Do we not owe everything to Earth? Our very being arises from this sphere and our lives, so far, are contained to it. I believe good stewardship of this world is demanded of us because of our many capacities and our reliance upon the Earth for all we do. As we are moving into an era when our own lives can be extended greatly, it’s in our interest to ensure that not only all of life to come but our own selves can benefit from an environment that is well cared for in all ways. Why would we not choose to preserve and create a world that is good, beautiful and true?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a friend?
I’m sure I’ve received many valuable pieces of advice from my friends, but for the life of me I can’t think of a single one that stands sturdy outside of the immediate context it was in. There is one bit of advice I can’t attatch to any one friend — because it came from several — but that has served me well. “Holding back your potential out of fear is wrong.” Simple, but something I needed to learn and embrace a couple years ago in order to step forward in my life beyond a very stagnant period.
How can you get paid to do what you love?
I find flow most in writing and am very satisfied by it. Being paid to write would likely require finding a way to monetize my blog. I think the biggest obsticle in doing this would be to create a greater span in audience, something I find very challenging. Writing in an accessible way while maintaining depth is, I believe, one of the highest skills a writer can have and I very much want to cultivate that. Fame and fortune awaits?
What’s your favorite poem? Why?
Rumi’s “Like This“, as transalated by Coleman Barks, is my favourite poem.
how the perfect satisfaction
of all our sexual wanting
will look, lift your face
and say,Like this.
When someone mentions the gracefulness
of the night sky, climb up on the roof
and dance and say,
Like this.
If anyone wants to know what “spirit” is,
or what “God’s fragrance” means,
lean your head toward him or her.
Keep your face there close.
Like this.
When someone quotes the old poetic image
about clouds gradually uncovering the moon,
slowly loosen knot by knot the strings
of your robe.
Like this.
If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead,
don’t try to explain the miracle.
Kiss me on the lips.
Like this. Like this.
When someone asks what it means
to “die for love,” point
here.
– Rumi, Like This
Rumi’s mix of divine and sensual experience lights me up every time I read his words. This poem resonated with me immediately because the erotic and the mystical seem perfectly coupled, reminding us of the everpresence of Spirit.
2 comments on “Questions and Reflections VII”
Absolutely gorgeous.
Absolutely gorgeous.