Learning that fluid is best

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These are the first days of autumn, my favourite season.  This has been a good Summer in Ireland, and the leaves are very slow to reflect a change of atmosphere. However, inevitably, the seasons evolve and have their own rhythm, with periods of growth and periods of rest.  As John O Donohue’s quote yesterday suggests, there is something in our being that is linked to the changes in nature. We can instinctively feel that all things change. That gives birth to the understanding that  there is only suffering to be had when we try to hold onto things, like the long days of summer, or elements of life that have passed. However, I realize how much I like permanence and continualy rehearse a story of a solid, single identity. So I will try and walk in nature and learn that, like the seasons, I too change, things come and go in my life.  Nature lets go and moves on. So should we. We all have need for different tempos in our lives.

The ease that comes from trust

autumn leaves

In contrast to our frenetic, saturated lives, the earth offers a calming stillness. Movement and growth in nature takes its time. The patience of nature enjoys the ease of trust and hope. There is something in our clay nature that needs to continually experience this ancient, outer ease of the world. It helps us remember who we are and why we are here.

John O’Donohue, Beauty: The Invisible Embrace

Sunday Quote: Wisdom…

bubbles

Everything that has a beginning has an ending.

Make your peace with that and all will be well

Jack Kornfield, The Buddha’s Little Instruction Book

How we grow

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How did the rose

ever open his heart

and give to this world all its beauty?

It felt the encouragement of light

against its being,

otherwise, we will remain too frightened

Hafiz

photo Amada44

Staying Young

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This is what it means to be young:

This faith in the most beautiful surprises,

this joy in daily discovery.

Rilke

The Big Question

earlz morning menton

That’s the big question, the one the world throws at you every morning: 

‘Here you are, alive. Would you like to make a comment?’

Mary Oliver, Foreword,  Long Life: Essays and other Writing