A lovely poem. Thank you. And one of the joys of retirement and a happy life is that I no longer feel compelled to make resolutions. Why change what ain’t broke? Sending hugs and best wishes. 🤗🤗
Great attitude, Beth. I'm *not* retired, and still no resolutions, so I'm not sure what that says about me. 😅 Thanks for adding to the conversation. Hugs back!
I've been thinking about this moment when I was young, in the backseat of our minivan, discovering poetry, and realizing "My Goodness, it's everywhere! And everything!" Struck a chord! Thanks!
Especially the end, "concluding/eternally turning." No conclusion is ever really the ending, is it? I also felt a great tug at "And yes, hell yes, even as I wish it could be otherwise, to all the times I’m given to practice what feels hardest to learn." One of the comforts of reaching the age I have is that, even when I'm in the deep, I know that I'll get back to a place of gratitude. That everything is temporary (damnit and thank you). Your circle of influence may be small, but it is deep. So thankful to find your words here this morning.
Damnit and thank you -- yes to that, too, and I think that's the crux of it. We can't ever have only one or the other. It's good to see you back on Substack, Rita, though I'll never discourage anyone from taking what time they need to focus their attentions elsewhere. Thanks so much for the lovely comment. I'm glad this piece found a soft place to land with you.
Thanks, Stephanie. I take much delight in seeing you here. I know there will be a lot that isn't new or beautiful in the coming year, but I'm determined to keep my eyes open for what is!
That's it. You said it. Wonderful. Nothing to add nor take away.
I'm glad I read everyone's comments first because Rita Ott Ramstad said identified exactly the lines I was going to underline! Thanks Rita, and thank you Elizabeth. "When we love from the spaces of tenderness toward ourselves, that is what we scan for in others." Tara Brach
Lyrical, heart-filled and thought-filled as always… reflecting and reflections are ongoing and daily in my head — what do I want for my next 2 years, 5 years? and new beginnings are all around us all the time… so no, have never done NY “resolutions”. I commit to a full life every day and often!
“Around me, the living world carried on through miseries and miracles, whether I knew it or not.” … So hard to grapple with such vastness, so many individual stories unfolding at all times, right? I love the soft introspection here and the beautiful cadence of the poem.
Amy, I am always so appreciative of your way of seeing, and that you are willing and able to shine that light back to me in your words. Thank you. No, really -- thank you.
A lovely poem. Thank you. And one of the joys of retirement and a happy life is that I no longer feel compelled to make resolutions. Why change what ain’t broke? Sending hugs and best wishes. 🤗🤗
Great attitude, Beth. I'm *not* retired, and still no resolutions, so I'm not sure what that says about me. 😅 Thanks for adding to the conversation. Hugs back!
I've been thinking about this moment when I was young, in the backseat of our minivan, discovering poetry, and realizing "My Goodness, it's everywhere! And everything!" Struck a chord! Thanks!
Jodie, this made me smile. You're right, of course, poetry is everywhere! I love this connection and appreciate you sharing.
Oh, I love these lines so much:
Do I know
nature knows
nothing of time,
only length and rhythm
emerging, concluding
eternally turning?
Especially the end, "concluding/eternally turning." No conclusion is ever really the ending, is it? I also felt a great tug at "And yes, hell yes, even as I wish it could be otherwise, to all the times I’m given to practice what feels hardest to learn." One of the comforts of reaching the age I have is that, even when I'm in the deep, I know that I'll get back to a place of gratitude. That everything is temporary (damnit and thank you). Your circle of influence may be small, but it is deep. So thankful to find your words here this morning.
Damnit and thank you -- yes to that, too, and I think that's the crux of it. We can't ever have only one or the other. It's good to see you back on Substack, Rita, though I'll never discourage anyone from taking what time they need to focus their attentions elsewhere. Thanks so much for the lovely comment. I'm glad this piece found a soft place to land with you.
Oh Elizabeth, this was such a beautiful post to hear. Wonderfully reflective, evocative, poignant and delightful. x
Love knowing that you're listening, Rebecca and hearing things that resonate. Happy New Year!
beautiful. the hereness, and the photo. Happy Newness in 2025
Thanks, Stephanie. I take much delight in seeing you here. I know there will be a lot that isn't new or beautiful in the coming year, but I'm determined to keep my eyes open for what is!
That's it. You said it. Wonderful. Nothing to add nor take away.
I'm glad I read everyone's comments first because Rita Ott Ramstad said identified exactly the lines I was going to underline! Thanks Rita, and thank you Elizabeth. "When we love from the spaces of tenderness toward ourselves, that is what we scan for in others." Tara Brach
Many, many thanks, Stew. You and Rita are both generous, attentive readers. Friends, truly. And isn't Tara Brach wonderful?
No lists or resolutions for this girl either. Savor each day and rock on, you know the routine!
Your sphere of influence may be larger than you know. Thanks as always for a few quiet moments of contemplation. J
Here's to the Resolutionless! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Janice. Stay warm!
And I am thankful that YOU are here!
Awwww, Susan. That made my day. The feeling is mutual.
Your words are a warm blanket for my soul this morning. ❤️
☺️ That's a lovely imagine, Eileen. Thank you.
Lyrical, heart-filled and thought-filled as always… reflecting and reflections are ongoing and daily in my head — what do I want for my next 2 years, 5 years? and new beginnings are all around us all the time… so no, have never done NY “resolutions”. I commit to a full life every day and often!
Appreciate your thoughts here, Margaret, and a glimpse of your process. I love your last sentence! Hear, hear! (Here!)
“Around me, the living world carried on through miseries and miracles, whether I knew it or not.” … So hard to grapple with such vastness, so many individual stories unfolding at all times, right? I love the soft introspection here and the beautiful cadence of the poem.
Amy, I am always so appreciative of your way of seeing, and that you are willing and able to shine that light back to me in your words. Thank you. No, really -- thank you.
Lovely words.
No resolutions for me, just a loose plan to enjoy whatever time lays before me, in whatever constructive and mindful way I can.
XXX
I love the confident simplicity of this, Prue.