On the State of Serenity

It is not happiness. Happiness is a fleeting state, the pursuit of fools who get exactly what they pursue - as well as the tariff for their pursuit.

It is not silence, save for the silence of the heart.

It is not smugness, for the serene remain aware of the faults and flaws of which they were aware before, and they know that these have not gone away.

It is not comfort, because comfort stops you seeing, and here nothing misses you.

It is not joy, because you can be in the presence even when nothing is going right for you.

What is it?

It is clarity.

It is the ability to perceive the truth and neither laugh at it nor flinch from it.

Shepherd Book

Lord, I'm walking your way.

Let me in, for my feet are sore, my clothes are ragged.

Look in my eyes, Lord, and my sins will play out on them as on a screen.

Read them all.

Forgive what you can, and send me on my path.

I will walk on until you bid me rest.

- Shepherd Book

Shining Mind

I just had a prolonged conversation with a gentleman over the telephone. Apparently, he wishes to involve me with a BBC Radio 4 show in December. The subject is conlangs. Apparently, as part of the show he aims to put me in speaking distance of a woman whose interests include Klingon as one of many conlangs.

It should be interesting and challenging. I will keep you informed as to further developments.