narrow, stone tower. A round staircase wound endlessly upward, growing tinier with each turn, like the inner spiral of a seashell. The walls and stairs were grimy-yellow, institutional. A brown wooden railing wound along the stairs. 
There were no windows, no doors. Moans rose from a tan viscous pool at the bottom of the steps. Out of the pool morphed tan weary beings, one after the other. All of humanity. Each one climbed from the pool and moved toward the stairs. Often they walked like sleepwalkers as if in a trance. They had legs and arms, but their fingers and toes were fused. They had no hair, facial features, genitals, breasts or nipples.
I then saw myself, very little, around three years old. I wore navy blue overalls and a red and white stripped t-shirt. My hair curled in ringlets just as it had when I was little. I was the only color in the whole tower. A Voice in my dream said, “This is The Tower of Quiet Desperation. I will show you the choice you’ve made.” Without being told, I knew I was supposed to climb the stairs. I reached for the railing as 
I started upward. All around me tan formless beings climbed upward. Some dragged themselves along, moaning. Others had given up completely and lay motionless on the steps, silent. Some beings climbed over each other and were two or three layers thick on the stairs. The moaners reached out, grabbed my legs and tried to pull me down. I clung to the railing and yanked myself free. They wanted me to stop and stay with them. I couldn’t. I would die.
All around me echoed moans and groans, yet I felt no fear. The Voice spoke again and said, “You witness a core human condition. Keep going.” Higher and higher I climbed until the bodies thinned to one or two here and there. Eventually I heard no moans from below. The stairs were now empty. Instinctively I knew there was a world beyond the tower. There had to be a way out. On and on I went until I rounded a turn and the stairs ended in a tiny floor at the top of the tower. Two tan beings crawled along the round wall, the way flies walk along walls seeking the outdoors.
I stood in the middle of the floor and scanned the walls for a door or window. Nothing. I looked again more slowly. Suddenly I saw a teeny silver latch two feet above the floor. Is it locked? I touched the latch and instantly a tiny door appeared. Can I fit through it? “Hey, you guys, there’s a door here. Can you see it? Over here. Stop crawling in circles. There’s a way out.” The two tan beings didn’t respond. They kept circling, intent on finding their own way out. I let them be.
My fingers gripped the latch and pulled hard. The tiny door slowly swung wide to reveal, far below, an apple orchard in full bloom. Lush green grass carpeted the ground beneath the trees. Robins and bluebirds flitted past the tower door. Huge white clouds raced across summer’s blue sky. How will I reach the ground? I looked back into the the grimy-yellow tower, thought of the faceless moaning, the despair, the grabbing hands that tried to pull me down and stop me. Without another thought I pushed away from the tower door, arms spread like a bird I jumped out into heaven. Magically the ground rose to meet me at the door. I gasped in ecstasy as I rolled across the grass, clutched its juicy blades and pressed my face into sweet Earth. …the tower vanished and I was free in a world of color.
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I didn’t post this for dream analysis; I know what this dream means to me. I posted it to raise questions: Do you ever permit others to drag you down, forsaking your authentic self? Do you ever stop short of your dreams for fear of taking risks, fear of embracing the unknown? Do you ever “settle for less” and then feel lifeless and despaired inside? Do you ever feel a deep hunger inside, as if there is more to you than what you’re living? Do you ever throw away your great visions because no one is able to see what you see? Do you create your own path, your own dream…even if you walk alone?
H. D. Thoreau - Walden (1854): “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.”
Love,
Robin
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25 Comments so far...
soulMerlin Says:
8 April 2009 at 4:59 pm.
Yes Robin ~ And all the time, the sludge of mediocrity clings like mud and drags downward. It still happens to me – like a party-spoiler, people I work with will block and resent my upward reach. I don’t know why and at the same time. I perceive why people will resent my simplest moments of truth and try to block my enthusiasm in what I do. Most people I work with will sink into the mud quite easily, unless they are goaded to reach upward. Why they really do this is beyond me, but they do. I don’t mind if people want to fail or just trundle along in an amorphous mist of none-caring,,,,what makes me fight, is when they want to bring me down. They can’t do it…but they don’t want anyone else to do it.
