Francesca and Paolo

Esther Wertheimer - Paolo et Francesca, bronze

There is a story of passion between the two bronze figures in this sculpture and it goes like this:

Francesca da Rimini, forced for political reasons by her father into marriage with Giovanni Malatestash, falls in love with her husband's younger brother, Paolo. Though Paolo too was married, they had an affair for ten years. When they were finally discovered, Francesca and Paolo are murdered by her husband. As punishment for their transgressions, they are forever to be blown around in the "unforgiving winds" of the second circle of hell in Dante's Inferno.

The story reminds me of how we attempt to reconcile, over our lifetime, our fantasies and desires with the competing demands and obligations of work, family and life. This reconciliation also means choosing which desires and obligations are essential to our life and which are not. Along the way, we make conscious and unconscious choices to work out this deep and challenging matter. To guide us, we rely on a variety of moral, ethical, religious and spiritual frameworks as well as “healthy” doses of escapism and distractions.

Fantasies and desires here refers to those activities (mental, emotional and physical) which energize and excite us and give meaning to our lives.  When we approach our life with energy and excitement, life is a brilliant adventure. We feel alive, free and enthusiastic with outlets for our creative expression. It doesn't get better!

Feelings of success and fulfillment are also achieved by meeting our obligations. However, when we feel saddled with responsibilities, a lack of perceived time for SELF leaves us drained, distracted and stressed.

Often, it's the lack of insight about what energizes, excites and gives meaning to our lives that causes much suffering.

We shouldn't give up. It's a worthwhile cause prioritizing and juggling the competing demands of our life. Effort to find and make meaning is a fundamental desire and obligation to ourselves. And, if something isn't calling to you right now, it will soon beat a path to your heart. 

Keep you posted,

Coach Minda

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