~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea ~
These are my thoughts about this week’s chapter from Gift from the Sea for Lesley's Summer Book Club at The Bower.
“A Few Shells” considers the concept of selectivity. The author learns to cherish the simple beauty of just a few shells as opposed to collecting every one she finds on the beach. This leads to discovering how to be more discerning in other aspects of life.
I quite liked the following paragraph in this chapter:
“Simplicity of living, as much as possible, to retain a true awareness of life. Balance of physical, intellectual, and spiritual life. Work without pressure. Space for significance and beauty. Time for solitude and sharing. Closeness to nature to strengthen understanding and faith in the intermittency of life: life of the spirit, creative life, and the life of human relationships. A few shells.”
The notion of simplicity of living is important to me, especially at this time of year when I feel the need to reevaluate my life and determine where I need to go and what to do next. It is not at all my intent to settle for the mundane but to celebrate the exquisite.
Finding that balance Ms. Lindbergh writes about is an ongoing process of experiencing, thinking, learning, doing, and changing. I’m continually searching for my true “self” and trying to find a sense of simplicity in the very act of living. Living mindfully does not mean being stagnant. The quest will end, I believe, the moment I die. And how I conduct my life in the interim is the legacy I will leave behind.
7 comments:
A beautiful post June. And a good reminder to sit back and evaluate where one is headed.
Hi June! You've been busy while I was on vacation. I do like the concept of a few shells. Thanks for the inspiration, as I am planning on going through at least some of my still-packed boxes this weekend!
What a lovely post June!
One day I feel like knowing where I’m heading and the other it feels like I‘ve lost track. I guess it’s one of the most difficult matters in life!
I am all for simplistic living. You'll have to tell me what you think of the book. I've long wanted to read that one.
Such a thoughtful post ~ thanks :) So true ! I am forever trying to be a better me ~ it is a learning process :).
Have a happy day :)
crystal
This was a very beautiful philosophical post, June. It is good to re evaluate our lives from time to time and make sure we are going in the direction we wish to follow.
Hugs, Pat
I can relate very much to this post June. Living mindfully is something I'm always trying to do. Some days, are easier than others, but certainly, living with less, and staying in the moment are two of the keys to opening up more space to grow.
Post a Comment