“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.”
Your post frightens me Robin…not because it is wrong. On the contrary it is absolutely right. But the “mass of men (and women)” resent those that either break free or just go on.
I seldom wear sunglasses.
love
henry
Robin Replies
Dear henry, I encourage you to always shine, as you already do so easily. It’s who you ARE. You are deeply sensitive to all life around you. Like your post about the little plant. You are so very aware of what some might call the subtle energies, which really aren’t subtle at all if one is open to listening to them. The reason you must shine as brightly as you are inside is because, number one, it IS who you are. Number two, you strengthen the fabric of the Universe by doing so. Number three, you shine light where there is darkness. Number four, your light will touch those who also reach for light and may be seeking kindred souls like you. Even if it’s only one person. Number five, you may open the hearts of those who teeter on the edge of reaching, someone who is in this moment ready to awaken. Number six, Oh heck, henry, you just change the world. You already touch so many of us…like me and Lilly and Chrissy and Liara and others. Your “upward reach” travels far into endless space and is seen; even the stars weep over it’s beauty.
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soulMerlin Says:
8 April 2009 at 5:04 pm.
ps: It’s a beautiful post. One I really needed today.
xh
Robin Replies
My dear friend, I loved this little PS of yours. It was one “I” needed today.
Bless you. xo
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Stephen - Rat Race Trap Says:
8 April 2009 at 5:55 pm.
First of all those pictures are beautiful, like everything on this site. Secondly, I cannot believe you can dream and remember this kind of stuff. My dreams are vague and hard to remember. Even when I remember there is a lack of detail. Is there any way to learn to dream better? To dream vivid dreams like this?
P.S. I wish you posted every day! 
Robin Replies
Dear Stephen, thank you for appreciating the photos and for the kind words. I can claim little credit for the photos. Mother Nature created the beauty. All I had to was see it, feel it and fall in love with it. —As to my dreams: you got me thinking that I would enjoy doing a video about dreaming sometime. It’s something that changed for me when I was younger and lived in the rainforest. There are so many factors that contribute to dreaming and remembering our dreams. Many of the “healthy living” changes you talked about in one of your recent posts will certainly contribute. Not drinking or taking sleep aids before bed helps as they can deaden you to the dream state, make you less conscious. I realize some people have trouble sleeping so this may present a challenge and the need to decide: sleep or dreams. Taking the risks that our hearts are asking us to take helps, those leaps of blind faith, as well as facing our fears. All of which awaken us, open us up, expand our awareness and connect us to everything that exists. Everything. A simple exercise you can do just as you drift off to sleep is to say, “I will dream tonight and I will remember my dreams.” And trust it, totally believe it. Now this may not work the first night or even the first week, but I have used it to solve problems, remember music that I dream, all kinds of things. I am usually conscious almost all night whether I dream of not, even though I am still peacefully sleeping. I watch my dreams like one might watch a movie. —Wow, you really got me going here. Now, that I think about it, I would love to do a video on how dreaming works for me. Did you know we also dream though the day, or at least that has been my experience. There are just often more distractions during our waking hours so we often don’t realize we are dreaming during the day. Thank you for inspiring me!! Wonderful.
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Scott Carlin Says:
8 April 2009 at 6:56 pm.
Wow, Robin. The symbolism you use (subconsciously in your dream, consciously in your writing) is immensely powerful! I did extensive research on dream interpretation some years back after having recurring, vivid dreams that seemed to all intertwine in a complex plot in my subconscious. The geography was always the same, and certain rules seemed to be constant, but sometimes I was running away from danger, other times chasing it, other times reveling in this imaginary world, always in very different situations. Always the same impossible and breath-taking geography though.
