Apocalypse – A definition
I recently watched a 2015 National Geographic documentary series entitled “Who is God” hosted by Morgan Freeman. His mission was to travel around the world tracing the evolution of the belief in God. He met with religious leaders of many faiths as well scholars. One of many questions he explored was how do religions define the Apocalypse.
The discussions fascinated me. As a non-Christian, I do not pretend to be versed in the bible. From what I do understand, the book of Revelations describes the Apocalypse as the complete and final destruction of the world. There are many who have been preparing for this end all their lives.
I wanted to dig deeper into the word Apocalypse and discover its etymology.
The origin of the word apocalypse: Old English, via Old French and ecclesiastical Latin from Greek apokalupsis from apokalutein “uncover, reveal. “An unveiling or unfolding of things not previously known and which could not be known apart from the unveiling”. A disclosure of knowledge.
Apocalypse is also used to describe events involving destruction or damage on an awesome or catastrophic scale. For example, a stock market crash or a pandemic apocalypse.
Apocalypse – Revelation
I am not a follower of the idea that the Apocalypse means literally the end of the world. What I do believe is the original definition of apokalupsis (Greek) meaning to uncover, reveal. In a sense, apocalyptic events happen more often than we realize. Furthermore, these events can happen on an individual level, within a subgroup, a region, a nation and/or universally, such as we are now experiencing with the pandemic.
Each day of our lives greet us with revelations and discoveries. Likely, these encounters will be nuanced to the point that we do not even notice the change or transformation that is taking place. Less catastrophic, but nonetheless, revelations. When looking outside at the trees, the river, listening to the birds and the ringing of my outdoor chime, all seems as it should be. However, as I reflect upon the changes that are occurring in my daily, weekly, monthly routine, my awareness is reaching new heights.
Apocalypse – Awareness
Instead of blindly going about my routines as I might have done pre-pandemic, I have to think more intensely about many of my daily actions. Still, I do admit a low level of denial still exists on my part regarding the current state of the my world. It’s as if this is all just a bad dream or an episode of the Twilight Zone, which has turned into a full season.
However, on other days, I view these times as a challenge to my ability and courage to adapt.
For instance, masks are now a staple item I keep close at hand and sometimes I get out of the car, walk a ways before I remember that I forgot to put it on. Or I see someone wearing a mask, which prompts me to return to my car and retrieve mine.
Strolling down the isles of any number of stores there are empty shelves. Items are missing that I have usually taken for granted. Therefore, I have to rethink what to replace those items with as I wander aimlessly searching for stand ins.
What fascinates me about this new way of doing is that I am discovering more unique selections than what I would have normally chosen when robotically going through the isles, pre-pandemic.
Another example is waiting outside before being called into the dentist office to get my temperature checked. Questions about my whereabouts the last two weeks are asked and answered. A feeling of guilt swaths over me for no reason, about places I may have gone. Ultimately, understanding the necessity of it all and becoming aware that I am doing my part to thwart the spread.
I now look into someone eyes with a heightened appreciation as we converse through our masked faces. Consequently, I seem to be listening more carefully and deliberately in order to capture the nuances of the discussion as well as bodily expressions.
Widening my scope. Accepting the transition.
Apocalypse – Allowing
Being open to change is part of who I am. Accepting and allowing transitions has led me to some places externally and internally even pre-pandemic. Apocalyptic events continue to reveal to me the beauty beneath the chaos.
The revelations that the universe is currently presenting will affect us all for years to come. For some, this may prove to be too much. I get that. Empathy will hopefully prevail.
To that end, as a hypersensitive being, I find myself overwhelmed with guilt, sorrow, fear, compassion, love, hope, anger. An example are thoughts of what I should or could be doing which ruminate and infect my mind, especially at night as I am trying to fall asleep. Or worse yet, in the middle of the night when something wakes me up.
What has been helpful is sending my mind to places in nature… the ocean, the forest, the slow moving river in our backyard.
Nature is a constant, always here for us to absorb. When awake, my thoughts of nature turn into walks, observations, reflections and expressions on canvas as a means to visualize my experiences. The effect that nature has had on me were evident even before the current universal crisis. Which for me now, is proving to be a life saving foundation.
Apocalypse – Resilience
Being in touch with what can be done on a personal level within our community is what will ultimately help us survive and thrive under these new parameters. Apocalyptic events reveal who we really are underneath all the noise that surrounds us. However, while we might want to simply walk away and hide, we need one another. Individualism does not work in this climate of global disruption. The rogue player on the field will not win the game on their own.
One of the greatest barriers to connection is the obsolete cultural emphasis of going it alone. Equating success with not needing anyone, no longer applies in our current world. I touched upon this in my last blog: https://michellelindblom.com/shedding-rugged-individualism-for-connection
Therefore, I look to be resilient. Resilience is about problem solving, seeking help, managing feelings and coping, having social support, connecting with others. Also, resilience includes our common spirituality, knowing that there is something greater than all of us. Working as a community in whatever manner that means, is how the game will continue to be played.
Apocalypse – Artistic Journey
Each day a blank canvas or piece of paper awaits my paintbrush or my pen. At this point, I no longer force myself to make marks unless I feel compelled to do so. A few strokes of the brush or a few lines written on the page is enough. The current state of things is allowing me to pause with comfort as I learn to appreciate this fact of life.
This pause I am experiencing is also intuitive. Sometimes guided by the energy forces around me or the subconscious energy within me. Often, I do not know. Which is the beauty, the darkness and the mystery beneath the apocalyptic layers that are part of my existence right now. I respect and am grateful for this revelation.
