Thank you. I don't claim; to be a perfect example, of what I believe in. Or; that I have all the answers, for every life-situation. I do appreciate; how God has worked, in my life. The last few years anyway. ☺ But; Christians are still very human. At least, this one is.
As the midnight of my life draws nearer, I am constantly looking to fill my soul as well. And the harder I try the “worser” I get, for the most part. Connections to people are always something I look for, but I have discovered that the simple, unexpected things such as you describe in yet another beautifully written piece, often occur when I am surrounded by nature. The unexpected appearance of a hummingbird, magnificent storm clouds rolling in, driving through a canopied road, these are the “stuff” that bring fulness to my heart. Or just an unexpected hug or word of love from a grandchild or friend make me feel so complete. You have re-booted my outlook. I have so much gratitude for your magnificent artistry with words.
Susan, speaking of writing... this is such a beautiful note, complex ideas expressed in such a forthright way. I'm so sorry, I didn't get notification it was here. But thank you for your kind words, and for posting. I'd love to quote you sometime in a newsletter if you're cool with that. First name only... This bit: "I am constantly looking to fill my soul as well. And the harder I try the “worser” I get, for the most part. Connections to people are always something I look for, but I have discovered that the simple, unexpected things such as you describe in yet another beautifully written piece, often occur when I am surrounded by nature. The unexpected appearance of a hummingbird, magnificent storm clouds rolling in, driving through a canopied road, these are the “stuff” that bring fulness to my heart. Or just an unexpected hug or word of love from a grandchild or friend make me feel so complete."
Another nice article. The last sentence - "... the illusion that staying full is the goal rather than staying open." - really rings true for me.
I'm following the disaster in Ukraine and I sometimes find it hard to stay open. I want to turn away but I just can't, even though the small slice of the suffering I'm aware of tries to drain me. How does one replenish one's soul? By pursuing what brings life and joy.
Someone once asked me how I could focus on my own needs when there's so much pain and cruelty in the world. The answer is that if I don't I'll have to shut down, and that's too great a cost.
So I hold myself gently when I see what's happening and know that compassion - for self as well as others - is the soul's true path.
The last line of your note... it means a lot to me. I feel sometimes like I don't have skin, like absorb too much of the world's troubles and feel paralyzed by it. And that's not good for my work or my kids. My family has had a huge scare this week, and we're managing. It has clarified our priorities dramatically and we know the only way to move forward is to hold on to each other, insist on walking in the woods once a day, and, as you say, hold ourselves gently. So thank you for putting it so well. You're really better at all this than I am, I should have you answer some of these!
Thank you, Suze. You're just too kind. But no, I'd make a poor advice columnist. It would take me far too long to compose useful answers. However, if you get a question you don't feel up to answering, pass it my way and I might be able to suggest a draft response.
Yes, walk in the woods as often as you can. Practice self-compassion (cf. Kristin Neff). Love yourself. Just love. Because, as Viktor Frankl put it, "That which is to give light must endure burning," and IMO love is the path.
Pardon me, if my perspective isn't welcome; but it seems to me, that there's "an elephant in the room".
In today's world, an increasing number of people are homeless; and don't have alot of choice, in what they eat or where they go. Even for those of us, with jobs; many people are working from pay-check to pay-check, without the time or energy or money to do things that are so every-day for the top 10% in of this planet's population.
We need a solution; that doesn't depend, on money or privilege. That works for; rural & urban, our friends in Ukraine & Poland (and Russia.), and those that are soon going to leave earth & time as we know it. What is on the other side of death ? How do you "fill the soul" of someone who has gone through extreme loss (wildfire burning your town, or tornado leveling your neighborhood) ?
The things you mentioned, are pleasant; but they can't take the place, of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I know; alot of people are disappointed by "church people" (My fellow church members, are disappointed in me too occasionally.); but I need them, more than they need me. There are good Biblical churches available. Find them.
Thanks for your comment Kendra, I think it is true that we are in times of such economic disparity. There's been a massive transition of wealth to less than one percent of the population--which is one of the reasons I thought it was interesting to talk ordinary people, not wealthy, but work for those with unlimited resources. The gap is mindboggling but as you point out, all that access to material pleasures doesn't take the place of something deeper and more spiritual.
Thank you. I don't claim; to be a perfect example, of what I believe in. Or; that I have all the answers, for every life-situation. I do appreciate; how God has worked, in my life. The last few years anyway. ☺ But; Christians are still very human. At least, this one is.
