October Sunflower II, © Joan Z. Rough, 2007"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional."
Susun S. Weed
Wise Woman Herbal, Healing Wise
What wise words, these, and ones most of us need to remember on a daily basis. Too often I find myself tied in knots over some indignation ... 0ur planet on fire with war and climate change, the lack of rain, my dying garden over which I have slaved, a snide remark by a friend or the pain of a long forgotten memory, now suddenly come to the forefront. Those chafing, stinging knots, of course, are caused by none other than myself.
It can be difficult to let go of the headlines, the craziness of this world and enjoy the peacefulness of an autumn evening like this one ... crickets trilling ... deer feeding in the meadow below the house ... a gentle breeze stroking my skin as I sit by an open window writing these words.
I do have a choice though ... the glass half empty or full bit ... the letting go that can allow me to reclaim my life and go forward embracing whatever I find before me. Personal growth doesn't happen as I am relaxing, enjoying a mint julep on the veranda ... it happens in the dark of night when the shadows are dense and hovering too close.
For tonight I choose to let go, live in the moment and sing the praises of the universe. The shadows may retreat and my dreams will be colorful and happy. Life may still be painful, but my glass of wine will be full.
It can be difficult to let go of the headlines, the craziness of this world and enjoy the peacefulness of an autumn evening like this one ... crickets trilling ... deer feeding in the meadow below the house ... a gentle breeze stroking my skin as I sit by an open window writing these words.
I do have a choice though ... the glass half empty or full bit ... the letting go that can allow me to reclaim my life and go forward embracing whatever I find before me. Personal growth doesn't happen as I am relaxing, enjoying a mint julep on the veranda ... it happens in the dark of night when the shadows are dense and hovering too close.
For tonight I choose to let go, live in the moment and sing the praises of the universe. The shadows may retreat and my dreams will be colorful and happy. Life may still be painful, but my glass of wine will be full.
9 comments:
Sometimes life is hard, but I have also made this experience which you are describing that it is better to look at things from a positive angle. Enjoying what is good instead of pondering on what is bad helps.
May you have a peaceful autumn free of pain, Joan.
Hi Joan, I really enjoy your blog. I couldn't have described pain and choosing to feel it, any better. You are so right about us growing through our trials and tribulations, more so than when our lives are easy and calm. I also love the sunflower photo.
Olivia and lydia, thanks for your kind words! I'm glad you are enjoying my blog!
Hello Joan,
when I feel pain and suffering, I read what Agatha Christie said about it. I find the great English mystery author's wise words comforting:
"I like living. i have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."
Whenever I have one of those dark nights of the soul that all of we humans are prone to, I will re-read these lovely, gentle thoughts and recenter myself in the light.
Beautiful post :)
I think perhaps the growth is happening in the mint julep moments too, but I'll remember this next time I have one of those Hours of the Wolf in the middle of the night, when it all seems hopeless and painful.
I loved to see your studio, Your beaded fruit are like 3D tapestry, and I understand and remember the sense of having one's energies freed for creativity when a loved one who has been in pain passes on. Good luck amd good making!
Thoughtful words that show a loving heart.
What a beautiful post and a stunning photograph!
We have so many choices we can make ~ thanks for the lovely reminder. Our struggles are like the mud... without it, the lotus flowers would never blossom.
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