“I can tell you that solitude
Is not all exaltation, inner space
Where the soul breathes and work can be done.
Solitude exposes the nerve,
Raises up ghosts.
The past, never at rest, flows through it.”
— May Sarton, from “Gestalt at Sixty: Part 1″, in A Durable Fire: Poems
Notes:
- Photo: (via Your Eyes Blaze Out) Poem: Thank you Beth @ Alive on All Channels
- Prior “Lightly child, lightly” Posts? Connect here.
- Post Title & Inspiration: Aldous Huxley: “It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them.”
let it flow –
…but with beauty, grace, and movement, life can continue bearably through it all…
Yes…
Ahh yes. Its also a place to make peace with the past 💛
Right there Val.
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Simple beauty!!
It is. Thinks for sharing Horty.
You’re most welcome!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Ultimately, they are just ghosts that can surface whether you’re in a crowd or in solitude. I’m wondering what sort of solitude this poem is visualising. Solitary confinement? Being in the middle-of-nowhere surrounded by nature, which, to me, isn’t being truly solitary? Or in a situation of being amongst people but feeling alienated? I think maybe it could apply equally to all three. I’ve given up with my ghosts on the grounds that’s impossible to undo the past, and it’s what you make of now.
Now Sarah, you’ve given me a lot to think about. Thank you.
A central question for me is the difference between solitude and loneliness. At one time I have uploaded a photo with this ‘discussion’ and I only hope this will work here at this link.
I do love my solitude, it must be a thing about getting older (not yet ancient but much less addicted to any kind of ‘buzz’) – I love having or taking time to be alone with myself, my thoughts and ponderings. But I’m never ever lonely.
Me too Kiki. I get it. I do.
Isn’t it great that today is “Lightly Child” day? For you, for us in solitude or not. “Just lightly cope with things”.
That’s it Angeline. It’s my day, my morning, to lighten up, since I can’t seem to do it on the other 6 days of the week.
What a beautiful picture!
It is! (and I regrettably couldn’t find the photographer)
Truth. At least, it’s my truth.
Mine too!