It is one of the perils of our so-called civilized age that we do not yet acknowledge enough, or cherish enough, this connection between soul and landscape — between our own best possibilities, and the view from our own windows. We need the world as much as it needs us, and we need it in privacy, intimacy, and surety. We need the field from which the lark rises — bird that is more than itself, that is the voice of the universe: vigorous, godly joy. Without the physical world such hope is: hacked off. Is: dried up. Without wilderness no fish could leap and flash, no deer could bound soft as eternal waters over the field; no bird could open its wings and become buoyant, adventurous, valorous beyond even the plan of nature. Nor could we.
~ Mary Oliver, Home from Long Life: Essays and Other Writings
Credits: Photo – The Lilac Road
We came out of a restaurant late from dinner last night and when I glanced up, the sky rendered me speechless. It was a carpet of stars, with the Little Dipper so close that I felt like I could ladle the firmament. It was humbling, and so very moving…
Beautiful. Arresting…
Her words open our minds to see more. To take time, to be still and appreciate the beauty around us and within us. Very inspiring.
Yes. She’s a mystic. In the finest sense of that word.
very Sunday morning-reflective of what life truly is
Isn’t it though…
Reblogged this on Radiating Blossom ~ Flowers & Words.
You know how much I love Mary Oliver…and so much of what she sees and has written just needs to be shared. Hope you don’t mind the reblog. Thanks for this post, David. 🙂
Carol, reblog anything, anytime. Thanks for sharing.
Powerful and touching. I love her work. Thanks David for sharing this!
Me too Val. Can’t seem to get enough.
yes. i love her view of the world.
Reblogged this on georgeforfun.
Mary Oliver does have a poignant way with words. Please bare with my lengthy comment. Her reflection brings to mind,”He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul…” Psalms 23, 2-3
I grieve for those who do not have access to connect with the beauty of nature’s soothing, beautiful, grounding elements.
Saturday, the rain didn’t come..the sun was coming up. I seized the moment & took my very sore back for a walk out among the wildflowers, along the river, where the fawn lilies bowed and the trillium’s smiled, smelled the fresh resin of fir needles, continuing on, pausing at the pond reflecting on how Monet enjoyed the stillness and beauty of the emerged perennial gathering of Lilly pads, then across the bridge and up the path toward the Incense Cedars, past the double bench under repair and the first signs of an emerging blanket of various wildflowers, stopping to view the seasonal creek cascading down the the mountain side, nourishing along its path. I marveled at all the shades of green, so calming & explosive. Then into the thick of the Douglas Firs and Incense Cedars. Surprised by the early blooming purple, parchment thin wild Iris, the delicate baby blue eyes and so Joyed to see the elusive jewel of the delicate Calypso Orchids. Gradually walking down the slight slope stopping to gaze across the expanse of the Oak Savannah, in anticipation of the soon to be carpet of Camas, under the soon to leaf out Honored, Oaks. At the edge of the Savannah is a wood cut display. Over, six foot in diameter, the once Mighty tree began its life in1534 along the bank of a local Creek and toppled by vandals in1985. I read the highlights of the extensive list of dates throughout history that took place while that Mighty Fir stood..The circular cross cut-section of the tree from its Soul Core, to fast expanding growth rings tapering of to solid, strong tight rings, to its end. It was a Testament of Perfection and today a Legacy. The cross-cut section Represents the perfect conditions needed to begin, to grow, to give off oxygen, to provide shelter, shade to countless generations of forest inhabitants. Balance, intrinsic nature continually reaching higher – the circle of life, illustrated. Soul restored.
Beautiful. Full stop. Thank you Christie.