Tag: perfectionism

Suicide is a difficult topic for the living.

And it hardly seems approachable on this lovely Spring Saturday.

This post has been stirring since I learned of the death of Dr. Frederic Brandt,

celebrity dermatologist, who recently committed suicide.

 

It was exactly a year ago to the day of his death that I posted about his work,

under the title About Face III.

Uncanny.

It has been reported that Dr. Brandt was in despair,

and devastated regarding comedic characterizations of his appearance and personality.

It has been difficult to articulate to myself why I would wish to address his work again…

maybe there are too many metaphors, ironies–best to leave the dead in peace?

Perhaps I am trying to punctuate prior posts on the subject?

In pondering this,

with great feeling and sensitivity,

I would suggest that seeking to alter one’s visage is a perverse form of perfectionism–

leading one further and further away from him or herself…

In suicide, apart from the loss of a life, is the tragedy left to the living as to “why”.

We can never know, exactly.

I would offer this:  Perfectionism Kills.

Marion Woodman spoke strongly and seriously about the fatal flaw of perfectionism.

In that, how we will always fail in the attempt, and are doomed in the attempt.

I  offer my respect to a doctor, a healer, who went beyond the human and became a God to so many in the limelight.

Rest in peace Dr. Brandt.

Vox Anima, SDM