I first discovered the poetry of Gunilla Norris as a newlywed graduate student. Penniless, living on a student loan, but convinced that we could still create a life of beauty.
Her poetry backs up this idea. And it's stunning. Below are some excerpts from her website:
Keeping a cleaned and empty surface somewhere in our homes is a little thing that can have subtle power. Take the kitchen counter, for instance. When cleared of all used up and sticky things, it can be a wonderful reminder to clean the inner counter, too, of its messy complaints and leftovers. A clean surface is a wonderful icon for stillness and peace. It can also be a place of inspiration for cooking up something new.
Keeping silent, we hear the roar of existence
It is a paradox that keeping still can lead us so fully into life and being.
It has always been my understanding that when we are really present in our daily activities, our lives become more luminous, filled with love and grace.
What little thing could be more powerful than a pause — a simple, "do nothing" breath break so the soul can catch up with the body? More powerful yet would be more of them sprinkled throughout the day.
These are beautiful thoughts about the depth of our living. A little tricky, finding profundity in your local bookstore that looks more like Toys R Us, but track it down. You won't be sorry to read someone articulating the joy of stillness so beautifully.
1 comment:
beautiful. you are rocking this series, girl. xo
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