Yes, in order to “recognize the divinity”, we need to slow down, be still, so we can notice, savour and appreciate. No longing, just appreciating the now. I love this. THIS is what the wise know is the good life— a slow life marked with precious moments of presence and savouring.
Story of a soul is where I started years ago when I realized “the big life” is hard to maintain and fleeting. Your writing reminded me of Thérèse of Lisieux. I’ve read her writings about focus on “the little things”. As a nun she lived her short life (dying before 30) doing little things in service to her beliefs. I still struggle with little things- but your article above gives me renewed energy to get through the remaining winter months focusing on the snail’s pace- thanks!!
Another great essay! I read you first on Medium. Your wisdom and and spirituality continue to deepen. You so eloquently describe the joy of 'being' while persistently being seduced by doing.
I've been a snail boy since being psychedelicized in the late 1960's. I believe an underreported long term side effect of heavy psychedelic use is disillusionment with the dominant culture and the urge to live a simpler life, closer to nature, more fully in the present moment.
I wonder if career-driven young people nowadays who are taking psychedelics for fun, adventure, or therapy realize they may wind up taking a walk on the spiritual wild side that they never antipicated?
Thank you, George! Love that you are one of my OG readers and have been witness to my journey for years 😇
I believe most who venture into altered states don't expect them to cause the shifts they do... I certainly didn't. And I've seen it happen in many friends, too -- it's rewarding to watch. It's what we as a culture need more than ever.
Absolutely! More than ever. To use Jungian terms, the Self is calling alienated egos back home to wholeness--spititual connectedness--through the (grueling) individuation process.
Keep up the great work! As a 76 year old, I'm sooo heartened by the spiritual power of your words.
So true. Within this is the meaning of life. Took me some time to learn it. I constantly forget and then remember. But remembering has gotten me through many tragedies, better than the early ways of dissociation and distraction. Wouldn't it be interesting to learn it from the beginning instead of having to figure it out the hard way? Our priorities are backwards. Then again, it takes unhappy, driven people to make this fragile economy we've built work, so there's not much societal motivation to teach it. Fortunately it is spreading on its own.
I adore this post. The same thing happened to me in New York- I began to find meaning in my quiet days in Central Park or enjoying my coffee by the Hudson River. It felt so much more satisfying than all the big events or fancy dinners.
Thank you, Kristin 🙏 I've found it quite profound to go through this shift in New York - the most hustle culture city there is. The city that truly never stands still. It made the contrast stark and helped me see it more.
Did you end up leaving New York? If so, where are you now? Moving to CA really slowed me down a ton...
I’m glad to hear you’ve been enjoying a slower and more satisfying lifestyle! ❤️
I left New York and went to Boston for three years, and now I’m in Detroit (I grew up in Northern Michigan). Much slower pace but still have the city and am close to family
It is such a blessing to experience this early on! And save a midlife crisis, or golden cages with locked-in lifestyles and family relying on you... truly a blessing.
Yes, in order to “recognize the divinity”, we need to slow down, be still, so we can notice, savour and appreciate. No longing, just appreciating the now. I love this. THIS is what the wise know is the good life— a slow life marked with precious moments of presence and savouring.
Yes you said it so well Gayle!! To becoming wiser 🙏
Story of a soul is where I started years ago when I realized “the big life” is hard to maintain and fleeting. Your writing reminded me of Thérèse of Lisieux. I’ve read her writings about focus on “the little things”. As a nun she lived her short life (dying before 30) doing little things in service to her beliefs. I still struggle with little things- but your article above gives me renewed energy to get through the remaining winter months focusing on the snail’s pace- thanks!!
Thank you, Beth, will definitely look into Thérèse of Lisieux 🙏 & thanks for the kind words!
You had a follow from me at Brit Marling🩵
Haha she's the best! Hi Keyria nice to meet 🥰🥰
Another great essay! I read you first on Medium. Your wisdom and and spirituality continue to deepen. You so eloquently describe the joy of 'being' while persistently being seduced by doing.
I've been a snail boy since being psychedelicized in the late 1960's. I believe an underreported long term side effect of heavy psychedelic use is disillusionment with the dominant culture and the urge to live a simpler life, closer to nature, more fully in the present moment.
I wonder if career-driven young people nowadays who are taking psychedelics for fun, adventure, or therapy realize they may wind up taking a walk on the spiritual wild side that they never antipicated?
Thank you, George! Love that you are one of my OG readers and have been witness to my journey for years 😇
I believe most who venture into altered states don't expect them to cause the shifts they do... I certainly didn't. And I've seen it happen in many friends, too -- it's rewarding to watch. It's what we as a culture need more than ever.
Absolutely! More than ever. To use Jungian terms, the Self is calling alienated egos back home to wholeness--spititual connectedness--through the (grueling) individuation process.
Keep up the great work! As a 76 year old, I'm sooo heartened by the spiritual power of your words.
I wish we learned about individuation in school 😭 Would’ve been so helpful. Thank you so much for the kind words, George 🙏
Long walks with my pup, yoga, meditation, prayer, pickleball, friends, family & fellowship
Love all of those Doug 😍 What kind of fellowship are you referring to?
I’m a practicing member of Alcoholics Anonymous, attend Church & Rotary International
That's great! Community is still something I'm working on 🙏
So true. Within this is the meaning of life. Took me some time to learn it. I constantly forget and then remember. But remembering has gotten me through many tragedies, better than the early ways of dissociation and distraction. Wouldn't it be interesting to learn it from the beginning instead of having to figure it out the hard way? Our priorities are backwards. Then again, it takes unhappy, driven people to make this fragile economy we've built work, so there's not much societal motivation to teach it. Fortunately it is spreading on its own.
You are so right Sue. I wish this was taught in school. Or even in kindergarden! Now we have to do all this unlearning.
I adore this post. The same thing happened to me in New York- I began to find meaning in my quiet days in Central Park or enjoying my coffee by the Hudson River. It felt so much more satisfying than all the big events or fancy dinners.
Thank you, Kristin 🙏 I've found it quite profound to go through this shift in New York - the most hustle culture city there is. The city that truly never stands still. It made the contrast stark and helped me see it more.
Did you end up leaving New York? If so, where are you now? Moving to CA really slowed me down a ton...
I’m glad to hear you’ve been enjoying a slower and more satisfying lifestyle! ❤️
I left New York and went to Boston for three years, and now I’m in Detroit (I grew up in Northern Michigan). Much slower pace but still have the city and am close to family
I had a similar experience with success and subsequently slowing down — it truly is an act of Grace for the realization to happen early on.
Thanks for sharing :)
It is such a blessing to experience this early on! And save a midlife crisis, or golden cages with locked-in lifestyles and family relying on you... truly a blessing.
All aboard the small life reverie! 🏖️
The small life reverie!! Love that Stephen!
When is "little" "big?"
When it feels big 😇