The reciprocal dance: Fate vs Free will

The eternal dance between fate and free will unfolds across the tapestry of existence, where consciousness itself serves as both the thread and the weaver. We find ourselves not merely suspended within this cosmic fabric, but intimately participating in its ongoing creation, much as a master weaver must both respect and transform the inherent properties of their materials. The universe, in its infinite wisdom, appears to operate through a profound principle of reciprocity – as we draw from the wellspring of universal consciousness, we simultaneously contribute to its ever-expanding nature through our experiences, perceptions, and interpretations of reality. Each choice, each interpretation we form, creates ripples in the collective consciousness that subtly reshape the possibilities available to others, like a vast conversation that continuously builds upon itself.

Fate is just an obstacle to overcome to pursue destiny

This suggests a more nuanced understanding of determinism, one where fate and agency are not opposing forces but rather complementary aspects of a greater whole. Like tributaries flowing into and emerging from the same vast ocean, our individual consciousness both receives from and returns to the collective reservoir of universal awareness. Our engagement with existence isn’t simply responsive but generative, each moment of conscious participation adding new threads to the cosmic weave.

While the broad strokes of destiny may sketch the outline of our journey, our conscious engagement with these predetermined elements – our responses, choices, and intentional actions – adds depth and detail to the final composition. In this light, fate might be understood as the canvas upon which we paint with the colors of our free will, or perhaps as the gravitational force that provides the very context for our ability to leap and soar. Just as gravity itself enables both constraint and movement, the framework of fate creates the very conditions that make meaningful choice possible.

This perspective invites us to move beyond the paralysis of pure determinism or the potential hubris of absolute free will, instead embracing our role as co-creators who work in partnership with the underlying patterns of existence. It suggests that our free will isn’t simply about asserting control, but about learning to dance with the forces that shape our lives – knowing when to direct and when to flow, when to assert and when to yield. This wisdom manifests in our ability to recognize the difference between the circumstances we must accept and those we can transform through conscious engagement.

Through this understanding, we can approach our lives with both the humility to accept what lies beyond our control and the empowerment to consciously shape those aspects within our sphere of influence. Like the delicate interplay between nature and magic, our intentions and efforts can harmonize with the underlying forces of destiny to bring forth something new and beautiful, even as we acknowledge the greater patterns that guide our journey. In this way, we become not just participants in the cosmic dance, but conscious artists of our own destiny, working within the boundaries of fate to express our unique contribution to the universal story.

This deeper appreciation of our relationship with fate calls us to develop a more subtle and sophisticated engagement with the forces that shape our lives. It invites us to cultivate both the wisdom to discern our true scope of influence and the artistry to work skillfully within it, always mindful of how our individual choices contribute to the greater tapestry of existence. Through this lens, every moment becomes an opportunity for conscious co-creation, every challenge an invitation to dance more gracefully with destiny.

© Jurgens Pieterse, All rights reserved. 2025

Reflecting on My Inconsistent “Judge of Character”

Are you a good judge of character?

I’ve come to realize that I’m not particularly adept at assessing people’s true nature. The act of “judging” itself is inherently flawed. It involves perceiving individuals based on limited information and personal biases, often leading to inaccurate conclusions.


My history of misjudging others is a testament to this. I frequently err on the side of optimism, giving people the benefit of the doubt, which unfortunately has sometimes backfired. Despite priding myself on wisdom and insight, I often find my initial assessments to be incorrect.


Age hasn’t improved my accuracy either. I consistently see potential in people, even latent talents they may be unaware of themselves. However, this tendency to focus on potential blinds me to their actual behaviors and choices.


The stark contrast between how I perceive people and how they actually behave is a constant source of frustration. This discrepancy highlights the limitations of my judgment and the danger of preconceived notions.


Moving forward, I’m committed to a new approach: suspending judgment. I’ll strive to observe people’s actions without preconceived expectations. This shift in perspective will not only reduce disappointment but also allow me to develop a more accurate and nuanced understanding of others.

~ A Love Lost to Time ~

What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make? Why?

The weight of that decision, made nearly three decades into our marriage, still presses upon me. Divorce was a concept foreign to my upbringing, a taboo. Yet, here I was, facing the stark reality of a love lost and a life irrevocably altered.


