Close. Distant.

Another big one. A constant conflict for many. Again, the fear of being vulnerable. Some of us fear to get too close since we might be exposed. Or become dependent. Some of us fear the distance to others. Having to face life alone. Some swing back and forth between these two, never really eing able to settle either in independence or in companionship. Of course we need both. And again it seems that the two are mutually interlocked, holding the key to one another:

If we do not know how to stand on our own two feet, if we cannot spend a fairly meaningful time by ourselves there is a risk that we will have some trouble in our being with others. And if we cannot relate to others,if we shut others out and refuse to aknowledge any need or weakness our solitude might soon become overwhelming, or we might start to fill up with emptiness. We are, after all, a social animal. We may need the love of others as a firm ground to step off into independence from. And to return to in times of challenge. And what does independence mean in a universe containing but one person? Independent in close company of others - easy peasy!

Wanting to come close to someone of course exposes us to the possibility of rejection. We've all been there and who would want to go there again? It hurts like hell!

And isn't it nice how this "conflict/solution" would show through this project if it got going a bit more - with all strong, independent works of art coming together to become something more than they were alone, at the same time that the whole (ten mantles) would never be so glorious if it weren't for the individuality of the pieces?! Something worth joining ;)?

I wish you all the best on this day that is so beautiful here in Stockholm at least!