Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, Rachel. I'm reminded of Ralph Waldo Emerson's reflections on travel - that our motivations in travel are a crucial part of the process. Our 'giants come with us wherever we go,' so if we're traveling for the sake of escape, or for the sake of collecting experiences/stories to add to our mental cabinet of curiosities, the experience will be, ultimately, hollow. As you so beautifully said, we must "live first."
Great thoughts. I think when I am living simply, I am able to take in the world that actually IS around me and then I write what I know rather than what I wish I know. It allows for more honest writing to write the familiar.
Do I know the jungles of Costa Rica from being once? Not really. Do I know the Canadian prairies from living here for 41 years...I think I am starting to - the light, the smell, the landscape and it’s rhythms.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, Rachel. I'm reminded of Ralph Waldo Emerson's reflections on travel - that our motivations in travel are a crucial part of the process. Our 'giants come with us wherever we go,' so if we're traveling for the sake of escape, or for the sake of collecting experiences/stories to add to our mental cabinet of curiosities, the experience will be, ultimately, hollow. As you so beautifully said, we must "live first."
"When our focus is only on what we can get out of a moment, we end up getting less out if it, not more"
I have too often fallen into this trap - thank you Rachel, for showing the better way.
Great thoughts. I think when I am living simply, I am able to take in the world that actually IS around me and then I write what I know rather than what I wish I know. It allows for more honest writing to write the familiar.
Do I know the jungles of Costa Rica from being once? Not really. Do I know the Canadian prairies from living here for 41 years...I think I am starting to - the light, the smell, the landscape and it’s rhythms.
"Too blest the former age, their life
Who in the fields contented led,
And still, by luxury unspoiled,
On frugal acorns sparely fed."
Oh, how this touched my heart deeply! Thank you!
I'm so glad to hear that, Tanya! You're most welcome!