DEEPLY touched by Bari’s inspiration to post yet another treasure by Paul Kingsnorth…like his important “Rage Against the Machine” essay posted several months ago, Paul’s transparent testimony transcends human understanding, pointing to salvation from ourselves 🙏…this post has been shared within circles here in So Cal…The Free Post remains a REFRESHING blast to the past of real journalism.
Beautiful thoughts about slowing down. Being a kindergarten teacher I get reminded of this on a daily basis! Children see the wonder in so many seemingly ordinary experiences, that’s why I love my job!
I had this time of growth when I was a stay at home mom. Learned so much about myself through gardening and seeing life through my children's eyes. Once a week, weather permitting, we had a nature day. It could be creek walking looking for salamanders, tiny crabs, could be taking a walk through the corn field or collecting wild flowers or a hike through the woods. It was without a single doubt the most magical time of life.
Thank you, Joan McCaul. I am exactly the same age as you, and retired with time to do more of what I want to do rather than what I must do. But alas, I fear I do not take the time to smell the flowers (or watch the bees). Gardening is a passion for me and it takes me closer to heaven, I think. But I find that as each season moves along, I am ruled by the constant urge to take care of whatever gardening tasks demand attention. As with gardening, other interests in life constantly draw me in, and thus I also become task oriented pursuing other things. Hmmmm..... I think I will take up bee watching.
I love your essay, Joan, and agree so strongly with what you say. In the modern world, I have found its so difficult to find people who share that view, even within my own family! They appreciate the beauty of nature on the grand scale - mountains, beaches, etc - and willingly go on long walks with me in the country but they take it as a route march rather than a wandering stroll looking at the details of what goes on in the natural world and hence, in my view, miss a large part of the beauty of the world. Just sitting and watching the birds or voles or, as you say, bees is something I love to do. Thank you for your lovely essay.
Thank you Joan for your lovely words which I very much needed to hear. I am also 74, and too often my life feels more stressful than in my youth. I feel encouraged by your essay, to slow down, and move peacefully through the years that remain, filling myself with all that is beautiful and good in our world.
Thank you for a great reminder of the fleeting nature of life and our collective need to be present in the moment.
Thank you
God bless you Joan, for these words.
I live in Brisbane, and I am entering the last third of my life.
I have a grandson now, who will be with me tomorrow whilst his parents are busy painting their house.
I shall be sure to take time to look around the garden for bees, flowers, or whatever takes his fancy.
As a Grandparent, I am happy to slow down. Mostly to see what the children are seeing.
This is such a precious time of life. Thank you for the reminder.
PS. Straddie is heaven on Earth.
DEEPLY touched by Bari’s inspiration to post yet another treasure by Paul Kingsnorth…like his important “Rage Against the Machine” essay posted several months ago, Paul’s transparent testimony transcends human understanding, pointing to salvation from ourselves 🙏…this post has been shared within circles here in So Cal…The Free Post remains a REFRESHING blast to the past of real journalism.
What a great thing to read right before the dawn of a new year.
Beautiful thoughts about slowing down. Being a kindergarten teacher I get reminded of this on a daily basis! Children see the wonder in so many seemingly ordinary experiences, that’s why I love my job!
So well written. We are privileged to be able to live a long life!
I had this time of growth when I was a stay at home mom. Learned so much about myself through gardening and seeing life through my children's eyes. Once a week, weather permitting, we had a nature day. It could be creek walking looking for salamanders, tiny crabs, could be taking a walk through the corn field or collecting wild flowers or a hike through the woods. It was without a single doubt the most magical time of life.
Thank you for this beautiful reminder. It touched my heart.
Just love it, so very true.
I loved it! We get caught up in life's struggle and sometimes forget to notice or find those little things of beauty and peace in each day.
Thank you, Joan McCaul. I am exactly the same age as you, and retired with time to do more of what I want to do rather than what I must do. But alas, I fear I do not take the time to smell the flowers (or watch the bees). Gardening is a passion for me and it takes me closer to heaven, I think. But I find that as each season moves along, I am ruled by the constant urge to take care of whatever gardening tasks demand attention. As with gardening, other interests in life constantly draw me in, and thus I also become task oriented pursuing other things. Hmmmm..... I think I will take up bee watching.
Hell yeah
I love your essay, Joan, and agree so strongly with what you say. In the modern world, I have found its so difficult to find people who share that view, even within my own family! They appreciate the beauty of nature on the grand scale - mountains, beaches, etc - and willingly go on long walks with me in the country but they take it as a route march rather than a wandering stroll looking at the details of what goes on in the natural world and hence, in my view, miss a large part of the beauty of the world. Just sitting and watching the birds or voles or, as you say, bees is something I love to do. Thank you for your lovely essay.
Marvelous!
Thank you Joan for your lovely words which I very much needed to hear. I am also 74, and too often my life feels more stressful than in my youth. I feel encouraged by your essay, to slow down, and move peacefully through the years that remain, filling myself with all that is beautiful and good in our world.