How sad to hear of Anthony Bourdain’s passing at the age of 61. Even more sad is to hear that he ended his own life. It comes on he heels of Kate Spade’s passing, again, by personal choosing to commit suicide. It reinforces the notion that wealth, success, recognition, celebrity does not give everyone what they want in life. As the title of Boudain’s television show suggests, there are many parts unknown within ourselves that are private. They can be invisible to others who are in awe of what we have accomplished or achieved. Some may even envy us. However, there is an intimate space that we all own that remains in the seclusion of our hearts that few ever know. Everyone has their own story and often there are chapters that have been edited from public view. In prayer or reflection, we attempt to understand ourselves and be as genuine and real as we can be. But many pressures or life events or internal struggles can leave us living one way to please and another way to survive. Sometimes surviving means supressing thoughts and not sharing with others for fear of judgement or shame. Mental illness can affect anyone and everyone. Our brain has a way of beating down the heart and soul leading to a state of hopelessness. Hopelessness has been described as occurring when one loses connection to the divine. We are not in control but we are also not alone. The glory of God is man and woman fully alive. Keep a connection to something greater than self. Look for people who know you, understand you and give you the dignity you are meant to have. Do the same towards others. I cannot comment on Anthony Bourdain’s situation but a great part of his life was meeting new people, new cultures, exploring new practices to be appreciated and embraced. He was a genius in presenting people’s stories. For some reason, he did not feel he could open up enough to have himself be known authentically. Someone with struggle, someone with pain, perhaps someone with loneliness. In other words, someone human. God bless him and all those who suffer in silence. R.I.P. Anthony B
Jim Dunn
Blessèd Blending
June 8, 2018