So, without taking my comments completely off-topic, I will speak to the questions. For so many years I tried to be what I was “supposed” to be according to the rules of convention of the people in my life, or my definition or perception thereof. Once I started listening to my own voice, and following my own path, my vision was instead confirmed and validated by the people around me. My greatest fear in following my passions was that of being completely alone on a journey. Although the people in my life did not change theirs paths to follow mine, they supported my vision, and my fears were for naught. Once I broke through those fears, in hindsight, they seemed so silly. Life becomes much more effortless. Free. Fulfilling. I try to use what I have learned through this to help others to listen to those inner voices, trust themselves, and see what amazing things can happen! Often a person’s perception of what is holding them back does a 180 and becomes a motivating force once the risk has been taken.
As always, Robin, wonderful, thought-provoking, and inspired writing! Thank you.
Robin Replies
Hi my dear old friend, So good to see you here. I am thrilled to hear that you also are fascinated in dreams. There is often a quality to your photography that is strongly dream-like. Were you aware of that or not? As if some of your dream state spills over into your creations. —I am so glad to hear that you had the courage to walk your own unique path and now encourage others to do the same. It is the ultimate freedom to face our fear. When we do it’s almost as if the world flips right over, and things we thought were such huge obstacle, fears, worries often melt away. And as you said, seem silly. The veil that separates us from who we already are is very much an illusions. Thank you for visiting me my friend. So good to hear from you and learn more about you. Maybe sometime you will share with us more about your dreams. If you do let me know. (The more I think about it the more it seems they may be strongly connected with how you see the world and photograph it.) Hugs, R
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Ophelia Rising Says:
8 April 2009 at 7:34 pm.
WOW, Robin. I feel this all the time. I am constantly feeling as if I’m being held down by various sources, blocked, not living to my ultimate potential, not being alive right in this moment, not in the space where I need to be. I’m continually searching, and most times feel as if I’m just hitting my head against the wall. I wish so intensely that I had dreams like this, that speak to me of my essence, my core. I guess I might, if I could only remember…
I did dream vividly last night, and got up at about 3:00 a.m. to write. I hardly ever (never)! do that, but the dream was so vivid, and afterwards when I was awake, I lay in bed writing paragraphs in my head, and just had to get it down. Perhaps this is a part of my path, my essence calling to me, reaching out to pull me toward the colors, the life, the love.
I wish I had this in my life always, but I don’t. It’s way too absent. You, however, draw me ever closer to it, and I love you so much for that – and for so many other things, of course.
And, I’ve never felt truly encapsulated in society – I’m always standing just outside, looking in. I’ve always felt somewhat of a bandit, a sort of outsider, to all that is seemingly relevant to most other people. Maybe this is my path, away from this, and onto what is, in my eyes, important. I need to surround myself with this beauty, with those who share in this vision of life…
Much love to you always, dear friend. xoxoxoxoxo
Robin Replies
Dear Beautiful Ophelia, Something I love about you is that you are just so YOU, which always entails being so utterly honest and open, like this whole comment. I really admire and cherish your honesty. I see it repeatedly. Second, I always feel your deep hunger and love for Life. It’s in everything you do. There seems to be no pretense, ego or “positioning” when you share. You often remind me of Life itself, very raw, wide open, hungry and passionate. Such beautiful qualities. —-I too relate to your line about not being encapsulated by society, but rather standing just outside. I use this line in my book: “I lived apart from the rest of the world, just outside the jar of society, looking in, sometimes even looking away.” One of the reasons I love you is that you ARE a “bandit” or maverick and wise beyond your years. I agree with you that you will find your self “in what, in your eyes, is important”. Absolutely. I encourage you with all my heart to listen to this guide. It will lead you right to yourself. Trust it, foster it and live it as much as you can. It is who you ARE and is pure greatness. Much love to you my wild sister, always.
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Jonathan - Advanced Life Skills Says:
8 April 2009 at 8:17 pm.
Your dream serves as an appropriate metaphor for your 6 concluding questions. And those are very important questions to ask ourselves. More than likely, most people would answer yes to one or more of them. I love these questions because helping others with these issues is what I do. Still, the dream illustration pulls us in and we can’t help but speculate on its meaning. I think the meaning would feel different for each person, but dreams are not my field. Just as a fun side point, (and to keep the conversation going) let’s see if we can get Jay from The Inner Noodle over here so we can see what a dream specialist has to say.
