Quote 1
Passion Flower – Piet Mondrian. 1908. Wikioo
“She is passion embodied, a flower of melodrama in eternal bloom.”
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
We all need something, or someone (or both) to feel passionate about! Without passion in our lives, there would be a feeling of dreariness and mundanity, a flatness. Our emotions would be on a level, and life would be tedious and dull.
The word ‘passion’ has several meanings; it originated from the Latin ‘pati’ which means ‘suffer.’ Many people see a religious influence in Mondrian’s painting, above, regarding the passion flower as a symbol of purity. In Christian theology, ‘The Passion’ described the suffering and death of Christ.
‘Passion’ (1939) by Georges Rouault. Wikimedia Commons.
Over time, as people change and grow, language changes reflectively; although the original religious meaning is very much still applicable, new meanings of the word have developed through the ages. Today, ‘passion’ is generally used to refer to strong, powerful and intense feelings in many different contexts.
Quote 2
Il Convegno. 1918. Antonio Ambrogio Alciati. Wikimedia Commons.
“At the moment when her eyes closed, when all feeling vanished in her, she thought that she felt a touch of fire imprinted on her lips, a kiss more burning than the red-hot iron of the executioner.”
Victor Hugo
The above painting and quotation depict a raw, burning, animalistic, lovers’ passion, which illustrates a human need for intimacy and sexual excitement. Whilst commitment does not have to accompany passion, in an ongoing romantic relationship, this strong desire can enrich a couple’s bonds and increase closeness.
“We loved with a love that was more than love.”
Edgar Allan Poe
Passionate love for someone can last through the years; recent research has indicated that, contrary to popular expectations, mature couples in long-term relationships can and do experience enduring passion.
Passion is not only about sexual feelings, for one can also love another very profoundly after many years with an abiding, fervent love. This will mean that there is a deep longing for the other when they are away and a powerful and passionate expression of grief when they die.
Candida.Performa. It’s all about love. Flickr.
As Bhargava concluded, “Notably, the most mature couples…reported (passionate) love with nontrivial frequency—rejecting assertions as to its complete atrophy.”
Quote 3
The Conversation – 1896. Mary Stevenson Cassatt. Wikioo.
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
Albert Schweitzer
Sometimes, our passions need to be discovered, freed, released, perhaps by another person, who can energise and inspire us.
Being with another who is brimming with passion and vitality for an idea, a cause, work, creativity, a book or a painting, is an infectious and inspiring experience.
It is helpful to be alongside people who have passion and interest, who can ‘relight our fire.’ Such creative energy is catching and it tends to boost our mood.
“I need, sometimes, individuals to spark an idea so that I can take off running.”
Meek Mill
It is this that makes us feel uplifted. When we are passionately enthusiastic, we feel stimulated, confident, creative, motivated. It is an exciting, animated feeling, one that can propel us eagerly onwards and upwards.
Quote 4
Pekka Halonen – The Violinist. 1900. Wikimedia Commons.
“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”
T.D. Jakes
This quotation expresses a deep and meaningful truth. Passion and purpose, where possible, do need to be linked; we know that, if we have an overriding passion, a profound interest or intense enthusiasm, then that is where our life-purpose must lie.
Finding our own path in our lives is about knowing who we are, what we want and what is the direction of our interest, our passions and skills. It is very hard to dedicate oneself wholeheartedly to any life goals if they do not accord with our passions.
Having such passions gives us energy, strength and direction, and if we can follow our passion, then we can be more sure that we have chosen the ‘right’ road for us. Pursuing our talents and abilities is crucial if we are to have some success in life.
For practical reasons, it may not always be possible to turn our passions into a career; we need to use our head and our heart, of course, in deciding our future. If it is the case that we have to work at something that does not really fulfil us, then we need to ensure that we develop our passion in other ways, perhaps as a sideline to work.
Quote 5
Scientist at Lab Bench – Cliff Rowe. Wikioo
“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.”
Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
Hegel’s words remind us of the passion and dedication, the hard work, commitment and resilience, that go into great achievements.
As well as passion, we need the ability to think, and sometimes to temper our passions with logic and realism. Left alone, they might lead us into danger! Lust, greed, anger, jealousy, if allowed to run free, uncontrolled and unconfined, can be destructive and even deadly to self and other.
Jealousy. Munch. Wikimedia Commons.
“Surrounded by the flames of jealousy, the jealous one winds up, like the scorpion, turning the poisoned sting against himself. ”
Without the element of passion, however, there would be no staying power, no real energy, no driving force. We would not be able to challenge our limitations, and go beyond the everyday; we would find it hard to innovate, or use our full potential for developing new ideas.
“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”
Albert Einstein
Einstein is describing his love and passion for discovery, for learning about the world, and about the results of his many experiments. He was in a permanent state of childlike wonder, curiosity and excitement.
“Respond to every call that excites your spirit.”
Rumi
What excites and lights up your ‘spirit?’ What do you love?
Whether it is poetry, literature, theatre, sport, science, writing, music, art, or whatever else, it is important to let yourself be open to what fascinates and illuminates you.
Horse in a Landscape – Franz Marc. 1910. Wikioo
“Passion is passion. It’s the excitement between the tedious spaces, and it doesn’t matter where it’s directed…It can be coins or sports or politics or horses or music or faith…”
Nicholas Sparks.
Wherever your passion lies, there is your direction and your purpose!
Portrait of a Man Writing in His Study. 1885. Gustave Caillebotte. Wikioo
“A person of high, rare mental gifts who is forced into a job which is merely useful is like a valuable vase decorated with the most beautiful painting and then used as a kitchen pot.”
Irvin D. Yalom
© Linda Berman
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