The 2nd Half of Life
Today, I had the privilege of lunching with a dear friend, Chris Rainier, a figure whose life reads like a narrative penned by the very muses of adventure and culture themselves, and his partner, who grace us with British wit and charm matched only by her intellect and curiosity. He is a National Geographic Explorer and a photographer of rare depth, someone who has chosen to dedicate the second half of his life to an ennobling quest: the preservation of cultural heritage. Through his foundation, which can be explored in depth at Cultural Sanctuaries, he weaves a tapestry of global narratives, safeguarding the wisdom and beauty of cultures teetering on the brink of oblivion. Eagle Hunters in Mongolia one day to The Massi Elders the next, he walks among the world with an understanding that comes with years, miles, and a gentle approach to understanding. This lunch, far from a mere meeting, served as a confluence of past and present, a moment where time seemed to pause, allowing for a profound reflection on life's journey, especially its latter half, as seen through the lenses of Angeles Arrien and the perennial wisdom of Joseph Campbell.
Angeles Arrien, an anthropologist whose insights into the human condition span the rich tapestry of global traditions and rituals, offers a beacon of understanding for those navigating the complexities of life's second act. Her work, deeply resonant with the ethos of my friend's mission, underscores the importance of cultural preservation as a means of safeguarding humanity's collective soul. It is in the second half of life, Arrien suggests, that we are called to a deeper engagement with the world, a time to honor the wisdom of those who came before us and to ensure that such wisdom is not lost to the sands of time.
Joseph Campbell, whose explorations into myth and meaning have illuminated the human quest for purpose, provides a complementary narrative to Arrien's scholarly pursuits. His concept of "following your bliss" is not merely a call to personal fulfillment but a directive to engage with the world in a way that enriches both the individual and the collective. In my friend's journey, I see Campbell's philosophy brought to life. Through his lens, every captured image, every preserved tradition, is a testament to the bliss of being deeply rooted in one's passion while serving a cause greater than oneself.
Campbell's dialogues with Bill Moyers, especially those focusing on the significance of bliss and the search for meaning in life, resonate with the path my friend has chosen. Just as Campbell highlighted the hero's journey as a metaphor for the individual's quest for self-discovery and transformation, my friend's work can be seen as a heroic endeavor. It is a journey not just of preserving cultures but of elevating humanity's understanding of itself. This mission, inherently noble, is imbued with the essence of Campbell's teachings—the understanding that in serving something greater than oneself, one finds the truest form of bliss.
This lunch was a reminder that the second half of life is not a diminishment but an expansion. It is a time to delve into the depths of one's passions, to follow one's bliss with the fervor of a seeker, and to contribute to the world in ways that are both profound and lasting. My friend, through his dedication to cultural preservation, exemplifies this beautifully. His work, underpinned by the philosophies of Arrien and Campbell, stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of following one's bliss in the service of something far greater than oneself.
Chris is currently on a speaking tour for his latest book, The Future of Exploration, authored in partnership with his longtime colleague and friend Terry Garcia. Check out this and other books by Chris, as well as his amazing photography, at www.chrisrainier.org