Our Place In The World
November 21, 2006
Golden leaves in Portland, OR. Taken November 10, 2006.
Maybe it is because the days are so much shorter or because my refrigerator is filled with a giant turkey, fresh cranberries and oodles of other Thanksgiving goodies. For whatever reason, I have been feeling quiet and contemplative – looking at this year, pondering the new year, and trying to whittle, tweak and adjust my life in ways that will enable me to balance all of my responsibilities, commitments, passions, dreams, goals and relationships. This is a constant process, one that I don’t believe can ever be considered "done". I struggle with the notion of having to "earn" my place in this world, having to give back as much as I possibly can as my way of showing gratitude for all of the blessings in my life. While I believe it is important to share one’s good fortune in large ways and small to the best of one’s ability, I also think we need to take time now and then – or perhaps carry some small part of this everywhere we go every single day – to recognize our place in the world does not have to be "earned". The fact of our existence does not require us to do anything, really, and one of the most profound ways we can show our gratitude is to simply be in each moment. Be. In. Each. Moment.
Act as if the future of the universe depends on what you do,
while laughing at yourself for thinking that your actions make any difference.
–Buddhist Advice
Act as if the future of the universe depends on what you do,
while laughing at yourself for thinking that your actions make any difference.
–Buddhist Advice
You don’t create your mission in life. You detect it.
–Victor Frankel
(I love Dr. Frankel quotes about life)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man's_Search_for_Meaning
Crunchy or soggy Portland fall leaves-I will take them all. I just scooped up the last ones of the season and threw them away but it wasn’t easy! I wish I could be in the season’s moment more and enjoy the bare branches of the winter trees but I struggle with that apparently! I am wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving that brings a very content tummy, warm company, and much love.xoxo
What a beautiful picture. And what a great reminder that we’re allowed to just be. That this breath is a gift that’s ours to enjoy and have, free of charge. That feels yummy and peaceful.
I’m finding myself in such a similar mood. Somehow I feel the rest of 2006 is about enjoying and getting my house in order for the wonder of 2007.
i love this photo. i recently returned from seattle and i was blown away by the leaves. i couldn’t stop photographying them. i was a woman obsessed. west texas doesn’t have anything like it.
hey chickie…happy jive day, you turkey!
hope you have a great time tomorrow. remember to kick the dogs off and relax too.
fyi…i have been painting the last two days. i missed the brush in my hands!
take care!
k
So profound as only you can express it, Christine. I haven’t been leaving many comments but I am still reading you, and still loving your musings, insights and ways with words. You were one of my first – and best – finds in the blogging world and even though we never met in person, I am grateful for you and your blog. Wishing you a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving honey! While I may be living in the moment, I can’t wait to see you in a week! Have a great holiday and eat & drink way too much! xoxoxo
Happy Thanksgiving, Swirly! And thanks for this photo of those beautiful leaves in our old town…Fall was always one of my favorite seasons in PDX.
I too grapple with this. I heard this song a long while ago and it has always helped me.
A Place In The World by Mary Chapin Carpenter