‘It takes strength to hold on, but even more to let go.’
‘Once there lived a group of creatures along the bottom of a great river. The current of the river swept silently over them all, knowing only the path it flowed. Each creature clung tightly to the twigs and rocks of the river bottom, for clinging was their way of life, resisting the current.
But one creature grew tired of clinging on.
“I shall let go,” it spoke “…and let the current take me where it will.”
The other creatures laughed and said, ‘Fool! Let go, and that current will throw you tumbled and smashed across the rocks.
The creature let go, was indeed thrown against the rocks. But without clinging to the river bed any longer, the current soon drew him away from the rocks and lifted him free of the bottom of the river.’
The history of Old School Wrestling flows like a river.
The current in our river flows strongly. Many across OSW history have been found clinging to the river bed, fearing what would happen if they would just let go.
They have clung to their beliefs despite all logic, and brought about great wars that have changed the landscape of our universe forever.
They have clung to the families around them, spewing hatred that infects all they come into contact with.
You were caught in such a current once upon a time, Jensen Cussen.
Though era ago, I’m sure the memory is still fresh in your mind.
Memory of her.
But how many have drowned in the river’s current, clinging to something that is only dragging them down. Like the creatures clinging to the sticks and rocks of the river, they hold onto their ideologies passionately against all odds. And to do so takes great strength.
Vayikra clings to the rock of a promise to revive a dead God.
Sigil clings to his crystals, and now the crown in his possession.
Even Scarecrow clung to the perch he called home.
Just as you cling to her, Jensen.
The memory of her.
Whatever is left in your mind.
Because to let go of that memory is too difficult, so you cling with all your might. In the clinging, the current has washed over you. As you let go, the current only drags you to the rocks, bashing you against their jagged edges in the hopes of rehabilitation.
It only made you cling tighter to your rock… Her memory.
True strength comes not in clinging tighter to that which drags you down, but in letting go and letting the current take you.
Colliding into the rocks will hurt, but it is part of the process of letting go.
For when you dare to let go of her, the river will set you free.
I am the river, Jensen.
I am the freedom in which your mind can finally be put to rest.
Let go, and let my current raise you up to the top of the mountain.
Or drown in the current of my power.