"I don't mean it's easy or assured, there are the stubborn stumps of shame, grief that remains unsolvable after all the years, a bag of stones that goes with one wherever one goes and however the hour may call for dancing and for light feet. But there is, also, the summoning world, the admirable energies of the world, better than anger, better than bitterness and, because more interesting, more alleviating. And there is the thing that one does, the needle one plies, the work, and within that work a chance to take thoughts that are hot and formless and to place them slowly and with meticulous effort into some shapely heat-retaining form, even as the gods, or nature, or the soundless wheels of time have made forms all across the soft, curved universe - that is to say, having chosen to claim my life, I have made for myself, out of work and love, a handsome life."
- Mary Oliver
Via Whiskey River.
Finding myself easily rattled lately, hesitant to go out, tired when I return. Struggling to take on tasks, losing focus. In no state of mind to get myself out of this state of mind.
14 comments:
Understand, and value what Mary Oliver says. Yeah, that bag of stones. And yet and yet... Go gently. States of mind always change as I know you know
FB,
I do, but it's easy to lose track while in the middle of confusion.
Yes, it is. Thankfully, it does pass. In the meantime, I wish you strength and support of loved ones. Sleep well, friend.
Dear Crow,
I want us all to have a few good solid nights of sleep.
I'd say to keep writing; I find for me it helps to clear my head. Hopefully it is the same for you.
Phil,
Absolutely.
Thinking of you. That bag of stones is very familiar.
As others have said, keep writing, keep resting, be very kind to yourself and wait for things to change.
what a beautiful quote. remind yourself of it often: it's all too easy to forget everything else when the bag weighs heavy.
be gentle with yourself, be patient, be kind - all the things that are easy to administer to others but so difficult to give oneself!
this, too, shall pass, and you will come out the other side, shining.
Life is good, even with the lumps.
Hey! I've got a bag of stones too!
Let's make soup!
OK! I've got some rubbery old carrots in the fridge, and they're even organic! :)
How's that soup coming?
Now I have some green beans that need using up.
Fresca,
Got some dried cayenne from last summer, and some frozen peppers from who knows how long ago. Stone soup really is the best, ain't it?
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