Robin Replies
Dear Jonathan, Your enthusiasm for what you do is palpable here in regard to my six questions. What a fun thing to do, helping others explore these issues. they are such juicy and core issues, very important to the soul. I also agree with you that the meaning of this dream might be different for each person. I like that. I believe that when looking at dreams we have to take into account the context of our whole lives, what is currently going on, what once went on and even our future aspirations. I love to look at my own dreams in a very holistic manner, taking into account all things. —I thank you for sending Jay my way. I went to his site and very much enjoy his honest insights.
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Michelle (Artscapes) Says:
8 April 2009 at 10:33 pm.
I got an immediate visual from this and the words became a movie in my mind. It describes the seat of my fear and ambition. I know how both feel and cannot imagine at this moment why I never leave that tower behind completely. I know it is all here and soon that will be enough.
Perfect timing as usual, Robin!
Robin Replies
Dear Michelle, This is a fascinating comment, very intriguing. Now that you mention it, this would make a wonderful movie/short film. Oooh, that would be a fun project to tackle at some point. Thank you for the idea!! You intrigue me as you seem very aware of both your fear and ambition, which is wonderful as they can be used as guides to lead you to yourself. You are both wise and talented. You wrote: “cannot imagine at this moment why I never leave that tower behind completely.” Like Scott said, once one does leave it behind they often look at what was holding them back and it seems so silly. It has no substance whatsoever. Usually the things that we think are holding us back are only an illusion. It’s amazing how something which seems utterly real and as solid as a stone tower can be a complete illusion.
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Tamera Says:
9 April 2009 at 8:01 am.
Thank you. I don’t have much else to write, because Henry wrote the same words I would have responded with. The exact essence of what he commented has been getting worse for me personally the past 3-4 months. That is others trying to grab and hold me back. The process has been going on for about 5-6 years now, but it has been easier to take in clump phases so as not to disturb too many people around me. However, you can imagine that since I REALLY adopted the motto “no fear” (for myself) since the New Year…how fast the Universe is helping me and sweeping me along, and to the frustration and confusion of others. I had a repeating dream around that time, and I knew the essence was that motto as my next step forward. This may seem a bit vague, but I think you know what I mean.
Several years ago when I was holding seminars for women to help them get in touch with their true essence, I was also sending out newsletters. Believe it or not, I used that quote from Thoreau repeatedly in those newsletters…for some reason. On a personal note it led me to actually find time to read his written works…I felt very at home with his reflections.
Robin Replies
Dear Tami, Yes, I do understand you and find what you’ve shared very exciting. It really is amazing how fast the Universe steps in to guide and assist us once we face our fear/the unknown and follow our hearts. I also chuckled over “the frustration and confusion of others”. I am fascinated by the topic/reality of all the unspoken rules that we humans have in our families, relationships, societies, nations, and so forth. I chuckle when a rule is broken by me or someone I know and the chicken house erupts into shocked cries, anger, “poor me(s)” and every other possible form of manipulation used to reign back in the errant one. LOL!! It takes wisdom, courage, vision and plain old guts to stand strong against the “onslaught” and to listen to and more importantly follow the dictates of one’s heart. You go girl. I am very proud of you, you ol’ boat rocker you!!! LOL! —Also, love that you worked with women; I can easily see you doing that. You’d be excellent at it. I too felt very at home with Thoreau’s reflections. Thank you dear Tami.
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Tamera Says:
9 April 2009 at 8:04 am.
By the way…I saw Ophelia wrote this: And, I’ve never felt truly encapsulated in society – I’m always standing just outside, looking in.
This is exactly how it feels.
Robin Replies
You and me both. As I told Ophelia I wrote almost the same line in my book.
