Orchestra of Books in my Head

 This quote is one I've shared in the past.

I'm doing so again because I know it to be true.

I would add that conversations, movies, videos and TV shows

often join the orchestra and provide accompaniment

to the musicale.  

Isn't it delicious to contemplate 

everyone you meet has their

very own concert playing 

just for them?  

kastilwell

She Will See You Through

As optimistic as this thought is,

(I do believe we are strong);

I find myself skeptical.

I fear the belief we humans

"have dominion" over 

Mother Earth 

is taking us down a path

toward our own demise.

(I sincerely wish and

fervently hope I'm wrong.)

May we find a way to

to change our trajectory.

If we don't, I do know

She will remain 

and recover

from our grave mistake.

kastilwell

 

Your Art

 I would like to think 

that my "work"...

my art...

is who I am 

not what I do 

or what I make.

(Although they 

are an expression

of a part of me.)

Let us BE our work.

Let us be our art.

kastilwell

  

Your Body Is A Museum

 I would substitute "treasures"

for "disasters".

kastilwell

Shrinking

Taking up space? 

Why is it 

 difficult for some of us

to view ourselves as

absolutely worthy 

of not only space

but of time.  

Have you ever found yourself

rushing through an exchange

with another human in the 

unconscious belief

that you're keeping them

from something important?

Well, what about this?

You are important, too.

Take a breath and

take.

your.

time.

kastilwell

 

Resilience

Isn't every living person on this earth,

no matter their age, in the process of dying?

While I know this intellectually,

I seldom feel it, although it gets

more noticeable as each year passes.

For me, that far off termination,

the end of this,

the end of me,

is getting closer and 

taking on more substance.

Rather than dwell on it,

while that may have it's merit;

I prefer to concentrate 

on the here and now.

The now and the not yet

of the living variety. 

I like the idea of blooming

and wilting

and blooming again...

in the midst of the dying.

kastilwell 

 

Just Bloom

 What would this world be like

if humans acted like plants?

Plants don't meditate on how to bloom.

They don't "practice" or "work" at it.

They don't take courses on how to improve.

They don't "try to change" their thinking.

They don't lament their fading.

Or fear the approaching mower.

Nor do they reach out for the bee.

Or grieve a neighbor's demise.

Or fall in love.

Or swoon in wonder.

kastilwell

PS:  Love to a young man who turns 18 today.

Healthy Thinking

 Nothing new here, but it serves as a "healthy" reminder for me.

I'm paying attention to the stories I'm telling myself.

Many of them are silent movies--somewhat overly dramatic.

I'm learning to sit with the drama 

and gently dial things down.

I've been so programmed for

immediate (re)action; it can be challenging.

I'm always on the lookout for stagnation.

(Allowing discernment

about where that is coming from.)

Today's tender reminder.

kastilwell

To The River

 Saw this quote tucked away 

where I'd forgotten about it.

I'm grateful for the reminder.

Seeing an iris blooming

where it wasn't "supposed" to

and a Turk's Cap 

I thought was long gone,

feels beautiful as well.

kastilwell

Our Own Lips Speaking

It's not so much about finding the words to say,

it's more about keeping them cheerful and upbeat.

That's not to say lamentation and flat out wailing aren't allowed.

They are part of our human condition.

However, I believe it's better done mostly in private...

others have their own griefs and tragedies.

It takes a uniquely special skill to be present

with another in the throes of their anger and/or their agony.

It takes self awareness, bravery and practice

to be present to another's sorrow

without drowning in it, yourself.

(In my opinion.)

To all those who sit with others in their pain,

a genuflection to your brave humanity.

kastilwell

New Rules

"Create your own path" and "you're not alone" are the two take away's for me.

Abby's interview with Brene Brown was exceptionally inspiring, 

especially if you have young women in your life.

kastilwell

 

Allow Your Life Naturally, Quietly Unfold

https://www.victoriaerickson.com/

Exasperation was my experience,

as I attempted to venture away from

Victoria's work to other favorite poets.

When my expectations were not realized,

I returned to this most appropriate quote.  

I'm grateful it has led me to 

"allow my life (to) naturally, quietly unfold."

May you find the same.

KAStilwell

Rushing River of Purity

 It gives me great hope to encounter poetry like this from our next generation.  

While I consider her "young", in my opinion, 

this poet's work carries an ancient wisdom.

I find myself sitting back in wonder and awe 

at her mastery in dancing with words.

