In Houston, there are several hidden gems spread out through the city. One of them is the Rothko Chapel, located in Neartown, right next to the Menil Art Collection.
Rothko Chapel Is a Fortress of Solitude
The Rothko Chapel represents reflection, acceptance, solitude, and freedom within an octagonal structure. Inside, there are black paintings and benches to sit down and think, wonder, meditate, reflect. In a globalized environment and in an industrialized metropolis like Houston, the Rothko Chapel is indeed a landmark of self-awareness.
I have spent several afternoons there, trying to cope with my job, broken relationships and future plans; always lost while trying to cross the misty road ahead.
Now that I live overseas and have quit the consulting world to immerse myself in the academic lifestyle, everything has changed. And as most people say “when one door closes, another opens”, for me, there are a few doors that have opened already, and the challenge is actually remembering how to explore these experiences in the most enjoyable way. Looking back, I can confidently say that consulting stripped away a good chunk of my capacity to sit down and enjoy the little things.
Why do we need a Rothko Chapel?
Without a specific thing, person, place, time or thought to serve as a beacon or anchor for our mind, it can be quite difficult to preserve a state of self-awareness. The Rothko Chapel is a distinctive example because one can physically visit it and inside, try to focus on this self-awareness exercise. To take in life one breath at a time and point the headlights right back on to the road ahead.
We all need this anchor point. For some, it is a specific time in the morning when they can sit down and meditate. For others, it may be the cup of tea in the late afternoon or an alarm reminder in our phones. The Rothko Chapel can be found anywhere, but it has to mean something – it has to represent a “stop, look and go” mechanism. Otherwise, like a ship, we would wander aimlessly without the beacon light, or we would keep rocking about without an anchor to stop us from diverging from the path.
The road ahead looks turbulent and uncertain
What is interesting about a long, straight and smooth road? Nothing.
Part of this decision to move from industry to academy for the next 2 years, is precisely to step into a different road. This road is somewhat predictable, at least more than the previous road. However, there are many curves that I do not expect just now, there are hills and valleys, other drivers and many obstacles to avoid. This different road represents an opportunity to increase my knowledge of the world, of our humankind across cultures and to define how it will be possible to get things done in a bigger way than I ever thought.
However, as it often happens along many journeys, things might take a 180-degree turn. That is fine, as long as I can remember how to enjoy the thoughts and emotions of this one.
More updates to come, hopefully, filled with financials and specifics. But now, I need to sleep to get up in 5 hours. At least I still preserve the “No sleep” Policy from my #ConsultingLife.
Everything written here is a personal reflection and is by no means educational, financial or professional advice in any way.
Please feel free to cite and refer reliable sources in the comment section down below.