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Shirley Says:
9 April 2009 at 8:49 am.
“Do you ever permit others to drag you down, forsaking your authentic self?” Sometimes. My hubby and I are complete opposites. I tend to focus on the positive and he on the negative kind of is a drag.
“Do you ever stop short of your dreams for fear of taking risks, fear of embracing the unknown?” I usually don’t allow fear to guide me unless it has something to do with water then there are health risks. I was terrified when I did the video but I don’t often let fear be my guide.
” Do you ever “settled for less†and then feel lifeless and despaired inside?” I try to strive for better. We live in the projects but we never settled. We knew we could and would do better and now we are just waiting to get a home.
“Do you ever feel a deep hunger inside, as if there is more to you than what you’re living?” Nope. As a child I did as an adult I don’t get that feeling.
” Do you ever throw away your great visions because no one is able to see what you see?” No, I keep playing with it in my head.
” Do you create your own path, your own dream…even if you walk alone?” I try but I’m not perfect.
Robin Replies
My dear Shirley, I enjoyed how you took each question and answered it. I greatly appreciate your honesty. I agree that you head right into fear. I so admired your last video. Because of this quality in you (your choice to look at, move toward and refusal to be held back by what you fear you will be lead right to your truest self. It will create your path. You already are doing this. It is one of the many things that makes you a dynamic and powerful force in the world. You have done and will continue to do much good in your lifetime. And yes, positivity is who you are. I resonate strongly with this aspect of you. Thank you my friend. You are appreciated.
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Walter Says:
9 April 2009 at 11:57 am.
You were blessed; the message is very clear and easy to understand, not like the nightmare I had of America, that took me 36 years to comprehend.
Robin Replies
Hi Dear Walter, Thank you for your kind words here. And of course you know I now am very curious about the nightmare you had of America. Maybe sometime you will post about it. I am equally intrigued that it took you 36 years to comprehend. It must have been a whopper! LOL!
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Mike Foster Says:
9 April 2009 at 7:02 pm.
Do you ever feel a deep hunger inside, as if there is more to you than what you’re living?
That’s the big question for me. All my life I have felt that I was put here for a bigger purpose than what everyone else saw me doing. I am not one to let others stand in the way of my goals, but through the practical challenges of life (work, money, food, housing, etc.), I always feel the need to juggle, to balance my creative meaning with the need to survive.
Should I just jump in head first and see what the water’s like? Time is running out…
peace,
mike
livelife365
Robin Replies
Dear mike, This little comment just touched me so deeply. In fact, it brought tears to my eyes. I am profoundly moved by your honesty and openness. I have to tell you that after watching so many of your videos — it doesn’t even matter what they are about; that’s not the point –I have grown to see something in you that is magical. It is something beyond the videos, beyond the topic, beyond all of it, that I sense wants to burst free. It’s brilliant. It is that energy that captivates me in your videos, makes me smile and laugh the moment you start talking. There is greatness in you. I also understand the juggling thing. I am in the same place. Each day I say: “Bring the situations, the people and the things that will assist me to be the fullest, most authentic Robin I can possibly be, and with ease. If I am over looking something show me what it is. If there are other ways show them to me. I am open and will act upon the truth.” Listen to your beautiful heart mike and follow your dreams whenever possible. Hugs. R
[Reply]
Jay Says:
9 April 2009 at 8:24 pm.
I find your recall of the dream images just amazing. Dream recall is the toughest barrier most have with dreams and the detail you brought out is great!! You stated you did not want analysis but I would love to hear how you got to your meaning? IE- What steps you took? again I must say, I love the recall ability!
