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Sometimes simple heuristics (rules of thumb) can be very helpful in coping with the overwhelming onslaught of information and decision-making that we are faced with everyday. But on the whole, I prefer to be amazed by the beautiful complexity of life rather than trying to simplify it… which, if you think twice about it, is kind of what Oliver is saying.
Jude
Ah, love Mary Oliver. Was sad that we lost her this year. I was at a workshop recently where another poet, Kaveh Akbar, discussed this same idea in a fascinating lecture. He talked about bewilderment. As in, “look around, this world is so amazing that we should all be bewildered by everything!”
Hi Laura! Yes! Wasn’t her view of the world, and how she shared it with all of us, amazing? And I love that statement about bewilderment. How could our lives not be better if we lived in that state as much as possible? ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Was not aware of this author, but seems like she has much to offer.
I believe that we have made our lives to complex…in my new reality I’ve come to realize how simply we can live, have all our needs met (well!), and find happiness and enjoyment in each day. In fact, not having to attend to all that extra “stuff” leaves much more room for savoring the moment.
Love the quote…gonna have to check her out.
Hi Nancy! Oh fun! I LOVE introducing writers to other great writers. Mary Oliver is excellent for helping us remember to slow down and pay attention….especially to nature. ~Kathy
I SO agree! I need a manual. Life should be simple. We complicate it so terribly.
I’m not familiar with Mary Oliver. Going to find her now…
Hi Diane! Wouldn’t it be awesome to have such a simple rule book. I think Mary’s point is good–we actually do but we sure try to make it more complicated. Do look her up. I think you’ll be more familiar than you know. ~Kathy
I must admit I am not familiar with Mary Oliver. But thanks for the introduction … I’ll have to check her out
Hi Tom! I’m surprised you haven’t heard of Mary Oliver but again, I’m happy to make the introduction. She passed, I think this last year, but she has an incredible volume of work that will be with us forever. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, I read a book by Mary Oliver this Summer called “Upstream”. I don’t remember too many specific details, although it was more short stories with wisdom weaving throughout the book. I like your reminder how life is really not too complicated. The “tell about it” has been in my radar from other sources, too. Good points to keep in mind. Enjoy your beach time:)
Hi Erica! Glad to hear you are familiar with her work AND that you enjoyed this quote. I’m not sure what poem or prose it came from but it jumped out at me. Plus, as bloggers we are fortunate to have such a great path to “tell about it”, aren’t we? And oh yes, only been at the beach for a couple of days but already LOVING it!!! Where are you now? ~Kathy
Home from Cowichan Lake and to Long Beach soon (one of our Happy Places:) I agree how we have a positive, supportive place to share. I always appreciate your gems, Kathy:)
Thanks Erica! I’m looking forward to YOUR post about your trip! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, A short post about one week ago on “10 Reasons Why You Should NOT Live On The Island.” If you are interested:) Have fun with all!
Got it! I’m not sure why I didn’t see the post notice. What a cute way to do a recap and i loved your photos. Looks like we are both enjoying our summer. ~Kathy
Lovely quote. You’ve made me even more of a fan of this poet. Like Leanne, that “wild and precious life” quote means a lot to me. Especially the wild part. I think our society tried very hard to beat the wildness out of us (especially as girls and women) and we need to be reminded to claim it back.
Deb
Hi Deb! I love how you say, “I think our society tried very hard to beat the wildness out of us (especially as girls and women) There’s a blog post in that statement for sure. But Mary Oliver proves how very valuable that “sense” is and I’m guessing it takes someone like her to help remind us! ~Kathy
Lovely quote, Kathy! I’m familiar with Mary Oliver, but I think I need to read more of her poems. I hope you are enjoying your time at the beach… and will tell us about it soon!
Hi Janis! We’ve only been at the beach for a couple of days now but so far it’s been wonderful (and cool!!!) Wish you guys were a bit closer and we could get together and catch up. When do you head back to Oaxaca? Isn’t that coming up? ~Kathy
I must read more of Mary Oliver’s work. I can certainly complicate the simple. Working on myself. Making a conscious effort to sit and enjoy nature if even for a few minutes every day. And outside if at all possible. Sharing by taking photos for birds at my feeders.
Hi Jamie! Mary does have a way of putting things in context that would be SMART to remember. And good for you for consciously acknowledging the desire to work on yourself by sitting and enjoying nature every day. Mary is PERFECT for helping us to remember that. !Kathy
Hi, Kathy – I LOVE this! So simple and so meaningful. This is an awesome Mission Statement to live by!
Hi Donna! I thought you might like this one. Of course to remember it 24-7 might be a bit tricky! Certainly something to strive for. ~Kathy
Love this quote. I’ll have to read some more of her work for sure.
Hi Janet! And I am thrilled to introduce you to Mary Oliver’s work. There are lots of poems on the internet and she has a bunch of books out too. Enjoy! ~Kathy
It is a brief quote but truly profound!
Thanks Haralee! Sometimes less is more! ~Kathy
Pay attention: To me, this equates to showing up & engaging in what is offered. Everyday is a smorgasbord of events, activities to choose from. It does mean being proactive in discovering what’s out there so watch for the media notices and be engaged with the community. Be astonished: Look for something new as well as old interests. It’s part being mindful and part looking at the world through fresh eyes. Tell about it: I challenge myself with coming up with an answer to the old greeting – So what’s new? It does make for interesting conversation.
Hi Mona! Simple but true, huh? And thank you for sharing how you made it yours! ~Kathy
Yes! Since retiring, my husband and I often struggle with this question… even when we have a lot of “what’s new” to talk about. One of my very favorite quotes is: Great stories happen to those who can tell them.” I need to learn to tell them better.
Hi Kathy, What a wonderful post! Thank you for the simplicity! Once again you touch the same spirit vibe as me.
Hi Cheri! Thanks! Sometimes “less really is more”. In this case it seemed perfect. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy – I’m a Mary Oliver fan too – especially her poem The Summer Day and the last lines “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” It’s something I’ve quoted on the blog a couple of times because it sums up for me how we have to make the most of the time we have left and dance to our own tune – and then, in blogging we get to “tell all about it”! 🙂
Hi Leanne! I know I’ve seen some of your favorite Mary Oliver quotes on your FB page and blog so I KNEW you were a fan. This was one that doesn’t get as much attention as the others but I liked it. AND, like you pointed out I thought it was a great followup to last week’s post. ~Kathy