Note: I’m starting to read these posts for those who prefer to listen. USE THIS LINK to read and listen on your browser if the audio doesn’t play on your email (or takes to you some weird page.) There’s a myth—probably Hindu in origin—that the earth is flat and rests on the back of a turtle. And that turtle rests on the back of a larger turtle. Ultimately, it’s “turtles all the way down.”
I just watched you documentary and wanted to say how much it touched me. I am also wondering what wilderness program was mentioned in the documentary. Thank you for your service. 🙏
The rock bottom question is really interesting. Some of the friends I made when I was in Portland had been through re-hab so often we joked that they should write a travel guide, and each episode seemed like rock bottom at the time. I’m starting to think that you have to hit rock bottom before you’re ready to get clean or sober, but it’s not enough. Something else has to happen to, or maybe a bunch of things have to happen. Good piece, as always.
Working with this population for 15 years, today's post really hits home. I've concluded that there is no answer to rock bottom or any of the other existential questions that arise when observing such sad, hopeless behavior and life circumstances. Not to mention all the systems that erect roadblocks more than a helping hand. Your writing reminds of the Gabor Mate book, In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts without the MD overlay, and captures the daily, overwhelming struggle with compassion and nuance. Thank you.
Thanks Jeremy. Not quite done yet. I have a few more I'll probably do next. Gotta say they've taken up more "bandwidth" than expected but continue to be revelatory to me and I hope to readers.
I just watched you documentary and wanted to say how much it touched me. I am also wondering what wilderness program was mentioned in the documentary. Thank you for your service. 🙏
Found it in the credits. Thank you 🙏
Good to literally hear your voice. xo
The rock bottom question is really interesting. Some of the friends I made when I was in Portland had been through re-hab so often we joked that they should write a travel guide, and each episode seemed like rock bottom at the time. I’m starting to think that you have to hit rock bottom before you’re ready to get clean or sober, but it’s not enough. Something else has to happen to, or maybe a bunch of things have to happen. Good piece, as always.
Working with this population for 15 years, today's post really hits home. I've concluded that there is no answer to rock bottom or any of the other existential questions that arise when observing such sad, hopeless behavior and life circumstances. Not to mention all the systems that erect roadblocks more than a helping hand. Your writing reminds of the Gabor Mate book, In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts without the MD overlay, and captures the daily, overwhelming struggle with compassion and nuance. Thank you.
These have been great - good luck with whatever comes next!
Thanks Jeremy. Not quite done yet. I have a few more I'll probably do next. Gotta say they've taken up more "bandwidth" than expected but continue to be revelatory to me and I hope to readers.