Erik - I’m so glad you lured me in with these sublime icy photographs. They left me breathless with wonder and in just the right mind to take in that passage on Epictetus and Campbell. Two parts, yes, but essential in one post. Thank you for helping me set my mind and my will/bliss to today’s work. This nearly brought me to tears (recognition): “My truck may fully break down. One day my camera may break. However, the way I see the world can never be taken from me.”
I’d love to feature a photo or three in the next NatureStack journal - coming up in a few weeks. The theme is emotion — in a turbulent time for us nature-lovers. (Which is always?)
Beautiful images Erik. I love the light on the cracked ice and the colours of the leaves underneath it which are stunning.
I am not familiar with Joseph Campbell, but I love the quote about following your bliss. For me life has always been richer when I am following my passion for photography and nature - not monetarily but definitely in terms of experience and fulfilment, and I think that is what is important.
I was really transfixed by how the light highlighted the patterns on the ice and brought out so many varied colors, all depending on subtle shifts of positioning! It was such a fun and rewarding outing!
It is nice to read Campbell describing the importance of following bliss. I feel that way too, but sometimes find it hard to hang onto that idea when everyday struggles begin to pile up. Thanks for your comments Gill, they are always valuable!
Wow, beautiful images and words, both. Thank you, Erik! I too love ice in winter and was already getting ready to write about it. Thanks for further inspiration, and thanks for always sharing your adventures with us.
Eric, I love the photos and found the post to be very interesting. I totally believe in in "following your bliss." It's something I have spent a lot of time doing in my life. I haven't read a lot of Joseph Campbell, but I am very familiar with his message, and his work on mythology. He's very inspiring!
It seems to me that this is a very deep message, much more than just do whatever makes us happy in the moment. I can see it being tied to The Call that he talks about, but also what the Stoics term 'eudaimonia,' or a flourishing in life that comes from living a life of virtue. I'm eager to start learning more! Thank you Pamela!
I would have enjoyed your post if had just been the text or the pics alone. Both together makes your account especially unique and awesome! Looking forward to continuing to check out your great work 👊🏻
Wow, great piece. Seriously, I real enjoyed reading what I discern as good writing. Many thoughts…First, being from MN I realized I take for granted ice and snow, something I do share your affection for; Second, I wonder if you’ve connected with Sam Alaimo or Adam Perlot two writers on Stoicism here on Substack; Third, I have taught not so much Campbell as philosopher, but the Hero’s Journey in Literature, and it definitely follows classic “Plot Line” development. Haven’t really seen it applied outside of literary context as Campbell saw it play out in patterns within mythology, I believe. If there’s a philosophical angle that can be applied, sweet! as it seems to dovetail in a way with Stoics. Thanks, again, for a wonderful piece!
Thanks Chuck! Yeah, I'm a big fan of both Sam Alaimo and Andrew Perlot. They are great thinkers and express their ideas very well in their writing. I'm also familiar with Campbell in relation to the Hero's journey through literature and film. I know about Campbell, but haven't actually read his books yet. It just struck me that that part of his conversation seemed very well aligned with what Epictetus said. Hopefully I'm not adding in a layer of my own interpretation on something that isn't truly there. Maybe when I've read more I'll know better. Thanks again for reading and for your comments!
You painted such beautiful pictures with your words and beautiful icy photography. I used to teach the Hero's Journey to my middle schoolers as a way to understand literature since most stories follow this trajectory. I've always been one to run towards the things that I fear as well as those that I love, nature, movement, literature, animals and teaching. Thanks for your interesting piece.
That means a lot! Thanks Maryann! I'm familiar with Campbell from the Hero's journey in literature, but haven't actually read much of his work. It struck me that the little bit of this conversation of his that I read sounded so familiar to what I was reading in Epictetus. I can't wait to read more!
I'm not surprised by how beautiful these photos are...probably because I'm Canadian and see plenty of ice. It never ceases to amaze me when I look up close.
I'm so glad you stay true to your Call. It's my Sunday guilty pleasure 😍
Lol!! I can picture you reading this one and thinking- great... MORE ice 🙄. It looks like the next week or two will have highs in the 60's here, so maybe we're done with that this year. 😁
Always enjoy your work Erik. I am familiar with Campbell's writing tangentially in that it often comes up when discussing great works. However, I haven't read anything specifically by him yet. Hero with 1000 Faces has been on my list for a bit as has The Masks of God 4 volume series. I will be interested in your thoughts when you get to reading him and maybe it will push me to read him sooner rather than later! Thanks.
