Why the fall of the Berlin Wall had an Affect on Me
82Berlin Wall: An Epiphany
Life Lesson Learned: The Hard Way
Background
The Berlin Wall was a former barrier surrounding West Berlin and symbol of the Cold War, built on August 13, 1961. It was 96 miles (155 km) long with barbed wire barricade and concrete wall at an average height of 11.8 ft (3.60 m). It was designed to separate West Berlin from East Berlin. The East Berlin was controlled by Russia. It was in stark contrast to the West Berlin side.
The Berlin Wall was erected in the dead of night and for 28 years kept East Germans from fleeing to the West. Its destruction, which was nearly as instantaneous as its creation, was celebrated around the world.
The Berlin Wall has long since disappeared from reunified Berlin. Memories of the Wall, however, are still very much alive, and many of the visitors who come from all over the world are disappointed or surprised to find that so little remains of Berlin’s most infamous structure. The German border fortifications have lost their power to terrify and are being preserved for future generations. A moment of silence can help visitors grasp the message of the memorial sites dedicated to people who died trying to cross the Wall.
I went through Check Point Charlie December 25, 1989 and proceeded directly to the Brandenburg Gate where the Berlin Wall was located. As a simple tourist on a 90 day Eurorail Pass (Unlimited First Class Train travel), I was curious to see what all the excitement was about people going over and through the Berlin Wall.
The Wall
When I arrived at the imposing thick concrete Wall with barbwire on top of the over 10 foot high wall, I noticed candles burning, people crying and singing. Some people were banging on the concrete Wall obtaining chips from the Wall. The mood was somber, yet festive.
The sun was rising on a cold Christmas day. I was alone. I was on a journey of disappointment. I have just filed for divorce from a 9-year marriage from my best friend. She was the first person I could be authentic and be myself. We shared everything. We worked together. The reasons for the divorce are not important for this article. I was feeling I did not need anyone. I was self-contained. My world as I knew it was destroyed. I had in addition, just lost millions in the last big recession of the ’86 – ’89 era. I was crushed. I wanted to be alone… I needed to sort out my priorities. I was born very poor and had thought money would supply everything I needed. It did not… I had learned a valuable lesson. There were more life lessons I had to learn – the hard way…
The scene and environment around the Wall began to affect my thinking and perceptions… I became reflective. I borrowed a hammer and began to bang on the Wall. After many repeated blows, I obtained pieces of the Wall.
I leaned against the Wall and an “aha” learning moment began… I began to realize the importance of freedom, how we take for granted our choices and actions; how man’s inhumanity is cruel and dangerous if focused for the good of a few, rather than the good of the many… I began to understand the importance of “moderation.” I began to integrate the idea and notion of what Shakespeare said, “…to thine own self be true…” must be tempered with the concept of compromise. To be true to myself can be harmful to others if I am truly selfish, being true to me. I must balance my needs with others. I became aware of the dynamic life balances of the many facets of the life process. I finally realized, life is not black and white. Life presents infinite shades of grey…
As my “awareness” was being processed, the moment became significant. My surroundings were more vibrant. I looked through enlightened eyes. The beauty of the sunrise was surreal. I was experiencing a dawn of a new awareness. My personal growth was in-sync with my environment. My “new beginning” was being birthed as I reflected. My “layers of realty” were focused…
An Epiphany
In this reflective frame of mind, I was euphoric. I looked around and nothing had changed, I had changed with my new awareness. I wanted to share this huge surge of personal growth. I was lonely. There is a huge difference in being alone and being lonely. I was made aware of my need to share. I needed someone… I needed a significant other. I needed to vulnerable; I needed to invest my persona into/with my significant other. My life process had created another chapter of my life.
More Life Exploring Where I did it, Rather Than Wish I had Done It:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Sacramento-River-July-4th-Weekend-on-a-Raft-To-San-Francisco
http://hubpages.com/hub/I-slept-with-Electric-Eels
http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-sail-free-from-Fiji-to-Sydney
http://hubpages.com/hub/Adversity-Does-Make-Us-Stronger
My other book: www. eyeswideshutanenigma dot com
or enter into Google: Eyes Wide Shut: An enigma
An Epiphany: Berlin Wall Changed MeLoading...
dahoglund,
As you noted, the Wall has many layers of realities... Thanks for your comment!
I remember this well............ what a wonderful day! What a shame that walls are ever necessary at all. Memories........... thanks for sharing! Kaie
Kaie Arwen,
We all have "walls." The challenge is to have an awareness of those walls and know why we have them...
To solve a "problem," one has to first define the problem... To be aware we have problems/walls is the beginning of the "solutions..."
Lovely recount of the fall of the berlin wall, Dallas. I remember when it happened too and was surprised that others weren't as excited about it as I felt. I lived in a small town in Canada and I guess they were more concerned with their own daily lives. I found out about it at the drs. office! lol I was shocked. And yes, exactly, we don't need walls. It's cool you go a piece of the wall! And the following sentence was really poignant, I thought: I was on a journey of disappointment.
