A Carpe Diem Snapshot:
The one and only time we have visited Narni- so far!- I discovered this delightful, though closed, bookshop that advertised their books as "medicina per l'anima" or, medicine for the soul! At the moment, I'm totally immersed in one book in particular- the one I am creating myself on stoicism, and self-administering some strong doses. I look forward to sharing it with you this summer, if I survive the treatment. Here's an example of one of my latest selections for the book:
Wisdom’s seat is higher; she trains not the hands, but is mistress of our minds…You see in her the skilled artisan of life. The other arts, it is true, wisdom has under her control; for he whom life serves is also served by the things which equip life. But wisdom’s course is toward the state of happiness; thither she guides us, thither she opens the way for us. She shows us what things are evil and what things are seemingly evil; she strips our minds of vain illusion. She bestows upon us a greatness which is substantial, but she represses the greatness which is inflated, and showy but filled with emptiness; and she does not permit us to be ignorant of the difference between what is great and what is but swollen; nay, she delivers to us the knowledge of the whole of nature and of her own nature.
Lucius Seneca, Letters from a Stoic, “ XC. On the Part Played by Philosophy in the Progress of Man”. (from c. 63-65CE)
Liturgical: Feast of Sts. Philip and James, Apostles; First Friday Devotion
Sanctoral: Philip, Apostle, +80 in Hierapolis, Asia, Roman Empire. Patron saint of
pastry chefs. James the Less, Apostle, +63 in Jerusalem. Patron saint of apothecaries. Both Philip and James are buried inthe chiesa dei Santi Apostoli in Rome.
St. Juvenal (d. 373) is also commemorated today. He was the first bishop of Narni in the Umbrian region of Italy (yes, the name Narni was the inspiration for Narnia!).
Human: The event of the year has begun in Narni! If you are in the area, here's some information on the "Corsa all'Anello 56ª edizione"
Natural: Seems I can't go for long without talking about autophagy! Here's another resource on the benefits. And here's a Dr. Berg video on 12 different ways you can trigger it (not just through fasting!).
Quote: "In most cases, people, even the most vicious, are much more naive and simple-minded than we assume them to be. And this is true of ourselves, too."
Italian: "Essere felice come una Pasqua" = to be as happy as you can (literally, to be happy like an Easter)
A bit of beauty to ponder: The most beautiful love hymn - Heavenly Romanian Voice, Maria Coman (I Cor. 13, 1-8) (youtube.com)
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