Woods and Meadows - A Life Perspective
My family has experienced some difficult medical situations during the last few weeks. My friends know about my struggle and worry and have provided support, care and gentle reassurance. During a conversation my friend’s question was clear and probing. “Are you out of the woods yet?” I quickly answered, "I don’t think you are ever out of the woods." I had never made that statement before. Perhaps when I was younger I believed eventually troubles would end and clear skies and no more woods would result. I am older and wiser now. I have learned that life is made up of a variety of woods – a variety of challenges or tough situations. During moments of peace or tranquility I now know the woods are still on the horizon. I do believe however, that there are amazing snatched moments found in the meadows located in the woods. I think the meadows are of different sizes and shapes. They can be surprises or planned events – regardless, meadows should not be ignored but celebrated.
I have spent many days thinking about this meadow thought of mine. I have read books encouraging one to stay in the present. Many pundits trumpet ‘Be focused in the now.’ I even heard a monk in Thailand tell me to listen to my breath and hear the moment – hear the present – let everything else go. Well frankly, I can’t do that. I need something else to pull me to an awareness that now is to be cherished. I need something else to remind me that at a given moment in the woods there is a clearing deserving attention.
I am reading a book about aging artfully. One of the core concepts is the necessity of exercise. “Vigorous activity of mind and muscle is the secret of better aging,” states Sherwin B. Nuland professor of surgery at Yale. Couch potatoes beware! Nuland encourages thinking and moving. The time running is a meadow in my mind. I get to forget about my worries and put one foot in front of the other. Running with friends regardless of the weather is a meadow. On Sundays we talk about politics, religion, gas prices and public education. Dr. Nuland would like the fact that our minds and feet are moving as we age artfully. We are multi tasking! Meadows are snatched cups of tea, a lovely voice singing on the radio, or any moment that provides comfort, solace and a sense of ease.
Recently life events have been difficult. Recently I have had many say, “It isn’t fair.” I don’t think life is about fair. It is about paying attention to paths through the woods and not missing the meadows whenever they occur. As we head into spring, I will be looking for meadows – looking for those moments where I feel safe, emotionally calm and not in need of armor.
I have spent many days thinking about this meadow thought of mine. I have read books encouraging one to stay in the present. Many pundits trumpet ‘Be focused in the now.’ I even heard a monk in Thailand tell me to listen to my breath and hear the moment – hear the present – let everything else go. Well frankly, I can’t do that. I need something else to pull me to an awareness that now is to be cherished. I need something else to remind me that at a given moment in the woods there is a clearing deserving attention.
I am reading a book about aging artfully. One of the core concepts is the necessity of exercise. “Vigorous activity of mind and muscle is the secret of better aging,” states Sherwin B. Nuland professor of surgery at Yale. Couch potatoes beware! Nuland encourages thinking and moving. The time running is a meadow in my mind. I get to forget about my worries and put one foot in front of the other. Running with friends regardless of the weather is a meadow. On Sundays we talk about politics, religion, gas prices and public education. Dr. Nuland would like the fact that our minds and feet are moving as we age artfully. We are multi tasking! Meadows are snatched cups of tea, a lovely voice singing on the radio, or any moment that provides comfort, solace and a sense of ease.
Recently life events have been difficult. Recently I have had many say, “It isn’t fair.” I don’t think life is about fair. It is about paying attention to paths through the woods and not missing the meadows whenever they occur. As we head into spring, I will be looking for meadows – looking for those moments where I feel safe, emotionally calm and not in need of armor.
posted by Ada at
2:30 PM
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