The last event I participated in for my event analysis was meditation, which is the one I started with as well. Although I have not been able to attend many sessions, finding myself in the same spot for meditation was just as soothing as the first time. There is always a constant stream of consciousness, that is more overwhelming than I realize. Being able to relax and find a state of serenity allows for a clearer understanding of place and time, as well as appreciation through a deeper introspection of my own identity.
I found a strong correlation between this sense of my own identity, and the role of the theme in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. In the first two acts, there seems to be a general confusion of identity, and realization of who each person is. The most evident example of this is Viola or as the other characters know her, Cesario. Viola does not have any reason to act as a man to ensure her safety even if it is a new country. Surely her noble background would be noticed, and the Duke who is a compassionate man would sympathize with her. But she takes on a false persona and causes a wide-spread confusion in two different households.
Similar circumstances come through everyday life, and acting differently with people to so that they may be more friendly. Through meditation, there is a deep introspection that allows you to step back and take yourself in. Rather than try to please people by putting on various fronts, by realizing who you truly are you can be yourself. Learning to accept yourself allows everyone to accept you, and even if they do not you always have yourself. Instead of trying to put on fronts and make people love each other like in Twelfth Night, accepting the love that is readily available is the most important thing. There was a similar message in “How Wang Fo was Saved” as well, understanding the world and seeing it as beautiful. Not being afraid of other people or even yourself by appreciating the beauty. By revealing the truth there is a peacefulness at the end of Twelfth Night and similarly in “How Wang Fo was Saved” Everyone comes to a clearer understanding and finds love in Shakespeare’s play, and in Yourcenar’s story the two protagonists sail on in peace.
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