You are a writer, Dallas. NO doubt about it! Keep on shining your light eh!
Love * Light,
DallasallaD ;)
SalladallaS
Poignant... Our names!
Our "walls" are our creations...
My "Journey of disappointment" was a self-imposed exile. The unintended consequences provided a learning environment. Perhaps a "coincidence..?" eh?
I remember seeing the 'fall of the wall' on the news when I was a boy, just 12 at the time, and had no sense of what it meant. I was curious and began reading newspaper articles and books about it and that me to becoming the 'freedom and liberty' oriented person I am today. Your personal touch to the story is a nice piece to add to my bank of memories regarding it's collapse. Would you mind if I post this on my blogger, i just started it and it could use some quality stories?
Jeremey,
Thanks! You have my permission to post. Hope it helps.
What an excellent and well thought out hub, I know exactly how you feel and I just wrote about a life changing event. We all have them, how many people recognized them when they happen? Sometimes years later they will say, "Oh ya, I got it". Events so traumatic can change us forever and I hear you load & clear, I wish I had been there when it happened. Rate up, love & peace darski
Darlene Sabella,
We would have shared and enjoyed!
Perhaps our "readiness" defines the moment...
Strange, but true: We have to loose something precious in order to grow. The more we loose, the more we grow....
MartieCoetser,
True, but why? My goal is to learn from others; not "experience" everything! Although one's "awareness" is greatly enhanced when one experiences that which others have read about: big difference in the "understanding."
Perhaps wisdom is learning the dynamic balance of learning from one's experiences and learning from others... and knowing the difference.
Beautifully done! My "Life changing event" occurred 3 years ago, when I lost my precious son. Yes, I have grown some because of that experience, but at what a cost! I clearly remember the day of which you speak. Thank you for a truly great piece. Blessings to you!
vocalcoach,
Thanks for sharing. I am sorry... I have no idea what you have experienced. It would be be extremely, if not impossible for me to deal with what you have. I have two sons...
Being "vulnerable" represents strength...
What an incredible experience! The changing of the guard. Sometimes it takes years while in other situations there is a complete collapse and change overnight. This is a great photo documentary. Voted UP! Thanks.
World-Traveler,
Life is enjoying the process and creating great experiences!
Thanks for your comments.
I remember seeing the beginning of the end of the wall on TV, watching it with a tear in my eye thinking that the world was becoming a better place. Now new walls are put up in other places and lives torn apart still by war, which is sad.
It was good to read of your visit to Berlin's wall and how it changed things for you,so thank you for sharing this.
2uesday,
"Now new walls are put up in other places..." this is an example of why the Berlin Wall made an impact upon me... Why do need "walls?"
Life is a precess... I learn...
Well done -- beautiful rendition of the Wall, its history, significance and the omnipotence of Freedom.
ExpandYourMind,
Thanks for your comments. Freedom is often taken for granted...
Dallas, excellent thoughts -- I love the parallel between the wall and you're own symbolical bursting through ;)
thooghun,
Thanks for your comments. It was an epiphany...
Although you approached the wall with a heavy heart of loss in your life at that time, it took seeing and touching and remembrance of how walls put up by humans cause obstructions in our lives. These words you penned
"I finally realized, life is not black and white. Life presents infinite shades of grey"
is so poignant and relevant and your shade at that time in your life was definitely grey.
The poem I recently penned " Christmas, Hallelujah" and you so kindly left a comment there, is stark reality of how MONEY, FAME, RECOGNITION can affect a persons life.
Humanity is more important that stuff and my friend I see a lot of humanity in you, life lessons learned from the experiences you gained in your lifetime. I respect that you shared some of your past with us.
I hope that you are in a good place now in your life and peace and love is foremost in your mind. Thank you for this wonderful share..It moved me.
Wow! Oops tears.. OK, I am back.. Still tough..
Deep breathe...
As one as you know has experienced "...how MONEY, FAME, RECOGNITION can affect a persons life"; my life lessons are on-going.
My goal is to experience " in a good place now in your life and peace and love is foremost in your mind."
It is a dynamic process...
Thanks for your sincere, heartfelt comments. It moved me...
This was wonderful! I went to Berlin a few years ago and there is little that remains of that wall other than the Checkpoint Charlie museum. It must have been something to actually be there during when the wall came down.
kohuether,
There was excitement in the air.. It was an historic moment.
Thanks for your comments.
I can see how this was a life changing experience for you and how it help you put into a new and larger prospective your own life and tribulations. For millions of people ment even more, but the entire world was excited and hopeful
Petra Vlah,
Life is a process!
Thanks for your comments.
Very moving and honest testimony of the experience of the wall
arthurchappell,
Thanks, life is a process. We all die, but some of us live...
