Breathe Me

I finally finished watching the series Six Feet Under (Netflix - I love ya!) The series changed my life. I know that sounds like boilerplate, pablum ("I laughed, I cried, it was better than 'Cats'.") but I mean it.

The show is stellar for two reasons. First, it is the best exploration of human relationships I have ever seen on film. Its unflinching examination of our our desperate search for connection (and simultaneous fear of losing our selves) is akin to literature. At different points in the 5 seasons, you hate, identify with, and understand each of the main characters. Absolutely phenomenal character and story development - and I'm picky.

Second, the show takes a magnifying glass to the idea of our own mortality. If there has ever been a pink elephant in the room that no one wants to mention, that's definitely it. The show's central message: you don't know when you're going to die - make sure you are living your life. It's oft-repeated, but somehow this format, this particular configuration really drove it home for me.

The closing sequence was incredibly moving for me. It was so hard to disengage, to let these characters that I feel I know so well go. I spent the rest of the weekend in SFU-fueled frenzy: the guy who works at Stacks - is this the best use of his time, his life? What does it mean to have a meaningful life? Thankfully, I've calmed down since then. A meaningful life to me is one in which you are as honest as you can be with yourself, face your fears, do work that makes you happy, and find your "family of choice" (i.e. the people you choose to surround you.)


The closing song was so hauntingly beautiful and vulnerable:

Help,

I have done it again

I have been here many times before

Hurt myself again today

And, the worst part is there's noone else to blame

Be my friend

Hold me, wrap me up

Unfold me

I am small

I'm needy

Warm me up

And breathe me

- Breathe Me, Sia