lifestyles,  quotes

Within the Parentheses

Ropes of a hammock

We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.

Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

There are moments throughout my day where I do not feel like it is a precious moment. It feels like a struggle to face the next moment, let alone the one I’m presently in. Yet I find taking a deep breath, saying some form of prayer, even a simple word such as thanks or help, and I can walk through the moment. Even then it may not feel like a precious moment but I believe I lived within the parentheses. How about you?

Retired. Having fun with photography. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku/poetry. Have a love for fountain pens.

6 Comments

  • Faye

    I understand completely. We can’t control what we will experience in each moment but we can decide how we walk through it. Have a good day, Monte.

    • Monte Stevens

      I believe you are correct, or at least my experience confirms that. The Serenity Prayer says it well, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

  • Earl

    There are certainly moments, hours or even days when I feel overwhelmed and uncertain. I wish I could say I grasp upon a positive thought and power through, but often it’s a struggle. Thankfully, which is appropriate on this Thanksgiving day, these moments, hours and days do and have always passed. It’s in knowing ‘this too shall pass’ that I often find comfort.

    Happy Thanksgiving!