I feel like this is one of those weird human-made things that the rest of Nature wouldn't ever be able to quite get its head around. The ebb and flow of seasons, of weather and climate, of migrations and growth and dying back and coming back - it all just happens when it happens, certainly to rhythms but without a schedule or deadlines, and always finds a way to knit together into the always-unique whole we see. When the pattern changes, adjustments are made. When the weather refuses to bluster like it did the previous year, the silence and peace is there to enjoy and thrive in, and everything gets on with it, because how can there be a schedule if this has never happened before in quite this way?
I feel like that's a good example for us weird humans to follow. To put aside the word "should" (that thing made from self-critical, reality-denying stories of what we *ought* to be doing) and to accept everything as it is, and to listen to what we actually need, and to go and do it, even if the doing looks like nothing much, like sitting and watching the world and listening to it, without striving for anything more than that.
Maybe we're never behind. Maybe we're here, right here, always here, every time, where we need to be for this moment to work its magic on us. And maybe all future moments will sort themselves out in exactly the same way.
That is probably so true Mike! The thing about creativity is an idea comes but then it also passes and I can't always "go back" to it. So I think I have this backlog of ideas but the truth is when I sit down to write I have to go with what's there in that moment. Nature certainly never goes "oh, I need to go back and do June a little better." I love "Maybe we're here, right here, always here, every time, where we need to be for this moment to work its magic on us.". Yes yes!!
“We must learn to invite the winter in. That is what this book is about: learning to recognise the process, engage with it mindfully, even to cherish it. We may never choose to winter, but we can choose how.”
If you haven't, I think it might be just what your heart needs right now. (It's been a bit of a publishing phenomenon these last few years since it came out, because so many folk felt so seen in its pages.)
I’m glad you honor your internal guide to seek solace in nature and slow down and not push with activities…the soul needs that even when the mind thinks otherwise ❤️😍👍
I found nature was my solace and healer when I went through my divorce years ago…I did not have that luxury when my Mom died as the girls where young and I felt they were my first responsibility so it took longer for me to recover from that loss❤️😍
Thank you Sharon. It is so true. I'm learning too that with each loss we process stuff from losses before as well. I honestly take a deep bow to my dad and how he's walking through this, to you for all you've walked through, to all I know who have walked through deep losses that I really didn't understand before.
What spectacular photos and open-hearted reflection. I have been thinking of you in the season of the anniversary of your mother's passing. I am so glad you are following the inner promptings to be quiet and move slowly. As you know the guides in my dreams have been telling me for three years, "Get quieter." Honestly- I am largely socially isolated in a 300 square foot apartment- how much quieter can I get?! :-) But of course they are pointing to an inner quiet. I wonder if the "it" we were trained to "get on with" isn't mostly distraction, if in fact this different way of living, of being deeply connected within, of moving slowly and being receptive to what calls us isn't the real IT. Much love.
Thank you Oriah. I am learning so much! And oh my, I have soooooo much room to get quite internally. I'm deeply grateful for the progress made, even when it's 3 steps forward and 2 steps back. Thanks for this wisdom. I can't tell you how many days I "learn" something and then think oh, yeah, I remember Oriah saying that.
Dear Karen, I enjoyed your poem and prose writings very much. I too have found the turning of the new year to be a time to honor stillness and find solace in nature. This morning I watch the birds at our feeders and think about how much they have to overcome during the frigid winter days and nights we’ve been having here in Massachusetts. Later today my husband and I will go out and hike a small mountain called Tyringham Cobble. This will bring feelings of joy. To be surrounded by nature and quiet. To breathe in the fresh cold winter air. These are not to be missed. This is a wonderful time of year in its own way!
Gorgeous!
Thank you!
Beautiful 💗🙏
Thank you Terra
Beautiful photos & such authentic and open reflections on life. Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you Lisa!
Yes…. Your Dad is amazing ❤️😍
"I’m two weeks behind..."
