Years ago, I adopted the ouroboros (one of the oldest known human-created icons) as a personal totem. The image, of a snake eating it’s own tail has been variously interpreted as a symbol of the soul of the world; the ceaseless cycle of existence, where destruction leads to creation.
For myself, I interpret the symbol as one of personal evolution, alchemy and the constancy of change throughout one’s life. As one previous mentor explained it to me, “Change or you will be changed”. Or, in the words of Yoda, “Do or do not.” And based on my own personal experience, life (and the universe) is ever-changing, whether you plan it that way or not.
I was reborn yet again just last week, by a (in this case, planned) life-changing experience: retirement from the day job. This time, the day job was an 8-year stint after 9 years as a full-time fiction writer. Due to the day job covenants against government workers and perceived conflicts of interest, I have penned very little in the last few years. Thus, I am SO very glad for the return of creative freedom and self-governance; ironically at a time of greater political upheaval and threat to constitutional freedoms (but I digress).
Nine days into my new life and I feel myself starting to unclench. Sunday, I drove three hours north to Seattle on a smashingly beautiful day for a one-person sold-out performance of Hamlet by Eddie Izzard. Well adapted, brilliantly performed and the perfect celebration to mark my return to the creative life. IMO, every writer needs a dash of Shakespeare and Izzard at regular intervals.
After returning all my employer’s equipment for last rites, I’ve sorted my writing desk, cleaned out files, pulled out my yellow pad for notes and got myself a longtime longed-for remote keyboard for the Mac (a Logitech Wave!!!).
Next week, I am attending a book-signing (the first in 8 years!) at my local Powell’s in Beaverton for Christopher Moore’s new book, Anima Rising.
Embracing the change and diggin’ it.
