Change or Die

Susan Sontag paraphrasing Immanuel Kant
Time exists in order that everything doesn't happen at once. And Space exists so that it all doesn't happen to you.

The Phoenix is an Egyptian bird that is made of brightly glowing fire. It is a symbol of divinity and immortality and fire. They are quick to regenerate and are practically immortal. These long-lived birds have a life span that ranges from 500 years to 1461, depending on your sources.

These birds are only practically immortal for they do die. At the end of their given life cycle, the Phoenix makes a nest of cinnamon twigs and then, ignites his nest, with the bird lying with in until they are both consumed by the fire. The Phoenix is reduced to mere ash. In 3 days time, the Phoenix rises again.

Some say that the Phoenix gathers the ashes of its former self, forms it into an egg made of myrrh and then brings this to the Egyptian city of Heliopolis.

Sometimes, one can find themselves lost or confused. Once in a while, we lose our way. Life is a long, long journey to somewhere. That somewhere is decided upon by you. And because it is decided upon by you, you can change that destination anytime on the way.

I find myself burning my former selves in a nest of cinnamon twigs. The other day, I had burned old letters that I have found. I kept them, I don't know why. I read through my old journals and found myself seething at the old me. It's re-invention. It's the act of removing the old skin and then leaving it behind. Snakes do it. Some insects create a chrysalis where they metamorphose into something else... something better, maybe?

We all have the capacity to change; whether it be violent and destructive or just discreetly, subtly and silently. I've heard it said several times before: one must change or die. Without the capacity to adapt, to improve, to develop and grow, they are removed from existence. Change or die.

The Phoenix does both and lives immortal.