Robin Replies
Dear Jay, wonderful surprise to see you here. Welcome! Love this comment and the questions you raise. I don’t mind your analysis, I said that so people would focus more on their own truth, which I love hearing and experiencing. The souls that come here regularly are very wise and when they speak their own hearts and share their personal experiences we all gain from it. I found this true on your site as well. Great courage and honesty there. —As to my recall of this dream all I can do is share my personal experience. I am usually aware all night long, not just when I dream. Even though I am asleep I am aware that I am asleep and to what degree of comfort and so forth. Sometimes I even process my day (not quite in dream state but simply processing how I feel about things, etc. – while still asleep). Then when I dream I am not only sometimes in the dream as a character, but I am always watching my dreams. So I can not only be IN the dream but also an observer of the dream. I see them like a movie. And process them as they play out. I am aware of how I feel about the dream as it unfolds. Sometimes I will stop the dream and say, no that’s not right anymore, I want it to go like this or end like this. Sometimes I will replay the same dream 2 or 3 times. I have many times memorized the music I dream at night, while dreaming it — without waking up. I know this may sound exhausting but it is actually quite the opposite. For me to NOT dream is a state of distress. To dream means I am open, aware, relaxed, peaceful and in a good place in my life. Which brings me to your question about recall.
Again I can only speak my truth here: For me awareness is awareness, whether that is during the day or at night in our sleep/dreams. Just as I am aware that I get into my car and drive to the store I am aware that I am inside a stone tower and aware of ever detail of that tower and it’s events. They are the same awareness for me. My level of awareness during the day is my level of awareness at night. My daytime state of presence/awareness is simply carried over into my sleep. After much personal growth in the rainforest years ago I stopped having weird, vague or symbolic dreams. My dreams now are very clear, about real people, real planetary situations, or I dream music, see art projects formed and am shown how to do them, solve problems, have a voice that speaks to me guiding me though aspects of my dreams – just like the voice in this dream that spoke to me, I have visitations from people both living and dead in my dreams who come to give me messages of love or possibly a warning about something I need to know about my health, humanity, life, etc. I avoid all TV and movies. Have lived without TV almost my whole life (by choice) and haven’t watched movies in over two years. I found that I spent the entire night emptying out thousand of high-speed images and emotions all unrelated to me. It was exhausting. It totally invaded my dream time. —I thank you Jay for inspiring me to share this. Like I told Stephen I hope to do a video about this sometime. You both have started me thinking about something I’ve lived with so long that it’s just part of my life. You’ve given me a gift. I appreciate that.
[Reply]
WD Favour Says:
10 April 2009 at 1:31 am.
I read this post with a beautiful background music that I felt was just appropriate for the experience you shared here… I found myself choking with emotion, because I can relate to the dream you shared.
I grew up in a nation called third-world where people believe that they are doomed to failure. Yet I believe that I can be anything I want…I believe I can achieve the dreams that God has placed in my heart… The environment, the people, the attitudes all seem to be involved in a conspiracy to distract and discourage me…
As I press on, however, I discover the ‘door’ and now I feel like I’m almost at that point where I could literally share in your experience”…arms spread like a bird I jumped out into heaven. Magically the ground rose to meet me at the door. I gasped in ecstasy as I rolled across the grass, clutched its juicy blades and pressed my face into sweet Earth. …the tower vanished and I was free in a world of color.”
Thanks Robin for touching my heart with this post.
Robin Replies
My dear WD, what a lovely heart-filled sharing this is. I am moved by your openness. Yes indeed, you have come a long way, with great courage and unwavering determination….and above all Love. You have not arisen by stepping on the toes of others, but rather by gently touching their hearts. You are a master “heart-smith”. Your message is clear and speaks beyond color, race, religion, nations, and all the rest. You speak to the core truth that binds us all as one. I have NO doubt that you will soar through the heavens. It is who you already ARE, my earnest friend. You are stepping into big shoes; your path is a great one that is changing lives. And this is only the start. Thank YOU WD for touching MY heart. R
[Reply]
JOURNEYTIME Says:
10 April 2009 at 4:08 am.
Hi Robin,
Most of us have been so conditioned that it takes a supreme effort to let go and surrender the emotional baggage and the rest of other people’s expectations (our own perceptions), to finally find that inner core of peace, which most people find to be the bottomless hole, which does not disappear, no matter what one tries to fill it with.