Image: “Apocalyptic Dialogues”
This is an acrylic on canvas from 2008. The imagery was conceived by listening to the music of Apocalyptica, a four piece string instrument group. Their music is intense just as the dialogue and the noise can be all around us. In this work, particularly, I chose to use minimal colors so that the movements would take prominence. The title is appropriate for the time we are living. We cannot sustain this dialogue for much longer, something is going to give.
Deep stuff, Michelle … and I love the art. Thank you. “Apocalypse” surely is a fascinating word.
Don,
Appreciate you taking the time to read my most recent blog and respond. The etymology of words is certainly fascinating. It is interesting how current definitions have veered from their origins in some cases.
Michelle
Beautifully written Michelle, the way you put into words what I see and feel daily is profound.
I have watched the Morgan Freeman series twice. It resonates deeply with me.
These are challenging days for all of us. We are learning to adjust to a new reality. My husband John passed away this year. In a strange way covid has left me with fewer places to run so in way it’s been an unexpected gift.
I’m taking the time to reflect, walk, journal and just cry. It has also provided me with more opportunities to give back, reach out and focus on others needs.
Thank you for bravely sharing your journey ♥️
Linda,
I have several friends whom have lost their significant others during COVID. So, so difficult and I am sorry for your loss.
What you say about not being able to run away is so true for many of us. Being forced, in this bizarre way, to face ourselves head on. Not easy, but so necessary in order to move forward.
It gives me joy that my words touched something within you enough for you to respond so thoughtfully. We all need to hold each other up whenever and however we can. Take care.
Michelle
Well done Michelle.. It is somehow comforting that apocalypse is really not as dire as it is set up to be…yet deeper, more involved and personal. It’s funny how the meaning of a word can alter perception! Great blog! Sue
Sue,
It is fascinating how meanings change over time. I wanted to go in several directions with this one, so it took me a while to get it out there. I really appreciate your comments and that what I had to say resonated.
Michelle
Thanks Michelle for your writings! That was very enlightening to learn on the origin of Apocalypse and so current to the pandemic in such a different way. I love your thoughts and awareness’s you have made. A beautiful painting to go with your writing too!
Maria,
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. When I let these blogs go public I never really know if what I have to say will connect. I’m so happy when I find out they do. 😊
Michelle
Another wonderful piece of art and writing. Thank you for your analogy and thought provoking interpretation. So much being revealed to us, but we are not always able to see or recognize it. It is my hope that through this experience our world will go through a profound renewal of healing.
Susanne,
Oftentimes we all need a major blow to the head (figuratively speaking) in order to see the light. Being comfortable is being complacent. Thank you as always for taking the time to read and respond to my blog. ❤️
Michelle
Fascinating! I always thought the word was darker. Like ‘struggle’ the process is rarely fun but the growth and revelations that come from the effort are always worth it. At least that has been my experience, though sometimes it has taken decades to truly appreciate the learning opportunity.
I am hoping the pandemic apocalypse we are experiencing will help us strip away our dismissal of waste and pretense. We have willingly been wrapped in a false security and enjoyed comfort built on lies. We NEED this awakening.
First I saw the color, then the movement. Then I found a dragon looking back over its shoulder and it was HOLY @#$% their is way more here. Very cool experience.
I look forward to watching the documentary.
Jean,
Thanks for an insightful response to my blog and the painting I chose to go with it. I know I have changed since this all began and I continue to be hopeful, even now with all the political, civil and virus chaos. But it is chaos that needs to be happening in order for us to re-examine the false security we have felt, as you mentioned. There is no security in anything. Once we realize that, we can live each day as best we can! Your response, as well as others, is what keeps me writing and sharing. So thank you.
Your package arrived. Have not opened it yet (excited, but a bit squeamish) 😂
Michelle
Michelle,
As usual, you remind me to step back and look at the big picture.. We are not prepared for this and yet I feel we are not above the challenges that it brings us. So many of us have actually embraced the unity of spirit the distancing makes happen. Looking into someone’s eyes. We are isolated together. That is community, not separation. It all says so much for the human spirit and our resilience.
Rita
Rita,
There has been a swell of unity created while we experience distancing. People just need to get over themselves and some of their habits/traditions/etc. that don’t work in this current situation. Recognize that we do not have to be physically with one another to be connected. Just as when someones dies, we lose their physical presence, but not the memories or their spirit. They will always be with us.
Folks are more resilient than they realize mainly because we are not often faced with these kinds of circumstances to prove our capabilities.
Michelle
Hi Michelle
Thank you for you deep insight into this time we are living in. There is a big shift happening and somehow we all agreed to be living during this time! So I choose love as much as I can. There are people all over the world sending out love and light.
I love finding out the real meaning of words that we so often misinterpret for instance education means “to bring out of”. Many teachers thought it meant to stuff it in!!!
Keep doing what you are doing. 💜🙏😘
Tricia,
These kind of responses always give me goosebumps!!! And yes, I love delving into the meaning of words because we so often misconstrue them to fit our needs or they simply take on different meaning throughout time.
Love learning. 😊
Michelle
Michelle,
I hadn’t read your blog before I sent you my last note. Now that I have, would it be okay if I quoted a sentence or two from you blog in the blurb that will go underneath the monotype I did of you? I haven’t chosen a sentence yet, but your views on the healing power of Nature resonated with me right away. Paul
Paul,
I had read the email about your monotype project and thought about what I had just written in this blog. Then saw this message. We are on the same page. 😊
Yes, most certainly you can use what you feel fits best with the image. Thank you for including me in the project.
Michelle