Hraf Haf

I’m going to tell this story first and foremost by saying that I’m only paraphrasing it, and I might not have the name 100% either.

I heard that in ancient Egypt there was a belief that when an individual dies, he has to go on a journey. Part of that underworld journey includes a ride down a lake. The captain of the canoe — Hraf Haf — is purposely designed to be the most annoying creature you could ever possibly imagine. Whatever annoys you the most is what Hraf Haf will do. If you can make it through the ride without calling him out of his name and maintaining a basic level of humanity, then you make it into paradise.

Both parts of this story hit me. The annoyance itself, and the fact that paradise is gated behind composure.

I often deal with individuals that I don’t enjoy being around at all. It’s interesting to reflect on the idea that having the composure and self restraint and maturity to deal with these types of individuals ultimately leads to peace. It reframes forced proximity. Maybe it’s not random. Maybe it’s the canoe.

It also reminds me of my own question: is self actualization only legitimate if it’s achieved through hardship as opposed to isolation? Must we be able to sit in hell comfortably to call ourselves self-actualized?

Ecudes17