In the surrender when the fear leaves us and that spark of truth and authenticity starts to glimmer on the fringes then we know that there is a definite purpose and as the inner light grows and radiates outwards so does the hunger and the spark for life grow.
Once one has conquered the Everest of the mind then each moment is a precious one, enjoyed to the maximum without harnessing it to guilt and recrimination and while busy with those emotions the next few precious moments are truly lost.
There is always the choice !
One cannot change the event but the perception of it, is our choice and what we do with it.
Namaste friend
Do not forget those precious moments for self, especially at this time.
Take care
Derick
Robin Replies
Dear Derick, my wise friend, there is little I can add to this as you have said it all. I could add this: I have sometimes seen people who actually don’t have much fear, don’t have a lot of emotional baggage from their past, BUT they seem to have difficulty seeing through the illusion, or even SEEING the illusion (whatever that is for them). The illusion of all they were taught feels absolutely real to them. I once knew someone like this and as we talked about “the illusion” they honestly told me that they suspected that what they were living was an illusion but could not see beyond it, and yet they wanted to. I suggested that they do things that they had never done, normally wouldn’t do, things people wouldn’t expect of them, etc. Remarkably, doing do opened this person to a whole new world. In retrospect they could not believe they had been living the limited life they’d been living — trapped in the stone tower. They grew like a weed and embraced Life in a whole new way. We must be aware of the dream we are dreaming/creating. It’s all a dream whether we are sleeping or not. Every moment of every day we are creating our personal dream and well as contributing to the collective dream. As you say, “There is always a choice.” Take care my dear Namaste friend. R
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Michael C. Dewey Says:
10 April 2009 at 10:16 am.
Great Post, many times I’ve let others drag me down. I’ll just keep Rockin.
Robin Replies
Dear Michael, It’s wonderful to see you here again. ) You’ve always struck me as a free spirit, someone who I’m sure has rattled the cages of many, not out of meanness, but simply in being true to yourself. So I have no doubt that you will always just “keep rockin’” being yourself, as you move through life. Although some may try to drag you down there will be many other who will be inspired by your free spirit. You will set them free.
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Diane C. Says:
10 April 2009 at 4:23 pm.
Your dream reminds me of the Allegory of Plato’s Cave, which I’m fond of. I don’t usually remember my dreams. I love your picture collage, a beautiful blend of art and nature. Your posts always provide food for thought in appealing ways.
Robin Replies
Dear Diane, it’s always a treat to see you here. I appreciate your kind and supportive words. Just recently my sweetheart was talking about Plato’s Cave as well. I resonated strongly with the story and was pleased to see your mention of it here. Thank you for dropping in.
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Robb Says:
11 April 2009 at 6:29 am.
Kia ora Robin,
I have returned from the mountains. I barely understand your dream and these wonderful thoughts in response, I just read them and appreciate this presence in my life.
I had a few tough moments out there Wild Sister, a few moments I stopped and focused and called upon your energy. I know that may read as trite, but it is True. You were there!
Aroha,
Robb
Robin Replies
Kia ora, dear Robb, I just love your honesty here and believe it or not I relate SO strongly to it. Will tell you more about that sometime. It is one of the truly great things about you. —I thought of you while you were out there, so many times my wild brother, wondered how cold it was, what your eyes and heart were seeing and feeling. Robb nothing you could say would sound trite. I know exactly what you mean about being in tough moments in the wild and drawing on the energy of those who sustain us. I’ve done it many many times and even write about it in my book. And yes, my friend, I WAS there. Aroha always, Robin
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Jay Says:
11 April 2009 at 7:07 pm.
Wow- your sense of awareness sounds a lot like enlightenment. I agree that to NOT dream is distress. There have been studies that correlate depression with lack of dreaming. Your noodle needs the dreaming. I am so happy I got your thought process moving in the right direction- it was truly a pleasure to have met you!
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Jonathan - Advanced Life Skills Says:
11 April 2009 at 10:17 pm.
Hi Robin,
Looks like you and Jay hit it off, I knew you would. He is totally into dreams and has got me looking at mine in a whole new way. By the way, he says you’re amazing, of course the rest of us already knew that but I wanted him to know it also.