I feel like this is one of those weird human-made things that the rest of Nature wouldn't ever be able to quite get its head around. The ebb and flow of seasons, of weather and climate, of migrations and growth and dying back and coming back - it all just happens when it happens, certainly to rhythms but without a schedule or deadlines, and always finds a way to knit together into the always-unique whole we see. When the pattern changes, adjustments are made. When the weather refuses to bluster like it did the previous year, the silence and peace is there to enjoy and thrive in, and everything gets on with it, because how can there be a schedule if this has never happened before in quite this way?
I feel like that's a good example for us weird humans to follow. To put aside the word "should" (that thing made from self-critical, reality-denying stories of what we *ought* to be doing) and to accept everything as it is, and to listen to what we actually need, and to go and do it, even if the doing looks like nothing much, like sitting and watching the world and listening to it, without striving for anything more than that.
Maybe we're never behind. Maybe we're here, right here, always here, every time, where we need to be for this moment to work its magic on us. And maybe all future moments will sort themselves out in exactly the same way.
All my thoughts to you on this anniversary.
That is probably so true Mike! The thing about creativity is an idea comes but then it also passes and I can't always "go back" to it. So I think I have this backlog of ideas but the truth is when I sit down to write I have to go with what's there in that moment. Nature certainly never goes "oh, I need to go back and do June a little better." I love "Maybe we're here, right here, always here, every time, where we need to be for this moment to work its magic on us.". Yes yes!!
Have you read this book?
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/feb/04/wintering-how-i-learned-to-flourish-when-life-became-frozen-katherine-may-memoir-review
“We must learn to invite the winter in. That is what this book is about: learning to recognise the process, engage with it mindfully, even to cherish it. We may never choose to winter, but we can choose how.”
If you haven't, I think it might be just what your heart needs right now. (It's been a bit of a publishing phenomenon these last few years since it came out, because so many folk felt so seen in its pages.)
No I haven't - but it's on my "wish list" so thank you for reminding me!
I’m glad you honor your internal guide to seek solace in nature and slow down and not push with activities…the soul needs that even when the mind thinks otherwise ❤️😍👍
I found nature was my solace and healer when I went through my divorce years ago…I did not have that luxury when my Mom died as the girls where young and I felt they were my first responsibility so it took longer for me to recover from that loss❤️😍
Thank you Sharon. It is so true. I'm learning too that with each loss we process stuff from losses before as well. I honestly take a deep bow to my dad and how he's walking through this, to you for all you've walked through, to all I know who have walked through deep losses that I really didn't understand before.
What spectacular photos and open-hearted reflection. I have been thinking of you in the season of the anniversary of your mother's passing. I am so glad you are following the inner promptings to be quiet and move slowly. As you know the guides in my dreams have been telling me for three years, "Get quieter." Honestly- I am largely socially isolated in a 300 square foot apartment- how much quieter can I get?! :-) But of course they are pointing to an inner quiet. I wonder if the "it" we were trained to "get on with" isn't mostly distraction, if in fact this different way of living, of being deeply connected within, of moving slowly and being receptive to what calls us isn't the real IT. Much love.
Thank you Oriah. I am learning so much! And oh my, I have soooooo much room to get quite internally. I'm deeply grateful for the progress made, even when it's 3 steps forward and 2 steps back. Thanks for this wisdom. I can't tell you how many days I "learn" something and then think oh, yeah, I remember Oriah saying that.
Breathtaking shots 👏🤩 and beautiful poetry. Thank you for the great issue.
Thank you!
Dear Karen, I enjoyed your poem and prose writings very much. I too have found the turning of the new year to be a time to honor stillness and find solace in nature. This morning I watch the birds at our feeders and think about how much they have to overcome during the frigid winter days and nights we’ve been having here in Massachusetts. Later today my husband and I will go out and hike a small mountain called Tyringham Cobble. This will bring feelings of joy. To be surrounded by nature and quiet. To breathe in the fresh cold winter air. These are not to be missed. This is a wonderful time of year in its own way!
Thank you Amanda! I hope you are finding some inner quiet and peace with the outer.
Prayers ascending for all the time, space, peace, beauty and stillness you need to continue to heal.
Thank you Lauren! Prayers for you too, for a calm, quiet home that will hold you in peace as well.