I like your / Epictetus's thoughts that certain things, like our finances or health, aren't always under our control. For me, there's an echo of mortality philosophy in there: we can't control nor know when we might die (and it might be very soon) but we can choose how to act purposefully within the time we are gifted. Within those breaths, we can "pursue our bliss." (Though the practical part of me does enjoy pursuing financial security to -some- extent!) Thanks for this, as always. I came for the gorgeous light-shows on the ice, and left with philosophical musings.
Thanks Niki! I think Epictetus would agree completely with that mortality philosophy. Also, there is nothing wrong with pursuing financial security or even wealth, so long a we keep in mind that money isn't good in itself, but how we use it can be. I always like hearing your perspective on these things!
Beautiful photos and good reminder adventure and beauty are all around us. They don't necessarily involve a plane ticket, a road trip, or even a working truck.
Beautiful patterns and colours in the ice Erik. Well worth heading out to find. And thank you for the book recommendation - perhaps a more accessible introduction to Joseph Campbell.
Thank you James! I found the colors and patterns fascinating. If we get another freeze this winter I'll be heading out to try again!
Someone pointed out to me that there are a lot of clips of Campbell being interviewed on YouTube. I haven't had the chance to look them up yet, but sounds really interesting!
Great read, Erik and some stunning photos. Thanks for sharing. 🙌
I really appreciate that! Thank you Katie!
Erik - I’m so glad you lured me in with these sublime icy photographs. They left me breathless with wonder and in just the right mind to take in that passage on Epictetus and Campbell. Two parts, yes, but essential in one post. Thank you for helping me set my mind and my will/bliss to today’s work. This nearly brought me to tears (recognition): “My truck may fully break down. One day my camera may break. However, the way I see the world can never be taken from me.”
I’d love to feature a photo or three in the next NatureStack journal - coming up in a few weeks. The theme is emotion — in a turbulent time for us nature-lovers. (Which is always?)
Wow Julie, I'm so glad this post resonated well with you! Those are some powerful compliments. Thank you!
I'd be honored to have some of my photos featured. Let me know which one or ones and if I need to send them to you in a different format.
Beautiful images Erik. I love the light on the cracked ice and the colours of the leaves underneath it which are stunning.
I am not familiar with Joseph Campbell, but I love the quote about following your bliss. For me life has always been richer when I am following my passion for photography and nature - not monetarily but definitely in terms of experience and fulfilment, and I think that is what is important.
I was really transfixed by how the light highlighted the patterns on the ice and brought out so many varied colors, all depending on subtle shifts of positioning! It was such a fun and rewarding outing!
It is nice to read Campbell describing the importance of following bliss. I feel that way too, but sometimes find it hard to hang onto that idea when everyday struggles begin to pile up. Thanks for your comments Gill, they are always valuable!
Wow, beautiful images and words, both. Thank you, Erik! I too love ice in winter and was already getting ready to write about it. Thanks for further inspiration, and thanks for always sharing your adventures with us.
Thanks Jeanne! Now I'm looking forward to reading yours!
Well .... I can't match your incredible photos, but we did have some cool icicles on the edge of a cave.
Woah, that sounds cool! I'll defer to Ansel Adams, who said being a good photographer is just knowing where to stand! 😁
Eric, I love the photos and found the post to be very interesting. I totally believe in in "following your bliss." It's something I have spent a lot of time doing in my life. I haven't read a lot of Joseph Campbell, but I am very familiar with his message, and his work on mythology. He's very inspiring!
It seems to me that this is a very deep message, much more than just do whatever makes us happy in the moment. I can see it being tied to The Call that he talks about, but also what the Stoics term 'eudaimonia,' or a flourishing in life that comes from living a life of virtue. I'm eager to start learning more! Thank you Pamela!
Man, phenomenal post. Glad Jesse McEntee led me to your account. Powerful reflection and love the ties to my favorite philosopher, Epictetus
Right on!! Thanks Kyle, Epictetus is one of my favorites as well. It's awesome to connect with people with similar mindsets!
