“Sometimes I think, were I just a little rougher made, I would go altogether to the woods—to my work entirely, and solitude, a few friends, books, my dogs, all things peaceful, ready for meditation and industry—if for no other reason than to escape the heart-jamming damages and discouragements of the worlds mean spirits. But, no use. Even the most solitudinous of us is communal by habit, and indeed by commitment to the bravest of our dreams, which is to make a moral world. The whirlwind of human behavior is not to be set aside.”
Mary Oliver
When I feel the heart-jamming damages and discouragements of the worlds mean spirits, I too wish to run to the woods, or in my case the natural areas. I would also include my journals, fountain pens, camera and chocolate to her list. Yet, I’m aware of my need to not set aside but live within the whirlwind of human behavior. Who knows, I could be someone else’s whirlwind. However, there are those times when I need to go the woods and connect with nature just so I can return and face the whirlwind of human behavior. Maybe I also need to be a little rougher made. Hope you had a good day.
2 Comments
Faye White
At times, it seems the world is overflowing with mean spirits. If we didn’t turn away from it occasionally, we would get swallowed up by it. All I can do is try not to be mean spirited and acknowledge those who are good, helpful, compassionate, and kind.
Monte Stevens
Thank you and you are correct. I believe we also need to be helpful, compassionate, and kind to anyone who is mean spirited, even if they reject it. Avoiding them or returning a mean spirit doesn’t seem to change that attitude. As my friend Dan says, offer them love with open hands. Looks like sunny weather for you so enjoy!