My heart ached as I witnessed my wife’s growing affection for another. The once-bright spark of our love dimmed, extinguished by the passage of time and the weight of unspoken grievances. We had married young, two souls intertwined by youthful passion, only to find ourselves drifting apart as the years unfolded.


The decision to leave was a bitter pill to swallow. I knew it was the right choice, yet it felt like a betrayal of my family’s values, a shattering of the illusion of a perfect life. The loneliness was profound, the fear of the unknown all-consuming. I carried the burden of my decision alone, a solitary figure navigating the turbulent waters of divorce.


In hindsight, I realize that I had neglected my wife, prioritizing work and personal pursuits over our relationship. I failed to nurture the connection that once bound us, and in doing so, I sowed the seeds of our eventual separation.


Though the pain of divorce lingers, I find solace in the knowledge that I made the right choice. It was a difficult path, marked by sorrow and regret, but it led me to a place of acceptance and healing.

~ Free the innocence within ~

What does it mean to be a kid at heart?

To be a kid at heart is to channel your inner five-year-old without the tantrums (well, most of the time). It’s about seeing the world through a lens of pure, unadulterated wonder, even if that means questioning why clouds are fluffy or why adults wear such strange clothes.


A kid at heart is someone who still giggles at knock-knock jokes, finds joy in puddle-splashing, and believes that every day is a potential adventure. They’re the ones who still believe in magic, whether it’s the magic of a good book or the magic of a perfectly timed pizza delivery.


They’re the ones who still get excited about birthday parties, even if they’re the ones buying the cake. They’re the ones who still sing along to their favorite songs, even if they’re off-key. And they’re the ones who still believe that anything is possible, no matter how crazy it sounds.


So, if you’re someone who still finds joy in the simple things, who still believes in the power of imagination, and who still has a twinkle in your eye, then congratulations, you’re a kid at heart.

A Life Well-Lived: A Historical Retrospective

What major historical events do you remember?

Let me tell you, folks, feeling old and valued at the same time is quite the paradox. But when you’ve witnessed history unfold before your very eyes, it’s a feeling that becomes all too familiar.
I was still in diapers when the moon landing happened, but the images of Neil Armstrong taking that giant leap for mankind were burned into my psyche. The awe and wonder I felt then have never truly faded. And let’s not forget the Mars rovers, the Hubble telescope, and the heart-wrenching Challenger disaster. Space exploration has been a constant in my life, a reminder of humanity’s boundless curiosity and resilience.
Closer to home, I’ve seen South Africa transform from a nation divided by apartheid to one united by democracy. The release of Nelson Mandela was a moment of profound hope, and witnessing the country’s first free elections was truly a privilege. Though there have been challenges and setbacks, the progress made is undeniable.
Of course, life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. I’ve witnessed the devastation of natural disasters, from the 2004 tsunami to the countless wildfires and droughts. And let’s not forget the global pandemic that turned our lives upside down. It was a time of fear, uncertainty, and isolation, but it also brought out the best in many people.
On a lighter note, I’ve seen the Springboks dominate the rugby world cup, cheered on Gerrie Coetzee as he became the first South African world heavyweight boxing champion (back when we had to listen to fights on the radio!), and witnessed the rise of Dricus du Plessis as a modern MMA superstar.
Oh, and let’s not forget about Mark Shuttleworth, the first South African to travel to space as a tourist. I remember waving the flag with pride and dreaming of one day following in his footsteps. Maybe I’ll settle on Mars one day… who knows?
Then there were the events that shook the world: the 9/11 attacks, a tragedy that unfolded before our very eyes, and the Iraq War, a conflict that was as divisive as it was devastating. These were times of great uncertainty and fear, but they also brought out the best in many people.
And let’s not forget about the incredible technological advances that have transformed our world. From the explosion of the personal computer to the internet, and now the remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence, we’ve witnessed the future unfold before our eyes.
As I look back on my life, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. I’ve been privileged to witness history in the making, to experience both the triumphs and the tragedies of humanity. While I may not have changed the world, I’ve certainly been a part of it. And that’s something to be proud of.