I would have enjoyed your post if had just been the text or the pics alone. Both together makes your account especially unique and awesome! Looking forward to continuing to check out your great work 👊🏻
That's awesome, Kyle! Thanks! I can't promise a home run every time, but I'll do my best!
Wow, great piece. Seriously, I real enjoyed reading what I discern as good writing. Many thoughts…First, being from MN I realized I take for granted ice and snow, something I do share your affection for; Second, I wonder if you’ve connected with Sam Alaimo or Adam Perlot two writers on Stoicism here on Substack; Third, I have taught not so much Campbell as philosopher, but the Hero’s Journey in Literature, and it definitely follows classic “Plot Line” development. Haven’t really seen it applied outside of literary context as Campbell saw it play out in patterns within mythology, I believe. If there’s a philosophical angle that can be applied, sweet! as it seems to dovetail in a way with Stoics. Thanks, again, for a wonderful piece!
Thanks Chuck! Yeah, I'm a big fan of both Sam Alaimo and Andrew Perlot. They are great thinkers and express their ideas very well in their writing. I'm also familiar with Campbell in relation to the Hero's journey through literature and film. I know about Campbell, but haven't actually read his books yet. It just struck me that that part of his conversation seemed very well aligned with what Epictetus said. Hopefully I'm not adding in a layer of my own interpretation on something that isn't truly there. Maybe when I've read more I'll know better. Thanks again for reading and for your comments!
You painted such beautiful pictures with your words and beautiful icy photography. I used to teach the Hero's Journey to my middle schoolers as a way to understand literature since most stories follow this trajectory. I've always been one to run towards the things that I fear as well as those that I love, nature, movement, literature, animals and teaching. Thanks for your interesting piece.
That means a lot! Thanks Maryann! I'm familiar with Campbell from the Hero's journey in literature, but haven't actually read much of his work. It struck me that the little bit of this conversation of his that I read sounded so familiar to what I was reading in Epictetus. I can't wait to read more!
I'm not surprised by how beautiful these photos are...probably because I'm Canadian and see plenty of ice. It never ceases to amaze me when I look up close.
I'm so glad you stay true to your Call. It's my Sunday guilty pleasure 😍
Lol!! I can picture you reading this one and thinking- great... MORE ice 🙄. It looks like the next week or two will have highs in the 60's here, so maybe we're done with that this year. 😁
Hahahaa never!! I love winter, its beauty never gets old.
Awesome! 😁
Beautiful writing and images.
Thank you!
Always enjoy your work Erik. I am familiar with Campbell's writing tangentially in that it often comes up when discussing great works. However, I haven't read anything specifically by him yet. Hero with 1000 Faces has been on my list for a bit as has The Masks of God 4 volume series. I will be interested in your thoughts when you get to reading him and maybe it will push me to read him sooner rather than later! Thanks.
Its going to be interesting, for sure! Thanks Matthew!
I like your / Epictetus's thoughts that certain things, like our finances or health, aren't always under our control. For me, there's an echo of mortality philosophy in there: we can't control nor know when we might die (and it might be very soon) but we can choose how to act purposefully within the time we are gifted. Within those breaths, we can "pursue our bliss." (Though the practical part of me does enjoy pursuing financial security to -some- extent!) Thanks for this, as always. I came for the gorgeous light-shows on the ice, and left with philosophical musings.
Thanks Niki! I think Epictetus would agree completely with that mortality philosophy. Also, there is nothing wrong with pursuing financial security or even wealth, so long a we keep in mind that money isn't good in itself, but how we use it can be. I always like hearing your perspective on these things!
Mm...agreed, I appreciate the reminder that money isn't the ultimate end... 👍👍
Beautiful photos and good reminder adventure and beauty are all around us. They don't necessarily involve a plane ticket, a road trip, or even a working truck.
Thanks! Yeah, it's a reminder to myself more than anything. I'm struggling here lately, lol!
Beautiful patterns and colours in the ice Erik. Well worth heading out to find. And thank you for the book recommendation - perhaps a more accessible introduction to Joseph Campbell.
Thank you James! I found the colors and patterns fascinating. If we get another freeze this winter I'll be heading out to try again!
Someone pointed out to me that there are a lot of clips of Campbell being interviewed on YouTube. I haven't had the chance to look them up yet, but sounds really interesting!
Thanks Erik - will check them out.