Robin Replies
Dear Jonathan, thank you so much for connecting me with Jay. I see your thoughtfulness in so many ways and places. I am going to read more of Jay’s posts on dreams. I’m intrigued when you say he has you thinking about your dreams in a whole new way. Also, I want to thank you for your very kind words here. They touch me.
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gene Says:
12 April 2009 at 1:34 pm.
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes-no! (your questions, my answers )
But, i am changing all that! I think I always had this feeling that I must satisfy others needs before my own, and must put other people’s hopes and dreams before my own, but like i said, I’m changing! for the greater good in me!!
I was driving down the road one day and i suddenly had a thought, like an aha moment!! Was thinking that most people (or just me) are scared of doing things they really want to do, scared of doing things that will make them happy, for fear of what other people might think or say.
And I thought to myself, why? (I still don’t know why!) but I thought that is not why we were put here on earth, we weren’t put here on earth to have dreams, and not manifest those dreams in reality. Dreams that if they were to become reality would make us very happy.
We were put her on earth to experience life and live our life to the fullest and enjoy every moment. So I am trying to do things that will make me happy, and don’t care what other people think or say, I’m not here to have that kind of silly worries, if it’s going to make me happy, I’m doing it. Thinking/worrying what other people thinks uses a lot of your own energy!! And will make you sick!
Oh, great post, and beautiful photos… love the last photo of the sunset!!
Hope you’re doing good… It’s starting to get cold here
Keep well!
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Lynn Says:
13 April 2009 at 4:12 pm.
Thunder and lightning, earthquakes, and goose bumps!!!!
profound doesn’t begin to describe this experience. And I know you don’t need interpretation and are not seeking a rational analysis, but boy – I couldn’t help thinking about Persephone
Love this Robin.
And love your open spirit!
You are so brave And I have a feeling you don’t think of yourself that way
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Kit Says:
27 April 2009 at 9:15 pm.
1)Do you ever permit others to drag you down, forsaking your authentic self? 2)Do you ever stop short of your dreams for fear of taking risks, fear of embracing the unknown? 3)Do you ever “settle for less†and then feel lifeless and despaired inside? 4)Do you ever feel a deep hunger inside, as if there is more to you than what you’re living? 5)Do you ever throw away your great visions because no one is able to see what you see? 6)Do you create your own path, your own dream…even if you walk alone?
You know, this post was heartening to me. Because, when I really pondered your questions at the end, I found myself thinking, 1)not really. . . 2)no, not from fear certainly. . .3)perhaps I might “settle for less, but those times I do don’t leave me feeling lifeless or despairing – not at all. . . 4)OK, yes perhaps, but everything is a trade and I have chosen other paths. . .5)certainly not. . .6)and I have never feared to walk alone. Sometimes, I prefer it greatly.
I do get bogged down in daily life sometimes, but in my heart I still KNOW (with a true knowing) what is really important.
Thank you.
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brainteaser Says:
4 May 2009 at 12:49 pm.
Hi Robin! This is such a beautiful post. I like the symbolisms in your dream.
And you ask didfficult questions…
The answer to your questions is SOMETIMES.
But I continue to struggle not to give in. I falter from time to time, then I try to focus, to remember what it is that I want… and then I keep going.
(This post made me stop… really stop… and reflect on my life. Thank you! You take care, my dear sister, my mentor! I learn so many things from you. You inspire me so!)
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Lauren Says:
22 February 2011 at 3:27 pm.
Dear Robin,
What an amazing dream! I feel I’ve always lived life on my terms (My high school Thoreau commencement topic: A Different Drummer.
I do, though, know the feeling of allowing anxiety or fear to take a front seat at moments. When that happens healing can’t get in. I try to remind myself to relax into the well-being. Letting go for me (especially when it’s the thought of letting go of the body) comes in waves. Waves are enough.
I love you and it’s SO good to see you here!
Big hugs,
Lauren
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