Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Pink Clouds, Blue Sky

Serious Business

It is a serious thing
just to be alive
on this fresh morning
in the broken world.”
Mary Oliver ("Invitation")

Mary Oliver encourages us to take time out of our very busy day to listen to the goldfinches who are singing in a field of thistles. She goes on to say:

It could mean something
It could mean everything.
It could be what Rilke meant when he wrote:
'You must change your life.'”

Do we really know, in the great scheme of things, what is truly important? This morning, puffy clouds were bright pink against an Aegean blue sky. That was a beautiful and important beginning to my day. Is it really critical to rush off to work to finish that project that's been hanging around for months, or to hug your child a little longer and say, I love you?

If you were to lose your hearing tomorrow, would you wish you had paid more attention to the goldfinch's song, or would you lament not being able to fully participate in a business meeting? Honestly, are we so focused on becoming successful that we have forgotten what it means to be free?

Today, take a minute from your hectic schedule to look at the clouds, to listen to the birds singing; to ponder their message? It could mean everything.

                                                  In the Spirit,

                                                      Jane

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