There's a kind of pressure to be "on" at this time of year. If you're like me, some down time is necessary to cope with the sensory overload and make yourself available to others, to the happiness of the season.
The painters and electricians have finally left our house -- looking great! -- after three weeks of work. The acceptances are done for the Maryland Writers Association Poetry Anthology.
Before I begin the task of editing the poems and doing final preparations for the holidays, I need to make time for stillness.
"We begin by identifying and then consciously taking the time to experience our own sacred times and sacred places. These are not times and places associated with formal religions. Instead, they are the holder of our authenticity -- the times and places in which we feel most ourselves, closest to who we really are."
I hope you find time for those places during the holidays. Here is a poem about stillness by Chuang Tzu, translated by Thomas Merton.
Action and Non-Action
The non-action of the wise man is not inaction.
It is not studied. It is not shaken by anything.
The sage is quiet because he is not moved,
Not because he wills to be quiet.
Still water is like glass.
You can look in it and see the bristles on your chin.
It is a perfect level;
A carpenter could use it.
If water is so clear, so level,
How much more the spirit of man?
The heart of the wise man is tranquil.
It is the mirror of heaven and earth
The glass of everything.
The rest of the poem is at the Poetry Foundation.
Happy winter season, everyone. Today's Poetry Friday host is lovely Jama Rattigan at Alphabet Soup.
Lovely poem, Laura. You are so right about finding a bir of calm and serenity to balance the frenzy of the holiday season.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jama. I'm enjoying (finally) a quiet day, recharging batteries, breathing deep. Glad you enjoyed the poem.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura -- that poem is just what the doctor ordered!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Tabatha. I love, "The heart of the wise man is tranquil." I try to start my day in that state. Once the children get up, pebbles in the pond.
ReplyDeleteYour timing couldn't e more exquisite. It has been a crazy run-around kind of day and I've been thinking about when I can sneak in one of those quiet, still moments that really ARE key to the season.
ReplyDeleteHi, Terry. I was surprised how many people posted poems today on the theme of stillness. I guess we're all feeling run-down (run over?) by the season. I'm glad this post found you when you needed it.
ReplyDeleteThank you and Chuang Tzu and Thomas Merton for the still as water moments. Signed up for a two hour yoga class tomorrow -- when I could be doing, you know, everything else. And I'm glad.
ReplyDeletewishing you a weekend with some stillness.
Hi, Jeannine. Yoga -- sigh. I haven't made it to a class in over a year. Enjoy. Breathe deep.
ReplyDeleteI'm taking this early Sunday morning tour through Poetry Friday as my time of stillness before the school work begins...
ReplyDeleteThis poem strikes gently right where I need it. Thank you for your perfect timing. The quiet snowflakes remind me of your words today. A.
ReplyDeleteMary Lee, that sounds like a wonderful meditation before the work week.
ReplyDeleteAmy -- glad the poem found you. I also thought about the stillness and silence of snow after reading this poem.
Hi, Laura. I missed Poetry Friday last week so am trying to catch up a little. I really like what Helen Buss Mitchell said about finding the times and places where we most feel ourselves. It is difficult to do that--especially during the holiday season--but oh so important. Thanks for sharing, and glad to hear the anthology is coming along!
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