As the midnight of my life draws nearer, I am constantly looking to fill my soul as well. And the harder I try the “worser” I get, for the most part. Connections to people are always something I look for, but I have discovered that the simple, unexpected things such as you describe in yet another beautifully written piece, often occur when I am surrounded by nature. The unexpected appearance of a hummingbird, magnificent storm clouds rolling in, driving through a canopied road, these are the “stuff” that bring fulness to my heart. Or just an unexpected hug or word of love from a grandchild or friend make me feel so complete. You have re-booted my outlook. I have so much gratitude for your magnificent artistry with words.
Susan, speaking of writing... this is such a beautiful note, complex ideas expressed in such a forthright way. I'm so sorry, I didn't get notification it was here. But thank you for your kind words, and for posting. I'd love to quote you sometime in a newsletter if you're cool with that. First name only... This bit: "I am constantly looking to fill my soul as well. And the harder I try the “worser” I get, for the most part. Connections to people are always something I look for, but I have discovered that the simple, unexpected things such as you describe in yet another beautifully written piece, often occur when I am surrounded by nature. The unexpected appearance of a hummingbird, magnificent storm clouds rolling in, driving through a canopied road, these are the “stuff” that bring fulness to my heart. Or just an unexpected hug or word of love from a grandchild or friend make me feel so complete."
Another nice article. The last sentence - "... the illusion that staying full is the goal rather than staying open." - really rings true for me.
I'm following the disaster in Ukraine and I sometimes find it hard to stay open. I want to turn away but I just can't, even though the small slice of the suffering I'm aware of tries to drain me. How does one replenish one's soul? By pursuing what brings life and joy.
Someone once asked me how I could focus on my own needs when there's so much pain and cruelty in the world. The answer is that if I don't I'll have to shut down, and that's too great a cost.
So I hold myself gently when I see what's happening and know that compassion - for self as well as others - is the soul's true path.
The last line of your note... it means a lot to me. I feel sometimes like I don't have skin, like absorb too much of the world's troubles and feel paralyzed by it. And that's not good for my work or my kids. My family has had a huge scare this week, and we're managing. It has clarified our priorities dramatically and we know the only way to move forward is to hold on to each other, insist on walking in the woods once a day, and, as you say, hold ourselves gently. So thank you for putting it so well. You're really better at all this than I am, I should have you answer some of these!
Thank you, Suze. You're just too kind. But no, I'd make a poor advice columnist. It would take me far too long to compose useful answers. However, if you get a question you don't feel up to answering, pass it my way and I might be able to suggest a draft response.
Yes, walk in the woods as often as you can. Practice self-compassion (cf. Kristin Neff). Love yourself. Just love. Because, as Viktor Frankl put it, "That which is to give light must endure burning," and IMO love is the path.
Hugs to my favorite correspondent.
Re: Hardheaded - That was excellent advice, and an excellent way to give advise: with options explored!
Hi Carolyn, you're so kind thank you. :)
Pardon me, if my perspective isn't welcome; but it seems to me, that there's "an elephant in the room".
In today's world, an increasing number of people are homeless; and don't have alot of choice, in what they eat or where they go. Even for those of us, with jobs; many people are working from pay-check to pay-check, without the time or energy or money to do things that are so every-day for the top 10% in of this planet's population.
We need a solution; that doesn't depend, on money or privilege. That works for; rural & urban, our friends in Ukraine & Poland (and Russia.), and those that are soon going to leave earth & time as we know it. What is on the other side of death ? How do you "fill the soul" of someone who has gone through extreme loss (wildfire burning your town, or tornado leveling your neighborhood) ?
The things you mentioned, are pleasant; but they can't take the place, of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I know; alot of people are disappointed by "church people" (My fellow church members, are disappointed in me too occasionally.); but I need them, more than they need me. There are good Biblical churches available. Find them.
Thanks for your comment Kendra, I think it is true that we are in times of such economic disparity. There's been a massive transition of wealth to less than one percent of the population--which is one of the reasons I thought it was interesting to talk ordinary people, not wealthy, but work for those with unlimited resources. The gap is mindboggling but as you point out, all that access to material pleasures doesn't take the place of something deeper and more spiritual.
I absolutely love your writing, thanks for this little treasure x
Thanks for the kind words Ella
Hi Linda, and thanks so much. Yes, it's so basic and yet I keep having to relearn these SAME lessons over and over again.