During a very difficult part of your life, you were able to get past a personal trauma and experience a universal truth that life is everchanging. No one expected the wall to come down and yet it did. We all have personal walls that we build up ourselves and if lucky we get to take it down as well. What an exciting time to be there.
Flightkeeper,
Life is a process...
Thanks for your comments.
Everyone dies, but some live...
Well dallas, I suppose I am a groupie now: three hubs in two days, eh?
I thought you would be interested to know my Wall story. Four years ago, I took my son to his number one choice college: Chapman University in Orange. We walked the campus and at one point, stood beside an ugly chunk of concrete in the middle of a pool. I couldn't imagine why this structure existed.
My son headed off to a class and I took a guided tour for parents. To my astonishment- and chagrin- I learned that this bit of graffiti concrete had been part of the Berlin Wall. The transformation within me was immediate and I was reduced to tears; the power of symbol is that profound.
Thank you for experiencing life and sharing it with us.
Storytellersrus,
I obtained my Master of Arts - Administrative from Chapman! As you know Chapman's roots are deep and is one of the oldest University in California...
At Ronald Regan's Library, a piece of the Wall is on display. I have a piece of it!
As noted, the Wall was a trasformative experience..
Thanks for your comments!
I believe in Serendipity! That is amazing, dallas.
Storytellersrus,
So does the "universe!"
Thanks.
Great Quotes. You captured many of my feelings of being alone, losing everything, and pondering the true meaning of life. Thanks, Wendy
JAILTALK,
Obviously you have been there and done that... The experience provides a forum whereby you can feel free to explore who/what your are: with nothing. I have learned things I own, or do not own does not define me...
It's interesting that the Berlin wall oppressed people and kept them from freedom and prosperity and the wall in Israel protects Israelis and Arab citizens within from oppression and gives them freedom. Walls are not always evil and sad - it depends on who builds them.
I was pretty young at the time, but the most memorable moments on the news for me were the Challenger explosion and Reagan saying: "Gorby, tear down that wall."
Your awakening experience was captivating. I hope things have gotten better since. I love your unique perspective on that pivotal moment.
Alexander Mark,
The Wall was a pivital moment. Each of us were affected by the events that followed...
Life is what you do while you make plans!
Thanks for your comments.
I remember when the wall came down; although I had never visited it was a great day.
I did, however, visit the holocaust museum in Washington D.C. but the visit didn't produce the euphoria yours did. Although the gas chambers are long cold now the inhumanity and horror came across all too well and when I exited it was to a darker day, not a lighter one. It was a visit I'm glad I made, but not one I care to repeat.
A good hub - thank you.
wilderness,
Perhaps the expereience underlines our need to be ourselves, to be free!
Thanks for your comments
The Berlin Wall is close to my heart, it has been part of my living history, so thank you for your beautiful reflection and also big thanks for stopping by on my site with such an encouraging comment:)
Beata Stasak,
Your passion for life shows! The Berlin Wall represents different things to different people. I had an epiphany there... It has changed my life...
Thanks for your comments!
How amazing that you got to be a part of such an historic event. I remember being glued to the TV set when the news covered it. I was still in school and the adults were all talking about it and totally buzzed.
cashmere,
I tried to go to Romania when they had their revolution at the same time and I was stopped at the border. Freedom is precious...
Thanks for your comments!
Great hub! I can see how the Berlin Wall could be used as a metaphor of your life at that time. As I read on, I also saw how you separated yourself from the pain and heaviness of life the wall represented. You moved on! I was also in East Berlin a year or two before you. It was a stark awakening about life's darker side and how people experienced it. Thank you for sharing this very fragile time in your life with us.
6hotfingers3,
Your intuitive, perception is A-OK! Thanks for great comments!
Dallas - in working my way through your hubs, I've just finished this one. It's one of the saddest yet most uplifting stories I've ever read. :)
What a special place to be in physically, and at such a wonderful yet awful time. That you turned it around, found a deeper realization of yourself and your situation, as well as that of others, made for a beautiful outcome.
This was a very touching situation to share with all of us.
femmeflashpoint,
This and similiar experiences has provided an opportunity to learn. Failure is a definition of an event. I choose to make them building blocks... one-step-at-a-time...
Thanks for your comments!
" To be true to myself can be harmful to others if I am truly selfish, being true to me. I must balance my needs with others. "
Love what you wrote, very personal moment well caught!!!
Mike :0)
mikeq107,
Life is a process. I am a life learner.
Thanks for your comments!
We were in Germany when the wall went up. Great story.
It was a moving experience that has served as a constant remender of the importance of being free to do what you want!
I think one of the things that is so special about our Constitution is that it acknowledges that freedom is an inalienable (God given) right. Our founders felt that to withhold freedom from poeple can only be done by risking God's wrath! A good lesson here should be never to allow a government to take away a freedom in exchange for the illusion of security because you'll end up losing both!
Thanks for your comments!
dahoglund Level 7 Commenter 18 months ago
the wall as symbol of oppression. It's fall was a victory for freedom.