I loved this piece, and all it stirred in me. It made me think of the "bardo" in Tibetan Buddhism, the 'in between' place that might occur between sleep and wakefulness, or between death and rebirth. It is state of limbo and yet it it the time believed to have the most potency for awakening... Perhaps the doldrums, as you have described them, are a similar type of 'bardo state' which contains the same potency? I will leave it at that...
Thank you for this Don! This poem is a favorite of mine and so grateful for the reminder of the gift of it. I’m also a student of the Presence Process - I love its premise - not to feel better but to get better at feeling.!
The "in between" hits hard for me. Divorce is in motion, but not yet finalized. I am living temporarily in our guest house until our AirBnb property is vacated from the final guest in a few weeks. Still living out of a suitcase, working off a coffee table....the wind has died and the rudder is out of the water. All I can do is wait, keep occupied, and dream about what the next chapter of life has in store...and work to make sure I am ready, for myself and for others, for when the wind returns to my sails.
It’s hard not to build a leaf restaurant in times like this. It will be 3 years in May since handing over the reins of my business- that seems impossibly long. For me it’s the uncertainty that’s hard - when will the wind finally come?
I love this post as well. So many beautiful points of discernment. I love the poem as well. A poem that speaks to me at this stage as well is "New Beginnings" by John O'Donohue - you may find resonance there.
Last year I wrote a post on this uncomfortable liminal space (in-between) if you will. I find myself there as well. How to find aliveness in the here and now even as the rest is unfolding.
Your insight on the caterpillar igikai is great. We can't see around the corner and if we build the leaf restaurant how disappointed we will be if we had only waited a short bit for okay to turn to really delightful.
Wait what? You have a junk drawer? You? That was a big surprise! And it did make me laugh out loud. Maureen, this is a Charming perspective. I absolutely adore your humor. You're not wanting it Tinder hook up with life but a real relationship. And thank you for the reminiscence about a well-loved book from our children's childhood, are you my mother.
I’ve definitely done the Tinder moments with life - rafting guide; colon hydrotherapist; mortgage broker - some were great dates others … well let’s just say shoulda swiped left 😂 Now if only I can find the true love life 🙏🏻
colon hydrotherapist.... Maureen, you have quite the professional resume.... I am in awe. 🤭 It is a joy experiencing your My Mid-life Crisis sailing charts (readings) from a bird's-eye view. May the winds rise and bring you safely to your next port. That's until you MOVE! again. 😉
I loved this piece, and all it stirred in me. It made me think of the "bardo" in Tibetan Buddhism, the 'in between' place that might occur between sleep and wakefulness, or between death and rebirth. It is state of limbo and yet it it the time believed to have the most potency for awakening... Perhaps the doldrums, as you have described them, are a similar type of 'bardo state' which contains the same potency? I will leave it at that...
I love your writing. This one, in particular, resonates.
I offer a simple poem borrowed from The Guest House:
______________________________
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
- Jalaluddin Rumi
Thank you for this Don! This poem is a favorite of mine and so grateful for the reminder of the gift of it. I’m also a student of the Presence Process - I love its premise - not to feel better but to get better at feeling.!
The "in between" hits hard for me. Divorce is in motion, but not yet finalized. I am living temporarily in our guest house until our AirBnb property is vacated from the final guest in a few weeks. Still living out of a suitcase, working off a coffee table....the wind has died and the rudder is out of the water. All I can do is wait, keep occupied, and dream about what the next chapter of life has in store...and work to make sure I am ready, for myself and for others, for when the wind returns to my sails.
It’s hard not to build a leaf restaurant in times like this. It will be 3 years in May since handing over the reins of my business- that seems impossibly long. For me it’s the uncertainty that’s hard - when will the wind finally come?
I love this post as well. So many beautiful points of discernment. I love the poem as well. A poem that speaks to me at this stage as well is "New Beginnings" by John O'Donohue - you may find resonance there.
Last year I wrote a post on this uncomfortable liminal space (in-between) if you will. I find myself there as well. How to find aliveness in the here and now even as the rest is unfolding.
Your insight on the caterpillar igikai is great. We can't see around the corner and if we build the leaf restaurant how disappointed we will be if we had only waited a short bit for okay to turn to really delightful.
Thanks Paula I would love to read your post on liminality - one of my favorite words - and restack it for you! Yes no leaf restaurants here 😂🤦🏻♀️
Sure thing! (Don't Rush the Messy Middle) - https://paulag.substack.com/p/dont-rush-the-messy-middle
We never know what is right around the corner. Hold tight to joy & curiosity!
Wait what? You have a junk drawer? You? That was a big surprise! And it did make me laugh out loud. Maureen, this is a Charming perspective. I absolutely adore your humor. You're not wanting it Tinder hook up with life but a real relationship. And thank you for the reminiscence about a well-loved book from our children's childhood, are you my mother.
As always, beautifully written and inspirational.
I’ve definitely done the Tinder moments with life - rafting guide; colon hydrotherapist; mortgage broker - some were great dates others … well let’s just say shoulda swiped left 😂 Now if only I can find the true love life 🙏🏻
colon hydrotherapist.... Maureen, you have quite the professional resume.... I am in awe. 🤭 It is a joy experiencing your My Mid-life Crisis sailing charts (readings) from a bird's-eye view. May the winds rise and bring you safely to your next port. That's until you MOVE! again. 😉
Not many people get to say they’ve cleaned other people’s S$@& for a living 🤫
Right ?!? It’ll definitely add color to my memoir someday 😂