Momentism

Momentists live their lives in search of “perfect moments,” moments of illumination, transformation, exhilaration. The perfect moment may be one of reminiscence triggered by a déjà-vu like sense of familiarity. Or it may be a profound realization of the inevitability of death. It can be a variety of things, but the essential element that defines the perfect moment is the extreme degree of its intensity.

Whether the Momentist experiences an overwhelming sense of loss or of recognition, what characterizes the so-called “perfection” of the moment is its fullness, its uniqueness, its ripeness, in comparison to the emptiness, complacency and ordinariness of much of our waking lives. Perfect moments are like rich tropical islands coming into view after a long tedious journey, during which the splendors and fascinations of the ocean have ceased to inspire and have metastasized into a uniform gray longing for an invisible shore.

The most dangerous mistake made on the part of the Momentist is in supposing these moments to be real, or – even worse – in some way more real than the average and dull wasteland in which we float. For these moments are just as unreal and illusive as the waves that surround them. Simply because they are searingly poignant or heartbreakingly beautiful doesn’t make them any truer or more ideal than anything else in life. Their substance depends entirely on context and subjectivity rather than on an absolute value or meaning. But those individuals drawn to Momentism are notorious for their passionate natures, as well as for their romantic ideals.

The mature Momentist, however, is a cynic at heart. He or she knows all too well that every moment is a precipice, behind which lurks an abyss. What makes life bearable for the true Momentist is that during the trance-like experience of the perfect moment, the rest of the universe ceases to matter. The true Momentist is highly aware of the contextual nature of perfection, and revels in it.

Momentists are a dangerous breed. They live in a world dictated by longing and expectation. If they are foolish enough to believe in ideals or absolutes, they are more often than not perfectionists as well, rarely satisfied with themselves or others. If they are cynical enough to perceive there are no absolute truths, it is often difficult for them to justify their own existence. Frequently, however, the uniqueness of the moment is justification enough.

A Momentist waits and watches, hopes and fears; often the perfect moment defies manipulation and happens without warning or explanation – then suddenly an emotion blooms, eclipsing the intellect entirely and one is plunged into that transcendent realm of irrational “one-ness,” ravished to the core, and – alas! – absolutely dependent on the transience of the illusion.