Very angery, Yuki drove Apolo to a cabin in Seattle and instructed Apolo to think about what he really wanted in life and that he couldn't leave until he did so. Yuki felt that once you know what you want, all paths to accomplishing that become clear. Apolo was at this cabin for eight days before he called his father with an answer.
This story was notable to me, because I am a firm believer in solitude and solace. To me ANY problem or issue can be worked out if one is left to do so and in an environment to promote thought. I would have done the same exact thing to/for my son as well. I just wish we took more time to promote organic thought than prescribing medicines, and stupid "mental therapy".
Apolo commends his father for being there for him and for that "retreat" at 12 years old as that very event is the result of what Apolo decided to chose in his life.
I totally agree with you on this. I have to say that the best decisions that I have made for my life were definitely in solitude. I feel like you have to shut off everything sometimes so that you can hear from God. I cant tell you the amount of kids I see everyday on ritalin, concerta and all kinds of misc meds. I really think that a lot of people have decided that parenting is just to hard, and they dont want to do it anymore. So instead of putting in the time and dedication that it takes to nurture our young people, they would rather have something or someone else do it for them. If we thought more about our actions, we would definitely be a lot happier with some of our consequences and repercussions as a result. Taking a long hard look at your life and where you want it to go sets us up for success, not failure! Hence why Apolo is now America's most decorated Winter Olympian!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, D. The question I pose to you is when do you see the fit for solitude and solace as a means for working through problems. and when the need for talking through with another? I've always turned within to reflect, contemplate and determine the right path forward -- in an environment to promote thought. It has always served me well. There have been many a discussion had regarding the effectiveness of this strategy. Just curious in understanding your thinking as it relates to each approach.
ReplyDelete@ Vic, good question. This is a healthy balance between the both. But the stark difference is that the motivation to solitude was prompted by another person.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the one who is going into solitude needs to be aware that you must think outside yourself and beyond emotional cognition.
Hmmm....while I hear what you're saying, I would argue that most 'children' do not have the wherewithal and experience to grasp the concept / idea of thinking outside self and beyond the emotional implications of contemplation in solitude. Particularly with respect to timing in your life and as you ponder the path that lies ahead in your current quest for impacting change, a topic that needs further exploration!!!
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