So thoughtful . . and especially interesting to me, since, although I can wait patiently for some things (like for a motionless heron to dive for a fish), I hate having to wait in lines and otherwise! Won't go to movies (remember those?) if there'll be a line, won't go where there'll be traffic lines, won't wait even 15 minutes at a restaurant (remember those?).
And . . I applaud your revisiting the "liminal" concept . . . that's where things happen!
It's a plague of modern life, don't you think? That waiting for a motionless heron is just what I was angling for (excuse the pun) when I suggested we talk about Art and Spirituality. Invitation remains open.
I thought about the invite today, and will pick up on it soon. Needing to get thru a round of stuff, then a little freer. And I wouldn't have thought of the "waiting" as spiritual, though I often do think of it as meditative -- intriguing that you pointed it out . . .
So sorry I missed you in Berkeley. The tulip bit is related to something that happens all the time in the Jewish world. Someone will say "Yom Kippur is early this year....," understanding it on our calendar, the Gregorian calendar. But Jewish holidays are calculated on the Hebrew calendar...so it's not early in its own context, according to its own meaning. It's always exactly where it belongs, like the tulips.
Awwwwwwesome piece Susie! Yes, that anxiety-watering notion of “spoiled” children haunts the cultural lexicon to this day.
Why is childrearing so high-pressure? The more advice given, the worse it gets. Don't you think?
Susie, you always hit it straight on. thanks for this! Rachel
So good to hear from you, Rachel. All blessings in the new year.
So thoughtful . . and especially interesting to me, since, although I can wait patiently for some things (like for a motionless heron to dive for a fish), I hate having to wait in lines and otherwise! Won't go to movies (remember those?) if there'll be a line, won't go where there'll be traffic lines, won't wait even 15 minutes at a restaurant (remember those?).
And . . I applaud your revisiting the "liminal" concept . . . that's where things happen!
It's a plague of modern life, don't you think? That waiting for a motionless heron is just what I was angling for (excuse the pun) when I suggested we talk about Art and Spirituality. Invitation remains open.
I thought about the invite today, and will pick up on it soon. Needing to get thru a round of stuff, then a little freer. And I wouldn't have thought of the "waiting" as spiritual, though I often do think of it as meditative -- intriguing that you pointed it out . . .
We have arrived at the heart of the matter. What are birth and death if not waiting.
Loved the bit about the tulips. Food for thought, really.
So sorry I missed you in Berkeley. The tulip bit is related to something that happens all the time in the Jewish world. Someone will say "Yom Kippur is early this year....," understanding it on our calendar, the Gregorian calendar. But Jewish holidays are calculated on the Hebrew calendar...so it's not early in its own context, according to its own meaning. It's always exactly where it belongs, like the tulips.
Reflecting on impatience has become your spiritual priority...another open-hearted, wonderfully written sharing as you navigate your latter chapters.
Everything seems to be reduced to dealing with impatience.....Remaining mindful of the present and coming to it with love.
Your writing and thinking and feeling never cease to amaze.
A special blessing to hear from you