She brings to mind Hafiz, and Rumi, (only in female form).

I confess to more than a little envy, 

however,  I rejoice in her skill and appreciate her brilliance.

kastilwell

PS:  This is an excerpt from her poem entitled Legless Pilgrim

in her book "Susceptible to Light"

What Eyes Cannot Pry Open

It intrigues me to contemplate

what "eyes cannot pry open"

as well as "the infinite places

within language to hide".

The other thing that invites a conversation

is the physical limits imagination can break through.

I'll be thinking about this for awhile.

kastilwell

Live Alongside Life

https://www.victoriaerickson.com/

 

It's notable how often I need reminding on this matter.

Whatever grooves are being formed in my brain

are still under construction, apparently.

Radiating can be quiet and gentle.

Undramatic, even.

Being wide awake and aware

doesn't have to be loud

to be fierce and powerful.

Like moss growing across rocks

for centuries.

Like boulders being

polished by the river.

Like roots cracking through cement.

kastilwell

 

Lanyard

It felt magical to encounter  

this poem by Billy Collins by accident today.

In honor of my mother on Mother's Day 2021,  

(her 68th as a mother/94th as a daughter);

Celebrating Mothers in all forms.

My heart goes out to those 

for whom Mother's Day is difficult.

kastilwell

Reasons To Be Hopeful

 I needed to hear this today.  

After watching Wilmington On Fire,

I was struck by two things:

First: it was wonderful to hear 

about a time, a brief time, 

when equality was working!

Second: the coup d'etat of that time,

swept under the rug for decades,

could happen again.

It almost did on January 6, 2021.

The documentary says,

it wasn't as much race as it was about

political and economic power.

(I say race was a strong factor.)

Justice and equality do not enter into the equation.

That is just plain, simply WRONG.

May we see the light 

and right the wrongs

of our past. 

As best we can.

kastilwell 

 

Come Home To Yourself?

 How's this for challenging?  

To embrace and befriend my innermost self

even when its extremely unpleasant and uncomfortable?

A tall order but a worthwhile endeavor

since no one but I can fulfill this mission.

I brace myself for the obstacles ahead.

The retail therapy; 

the shiny objects of distraction;

the seductive activities tempting me away

from what hurts or feels awkward 

or "icky" inside.  

Instead of donning armor 

and gathering weapons,

this calls for softening, 

widening the cracks,

gathering tenderness,

channeling a loving mother,

(or grandmother).

Discovering:

patient listening, 

my very own confessional,

 with absolution;

a gentler way of seeing, 

the power of forgiveness,

the elixir of a fresh start,

finding a best friend

right here inside me.

Imagine that!

kastilwell

Err for Audacity

 A follow up to yesterday's post.

This is difficult for me.

I've been programmed so well

to be "proper".

To behave "nicely". (seen and not heard)

To follow the rules

and never,

no. never. 

Cause discomfort or upset.

Sigh. 

Rather the opposite of audacious, right?

Let's go be audacious!

kastilwell

Full Of Yourself

Let's go be full of ourselves!  

kastilwell

 

Born From What Is Fluid

This moved me when I read it some time ago,

And it moves me again on this water filled day.

I love the thought of the sea being "surface and depth".

"What we can see and what we imagine."

What are you imagining?  

I'm imagining a future where truth and real justice 

are the norm rather than the exception.  

Where our earth is being healed 

and treated with her due respect.

Where democracy is strong.

Where diversity is welcomed.

The list goes on.

kastilwell

 

 

Reframe Old Notions

 Every time I hear the opponents of equality and diversity, 

I am struck by how important language is

and how skillfully it is used to divide us from one another.

I am especially struck by the appearance

of one side accusing the other of their very own behavior.

We might do well to examine 

our accusations and assumptions.

I worry about how easily it is to soak up

false beliefs when I'm innocently

 going about my business 

forgetting to pay attention

to the potential programming

being dished out constantly.

This feels like an important topic 

going forward.  

kastilwell

Antidote to Perfectionism

Even though this sounds easy,

following my grief and

pursuing my imperfections

is no small endeavor.

Sitting with the discomfort 

takes endurance and dedication.

May it get easier with practice?

Hoping so. 

Otherwise, may I strengthen the muscles

needed to persist.   

kastilwell

A Concert

 I love this idea even though I don't sing or play an instrument.

I love the idea of being a concert anyway.

Living my music, singing my tune.

Perhaps off key but still mine.

May we find harmony 

with each other. 

kastilwell