On Sunday, November 10th 2024, we explored this phrase in The Kota. Our conversation dug into potential interpretations of this simple and familiar phrase. This episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast provides a summary of our discussion, touching on some physical, emotional, and creative reflections. First Impressions What Does "I Shall Not Be Moved" Mean? What comes to mind when you hear those words? Some familiar images and emotions that emerged during our brainstorming session included: Gandalf came up. His declaration, “You shall not pass!” on the bridge in Kazakh Doom, resonated with the resolute will to stand firm in the face of a threat. Determination and Commitment: We spoke of a determined refusal to waver or abandon one’s chosen path, even in the face of adversity. Chants of Protest and Solidarity: The phrase also reminds us of protest chants, which unite people who resist and are immovable in their resolve. Language Nuances: We noticed that “shall” feels different from “will” and “can” despite their apparent similarities. Part 1: Physical Resilience and Nature Nature presents powerful images. There are examples demonstrating resilience through endurance and adaptability: The Ginkgo Tree: Known as a “living fossil,” the ginkgo trees that survived the Hiroshima atomic bomb represent resilience. This species, nicknamed “the bearer of hope,” remains unmoved by history’s trials, a true testament to survival. Unwanted Weeds: Weeds push up through concrete, embodying the persistence of life in the most unexpected places. The Power of Water: Water exemplifies resilience through flow and adaptability. It always finds a way. Glacial Erratic Boulders: Erratic boulders are seemingly impossible to budge, yet they are not exempt from the truth that "everything moves". It's all a matter of perspective and timing. Natural Pathways: People often ignore the paths laid down for us and take shortcuts. Mycelium and slime moulds carve pathways that frequently mimic urban transit maps (and show us the quickest way out of IKEA). This helped us consider paths what feel wrong. Like slime mould, we might naturally gravitate toward more logical and efficient routes. Part 2: Emotional Protection—Choosing Not to Be Moved When it's a choice vs a pattern If I AM moved, this is an injunction or an internalised story If I am NOT moved, you can't force me to feel things If I am moved because you are manipulating me, I will choose not to show it If it's not OK to be moved here/with you, I will move somewhere else Safety in the System If it feels safe, I am free to choose whether or not I want to express my emotional response. This happens when I don't react to the pressure to fit in or please others. I don't feel "watched", "observed", or "judged". My feelings can move freely like slime mould. They will find their way through me and go where they need to go. Stoicism Bad Takes Toxic messaging based on misunderstandings of Stoicism (accepting and allowing emotions without letting them cause us to act in ways we wouldn't choose) - it has been used to promote a narrative that portrays feelings as weak and emotional unreactiveness as a show of strength. However, this is a recipe for brittle fragility. Dance and movement is a way to release the shackles of emotion - to let the body express what words can't. We watched the section in Coming To Our Senses (Belonging), where Ania talked about reconnecting with herself through bodily movement. Her beautiful photos from Uist document a progressive unshackling from the story, "I can't dance" to one of "my body wants to move". Part 3: Standing Firm Amid Pressure "The purpose of poetry is to remind us how difficult it is to remain just one person." - Czeslaw Milosz Bob Dylan Going Electric: Despite fan backlash, Dylan famously stayed true to his artistic instincts despite facing rejection.
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