Everything changes. It is a reminder that we live IN time. We cannot manage time. We cannot know exactly how much time we, or our loved ones have. The only thought that sneaks up on us once in a while is that time, for us, will run out. Pay attention to your life!
Loved reading your reflections on impermanence and the fragility of life and the world around us, Katie. Thank you. I too wish that there was more honesty and softness in our responses to these changes, instead of just brute resilience and defiance.
Has anyone reading these comments given thought to the idea that the "eternal life" belief is a bulwark against thinking about the unavoidable end of life...problem? In a way, it's defiance. Certainty is also defiance/denial.
Consider... prehistoric people developed thriving cultures based on a belief in an afterlife. This belief may have been the most central feature of their culture. How do we know? Archeological digs over the last century have uncovered amazing burial sites in 6 of the Earth's 7 continents. From the Egyptians, Mississippians, Mayans, Shang Dynasty, to the Mesopotamians, and many more.
Your words made me marvel in the gift of the moment. It is all so fleeting. Magical. Heartbreaking. But a gift. Even the losses. Thank you. Sending much love to you today. 💛
Yes, it is. Thank you for so tenderly speaking of how impermanent every thing and being in this life is. Oh, how 'fragile'. Your reflection on this hit in the deepest way and the quiet of the snowfall you describe had me stop, just inhale and exhale, in silent still and let the tears come as I imagined the flakes falling, the contrast of joy and heartache, and the need for all of us to be mindful of life's fragility. Your heart and your writing are beautiful, Katie, and the genuineness in your words and reflection of feeling in the experience are truly gifts of love for us all.
Responding to this through tears...this was perfect. So true. I felt the same way watching the snow. I just kept staring at it thinking 'please let this glimmer stay in my brain forever'.
I miss the snow and what a special treat that was for you. I so love the pristine beauty of freshly fallen snow. I love how you connected that with the delicate threads in our lives, the thread of impermanence. Sometimes so intricately woven we don't realize it's there, until we do out of necessity. Life is fragile, it's messy, and often painful. But it's also beautiful, just like that first snow. It's pure and fresh waiting for us to join in. In that beauty, we forget the temporary, the fragility, but we embrace that beauty of the snow. A single snowflake. Frost on a window. Warm mittens and hats. I miss snow. Thank you for this and your photos were lovely.
Aww thanks Katie. It really made me miss snow and that first snowfall. I had a throwback to my early years as a young child, waiting for the joy of that first snow. I felt kind of homesick reading this. But in a good way. Your sharing made me appreciate it that much more.
You loved writing this lesson; I really loved reading it. I feel especially nudged to share how powerful I found the repetition of the captions: "So beautiful. So temporary." 🕯️❄️🕯️
Man. This one got me. 💕😭
Got you to comment! What a compliment 😘 (Love you, friend!)
Everything changes. It is a reminder that we live IN time. We cannot manage time. We cannot know exactly how much time we, or our loved ones have. The only thought that sneaks up on us once in a while is that time, for us, will run out. Pay attention to your life!
Loved reading your reflections on impermanence and the fragility of life and the world around us, Katie. Thank you. I too wish that there was more honesty and softness in our responses to these changes, instead of just brute resilience and defiance.
I'm glad I'm not along in that. Thank you for the kind words. <3
Has anyone reading these comments given thought to the idea that the "eternal life" belief is a bulwark against thinking about the unavoidable end of life...problem? In a way, it's defiance. Certainty is also defiance/denial.
Consider... prehistoric people developed thriving cultures based on a belief in an afterlife. This belief may have been the most central feature of their culture. How do we know? Archeological digs over the last century have uncovered amazing burial sites in 6 of the Earth's 7 continents. From the Egyptians, Mississippians, Mayans, Shang Dynasty, to the Mesopotamians, and many more.
Sometimes I like cliches because of the way they became cliches...
Time waits for no one.
Your words made me marvel in the gift of the moment. It is all so fleeting. Magical. Heartbreaking. But a gift. Even the losses. Thank you. Sending much love to you today. 💛
Thank you, Emily! That means so much.
Yes, it is. Thank you for so tenderly speaking of how impermanent every thing and being in this life is. Oh, how 'fragile'. Your reflection on this hit in the deepest way and the quiet of the snowfall you describe had me stop, just inhale and exhale, in silent still and let the tears come as I imagined the flakes falling, the contrast of joy and heartache, and the need for all of us to be mindful of life's fragility. Your heart and your writing are beautiful, Katie, and the genuineness in your words and reflection of feeling in the experience are truly gifts of love for us all.
Blessings, hugs and MUCH LOVE,
~Wendy💜
Thank you, Wendy! This comment made my day.
Responding to this through tears...this was perfect. So true. I felt the same way watching the snow. I just kept staring at it thinking 'please let this glimmer stay in my brain forever'.
Oh I'm so glad it resonated with you!
So beautiful Katie 💕
Thank you, Anna <3
I miss the snow and what a special treat that was for you. I so love the pristine beauty of freshly fallen snow. I love how you connected that with the delicate threads in our lives, the thread of impermanence. Sometimes so intricately woven we don't realize it's there, until we do out of necessity. Life is fragile, it's messy, and often painful. But it's also beautiful, just like that first snow. It's pure and fresh waiting for us to join in. In that beauty, we forget the temporary, the fragility, but we embrace that beauty of the snow. A single snowflake. Frost on a window. Warm mittens and hats. I miss snow. Thank you for this and your photos were lovely.
Thank you, Lori! What a gorgeous reflection you just shared! I love it. ❄️❤️
Aww thanks Katie. It really made me miss snow and that first snowfall. I had a throwback to my early years as a young child, waiting for the joy of that first snow. I felt kind of homesick reading this. But in a good way. Your sharing made me appreciate it that much more.
This is such a beautiful piece Katie.
Thank you! That means a lot. <3
You loved writing this lesson; I really loved reading it. I feel especially nudged to share how powerful I found the repetition of the captions: "So beautiful. So temporary." 🕯️❄️🕯️