Stairways to a lighthouse-worthy view used to be for servants. Now it's for penthouses. But the sea is clear: The view (and the bread) isn't for everyone.
I read this essay while reading “Radical Hope” by Jonathan Lear. There the story hinges on a turning point- going forward or turning back . Your essay captures such a moment and the fact that a life’s outcome depends on turning toward the path forward. Thank you.
I can tell you that, in the first twenty minutes, all I felt was bitter resentment. I was in decent shape at the time. But the temperature was sizzling. The deep humidity added more pressure. And seeing sweat drip onto the steps in front of me, before I even took a step, felt like life just decided to have a good laugh.
Then, somewhere in the middle of the journey, something shifted. “
“More than the bread, she may have remembered that the job of going up and down the stairs—regardless of situation, position, or willingness—is ultimately a servant’s role.
And somehow, that was enough for Thelma.
It was enough for her to walk down her lighthouse, to stand in front of the US Lighthouse Service Board, to request being appointed Head Lighthouse Keeper at Point Fermin…”
The trick of walking up strenuous climbs is to go more slowly. By the same token, I find that the busier and more stressed I am, the more I need to do nothing and slow down, paradoxically.
Super deep subject that’s barely understood because the brain is still barely understood. Was reading through this the other day, tangentially related:
I read this essay while reading “Radical Hope” by Jonathan Lear. There the story hinges on a turning point- going forward or turning back . Your essay captures such a moment and the fact that a life’s outcome depends on turning toward the path forward. Thank you.
Thank you, Michael- Which particular part stood out to you the most?
I can tell you that, in the first twenty minutes, all I felt was bitter resentment. I was in decent shape at the time. But the temperature was sizzling. The deep humidity added more pressure. And seeing sweat drip onto the steps in front of me, before I even took a step, felt like life just decided to have a good laugh.
Then, somewhere in the middle of the journey, something shifted. “
And then -
“More than the bread, she may have remembered that the job of going up and down the stairs—regardless of situation, position, or willingness—is ultimately a servant’s role.
And somehow, that was enough for Thelma.
It was enough for her to walk down her lighthouse, to stand in front of the US Lighthouse Service Board, to request being appointed Head Lighthouse Keeper at Point Fermin…”
Yes this was definitely one of my favorite parts as well, Michael-
Great research, reporting and writing. 👍🏼
Thanks Bob
The trick of walking up strenuous climbs is to go more slowly. By the same token, I find that the busier and more stressed I am, the more I need to do nothing and slow down, paradoxically.
Yes to this, Nick. They’re definitely related. I’m sure someone’s done research on how the physical and mental space relate in terms of load. Anyone?
Super deep subject that’s barely understood because the brain is still barely understood. Was reading through this the other day, tangentially related:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/21/scientists-find-link-between-brain-imbalance-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome
Never heard of MEs. But have heard of CFSs ... Sounds rough.