SOLZHENITSYN
I participated in an informal trivia contest in a chat room I frequent. I was the oldest player and didn't do very well on questions about current musical groups or recent sports heroes. But I was surprised to find myself the only one who knew that the answer to a question about a Russian literary figure was Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. It was one of those rare exciting moments for me. I hadn't thought about Solzhenitsyn for quite awhile. In my college days and the years immediately following, I thought about him all the time, learned from him and kept going in large measure because of him. Solzhenitsyn is a Russian author and Nobel prize winner who wrote one of my all-time favorite books, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich.
This book describes the struggle to exist in a Soviet labor camp. It's partly based on Solzhenitsyn's own time in a labor camp and is the best book I've read about the unshakable human will to live. It teaches us that we can survive anything, that we can find beauty in even the worst of circumstances and that life is never unbearable unless you accept that it is, concede that it is.
The American holidays coming up are difficult times for many people. People who are alone and unhappy are reminded of their condition more intensely at this time of year. People begin to dwell on what's missing from their lives and find the joy other people share a silent rebuke for their own failings. This is a good time to think about Solzhenitsyn and learn his lessons.
If you find yourself morose at this season, think about this: You are a unique and valuable person who has much to give to others if you'll let yourself. You can survive anything and go on to find beauty in your situation. If you look, there's something beautiful within your gaze or hearing. Be ready to share whenever you have the opportunity. Think of the little things which brighten the day, even the fun of watching a storm or sloshing through the mud. Think of all the ways you're blessed, merely by being alive. Read One Day and see if you, like I did, come away feeling better.
12-10-01