Life & Death

In our last post we wrote about life and the reality of sudden death. This week an elderly relative was undergoing a second, difficult surgery. With hospitals, operations, health and healing, it all became clear: we were aware of that fine line between life and death. It has also been a week of loss with the passing of Ed MacMahon, Farah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. While McMahon and Fawcett were both ill, Michael Jackson’s death at 50 was perhaps the most striking.

Michael Jackson was a global icon. Child star. Musician, composer, dancer, performer, humanitarian. An astonishing talent. We never saw or heard anything like it. In his evolution as an artist, his incredible performance at Motown’s 25th anniversary, his ability to break through color barriers with his music, the unprecedented crossover appeal, and the way he revolutionized the way we “watched” music, he created a paradigm shift. His disciplined life force found a unique expression.

Balance

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.” ~ Thomas Merton

A master at his craft, Jackson was the consummate performer, perfectionist, always professional, creative, and in control. Yet, he could not bring those qualities into his personal life. Our last post addressed balance – the innate or learned ability to live a steadied existence. This is the integration of three things: body, mind & spirit. In TanDao martial arts philosophy, we use the holisitic model of the warrior, scholar, monk. The fourth point is mastery: the unified, centered being. Mastery allows for the constant regaining of balance in every area of life.

When Wounds Do Not Heal

From a painful childhood, to a troubled adulthood, Michael Jackson lived out of balance. The fourth point, true mastery and control of his life, was out of his reach. Despite the fame and adoration, his emotional wounds went unattended.  It was compounded by the fate of being in a powerful position and surrounded by people who do not, or cannot, provide a rudder. On staff physicians who enable prescription addictions, sycophants and even loyal friends who understand, but are unable do much more than that. In some manner everyone accommodates, or looks the other way. It not only weakens, but counters the strength of survival.

The image of the special individual and his entourage is familiar. It is the celebrity, the athlete; maybe even your boss, or your teacher. No one dares to question. Or challenge. But faithful agreement and medicine isn’t what’s needed – the prescribed cure is a dose of reality. Otherwise it is a dangerous and slippery slope, with tragic results.

The path of the martial way teaches survival, mental and physical health, the importance of community, and the quest for full spectrum knowledge – which ultimately gives way to wisdom. It is through this integration that we find clarity, self-reliance and a check and balance system. This fosters the wholeness and richness of  spirit, maturity, mastery. This is longevity.

Michael Jackson built the Neverland Ranch, named after Peter Pan’s home. It was a child’s paradise. And an insulating place of isolation. He was regarded as Peter Pan – the little boy who would never  grow up. He did grow up, but he is the man who would never grow old. In the beauty of his legacy, there is also great sadness. When asked what he would to sing in remembrance of Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson said he would choose a cover of  “Never Can Say Goodbye” because he never can say good bye to Michael Jackson. None of us can.

May he rest in peace.

Toni Josephson

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