I'm a writer, coach and amateur poetic philosopher. I send emails every Thursday about life, death and existing as fully as possible in between. Sign up to receive my emails.
Don't hesitate
Not my words this week, but the words of Mary Oliver. These hit me just so when I came across them, and thought you could use the tap, tap, tap to awaken your heart today as well.
Don't Hesitate
by Mary Oliver
If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.
Hi! I'm Brianne
I'm a writer, coach and amateur poetic philosopher. I send emails every Thursday about life, death and existing as fully as possible in between. Sign up to receive my emails.
A summary of a recent conversation with a friend... It seems to me, if you don’t see beauty, and hope, and happiness – you’re not paying attention to the full scope of life. But also… If you don’t see pain, and struggles, and sadness – you’re also not paying attention. Awareness doesn’t filter what comes into view, merely allows a wider range.
A few years ago, I came across a word that subtly, but noticeably, changed my perspective on life. That was the Korean word sohwakhaeng, and you can read about it here. Just recently I came across another word that has me contemplating life in similar ways. It’s the Japanese word yūgen. Yu – Subtle, graceful, elegantGen – Dark, profound, mysterious The English translation depends on the context, but these are the ones I’ve seen: * An awareness of the world that cues an emotional response too...
There is a version of optimism that is yours. There is a bright side that shines specifically for you. It may not make sense to others. It may not ease their hearts. That’s ok. For you, it softens and widens your shoulders, lightens your chest, and raises your head. It allows you to look Life in the eyes as its equal. If optimism seems to escape you, perhaps it is because you are looking for someone else’s version. Be quiet. Be still. And allow Life to speak to you in your own language.