Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

Letters to a Young Poet
by Rainer Maria Rilke


Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to
love the questions themselves, as if they were locked rooms, or books
written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers,
which could not be given to you now, because you would not be
able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the
questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually,
without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.


Here is something to chew on.... Also, give the question up to God, as you get up, have a cup of coffee and move into your day.

RELATIONSHIPS - THEY ARE EVERYWHERE

"Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most." - Fyodor Dostoevsky

Congratulations to all the new story tellers out there for taking a new step and uttering a new word. Thank you for posting your comments to allow others to understand and realize that they are not alone. Within this virtual world people are becoming more and more isolated. It is easier to sit at a computer in your jammies than to slow down and look someone in the eye, and say, perhaps - How are you.... really.

The "story" post almost did not happen. Yet, I was sitting here at the computer, took a breath and my fingers typed it up. My words truly are a gift from God, and He deserves all the credit. I so appreciate all that you say, as the compliments are being returned to the rightful owner each night as I pray. He provided me the friend, and together we created a diversion and lots of laughs. It is so much more rewarding, as you each confirmed, to have another to share the stories AND the laughter with. It can create energy, and also space for new to be formed. It will provide space for opportunities and new visions.

For those looking for new relationships - from what location are you looking? Last evening I was in a new local restaurant. It offered an opportunity for me to introduce myself to the waiter, which, in turn, offered me the opportunity to learn a bit of what his life is like. As we prepared to leave the restaurant, we took a few minutes to chat. I learned it was his second night as a waiter, he has been a teacher at a local community college, and is now studying nursing. I'm so very grateful for that opportunity, and I look forward to returning to get to know him even better.

There are lots of steps to take with relationships, yet one is to simply, begin. Rather than "looking" for the right person, simply meet people. It might be through the people you meet, when the person you are dreaming of appears.

Now the next question is - are you ready, really ready?

"Squeeze joy ...."

Something else - to think about........

When I was getting a divorce, and the world seemed as if it was upside down one small thing started to help. A friend and I began a game of -- "Tell me a story." Whichever one was in need, the other would begin, in detail, a fictitious tale describing problems that were different, seemingly unique. For example -- "A friend of mine just called and she has a hang nail on her 5th finger..." (that could start the laugh) and it would go on from there. When done, we were laughing and feeling oh, so much better. OK, some days needed more than one story.

What happened was that our minds were taken away from what our own personal experiences, even if for a few minutes. Those few minutes began to add up as memories that we could return to, rather than the memories our minds were creating of misery, uncertainty, loss, fear, etc.

When love leaves - whether through death, divorce, separation, it can rock your world.

Everyone benefits when their minds are taking care of someone or something else. If need to, start small, take small steps. Make a list of steps to take and be specific. This works great with children. Don't leave them out of the healing process, in fact, get them involved. If they have lost someone they love, help keep them connected. Have a memory sharing time - I remember when.... Get out pictures of when the kids were small, sitting on Grandpa's knee, etc.

Volunteer to help others, bake cookies, paint a room, go sledding. Start seeds for spring planting, plan a memory garden. OK - in the South, where there is no snow, you tell me. I'm always looking for ideas. Go hiking, play tennis, create a small play. Note all things create action and can be done with others. The important thing -- a start is made.

HEALING - RELATIONSHIP - LOVE - EVERY DAY

Good Morning - a bit early, and I have been a bit "under the weather" the last few days. OK, I'm sick. Nothing serious. However, not bounding around full of energy, rather lethargic, somewhat grumpy, and finally not defiant. In other words, I'm allowing whatever is happening to happen, yet taking steps to move past it.

PATIENCE!!!! Yikes, that is a challenging word for me. Within the relationship of one, two or more, such as families or groups patience is number one, I believe. A lot roles into that one word. The concept of "Just Be," for example.

I have heard your questions, comments and needs more clearly for some, and with others the statements have been or questions are broad and large. Yet, keeping in "A Tidbit" form, I write what seems to happen or appear in front of me.

When healing from or accepting loss of any kind, from illness, from or within whatever place I find myself -- patience.

Advantages: It provides time to see more clearly, time to understand and take corrective action, time to nap, some days.

If on vacation in England for instance - I"m so flattered you are reading my blog, yet, as a suggestion -- patience. Move away from the computer and other electronic devices and have a TRUE vacation. What a wonderful experience you are having. One to share with another, once another is found.

"Fire Proof" - Patience. When giving a gift, expectations can derail the true meaning. And, there is nothing wrong with pink. Think of the process as a gift. Give it and let it go. Patience

Loss - Patience. Each person will process loss differently. Perhaps, look at the prior right and wrong blog posts. Also, take time to notice emotions from feelings. When you can, dive in to determine what truly is going on. What is the emotion, and then determine the feeling. There is a post somewhere about this. Patience, with yourself and the process of healing. Pain cannot be put on a blackboard and wiped away in one swipe. It will fade, which can take patience.

Patience - a gift to others and yourself. It does not mean that nothing is being accomplished. Patience can mean that you are taking time to observe the accomplishment.

OK - I'm off to the Dr. this morning, and patiently my day is beginning.

Squeeze joy --

Relationships......

Here is a great source for those looking for something quickly. Looking for something quickly, will not solve whatever challenge you have. Yet, beginning is a wonderful place to be. So much opportunity. Consider a clean slate - your mind is open - resistance is down - eyes, ears and mind are open and free from judgment.

OK, start there :) :) :) :)

Then head to klove.com where there is a daily "Love Dare." Rather than me go into depth here, go to the website and check it out. "The Love Dare" is a book. It is being posted on the site each day, and today is Day 4.

I'll be back - just HEARD the need and did not want you to leave you without support.

Squeeze joy - and Happy Saturday!

Thursday Thought

"It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy...." - Charles H. Spurgeon

After a fairly challenging day yesterday at my day job, this resonated with me. Days begin, days end -- as goes every other aspect of our lives. The recent posts to the first two blogs of the year resonated. When something ends, something begins.

What a wonderful beginning of a nursing career, or end to school. Lisa, CONGRATULATIONS on a job well done. Achieving a 4.0. Magnificent!!!!!! And, I so appreciate you stepping up and sharing this accomplishment.

A child is born another person passes. Sweet and Sour is on our tongues, in our minds and in our thoughts. Sour is pain.

Something I have not done lately, which is going to happen tonight. I am so grateful this minute, this day, in this new year for many things, and a list is mandatory today. I just tucked a notebook in my purse. Begin to consider the joy, sweet memories and appreciation for what is, and what is not.

Sweet is the process of "Squeezing joy from each minute, time does not return, yet memories do."

New Year - a Beginning and a Change

2010 is upon us - the days already passed have been for some joyful, for others exhausting, for others renewing, and for others, well, heart wrenching, to say the least as recent posts to this blog have indicated.

First, let me personally say how deeply and sincerely sorry I am for the place that you find yourselves right now. The loss of anyone can be sorrowful. Yet, the loss of people so loved to a variety of experiences and situations with some passing from lives and relationships in ways almost impossible to imagine, is heart wrenching.

This is A Tidbit, designed to be small, digestible bites. I will continue to follow God's advice and share the thoughts that come to me. You all enrich me, and I thank you for taking the time to share your experiences.

Perhaps the first person who posted on this topic provided comfort and solace to the next, and the path is continuing.

That is all for today. Yet I did not want another minute to go by before acknowledging the obvious bravery, love and pain expressed in the recent posts. A thought - love lost - is not truly lost. It will always be held in your heart - it would seem the heart wrenching pain, is that love digging deep into your hearts to hold forever.

Namaste --