Patti, you are one remarkable human who puts voice to the journey many are trying to navigate. Your observations fuel my quest for quiet, this posture of vanaprastha suits me as I strive to let go of what was and welcome what simply is. I’ll seek it in the woods and whisper my gratitude.
You know I love this! Mine started in Covid, settled down a bit, and came roaring to life again early last year. The hustle, ability to grind or produce...they just...left me. My happiness and contentment and reward came from sitting quietly in nature, watching and listening and being. I got scared - it's too soon for this! I'm too young! Shouldn't I do more? But now I'm beginning to hear the whispers or something more...not broader, but as you so beautifully write, smaller, more intimate, and deeper.
I have been in this same season for a few years now, literally returning to the forest. Everything you describe feels as if it is my story. Your writing makes me feel at home. Thank you.
Today I kayaked in a still pond surrounded by Vermont mountains and ancient boulders that looked like whales beneath my boat. Thank you giving me the word for such an experience. Vanaprastha
But what about regrets? For paths not travelled, things not yet accomplished, decisions you wish you’d made differently? My body is getting old faster than I thought it would. How much longer will I able to fly home to family?
Patti, you are one remarkable human who puts voice to the journey many are trying to navigate. Your observations fuel my quest for quiet, this posture of vanaprastha suits me as I strive to let go of what was and welcome what simply is. I’ll seek it in the woods and whisper my gratitude.
It is a good exposition of the Indian concept of Vanprastha metaphorically highlighting that it is a change in mindset, but not a change in place.
A perfect gift for my 74th birthday. How did you know, Patti?
You know I love this! Mine started in Covid, settled down a bit, and came roaring to life again early last year. The hustle, ability to grind or produce...they just...left me. My happiness and contentment and reward came from sitting quietly in nature, watching and listening and being. I got scared - it's too soon for this! I'm too young! Shouldn't I do more? But now I'm beginning to hear the whispers or something more...not broader, but as you so beautifully write, smaller, more intimate, and deeper.
Thank you
Thank you! Inspiring words that will carry me through this season.
Incredible. <3
Patti, I’ve read your story twice and I’m still savoring its many gentle treasures. Thank you!
I have been in this same season for a few years now, literally returning to the forest. Everything you describe feels as if it is my story. Your writing makes me feel at home. Thank you.
Today I kayaked in a still pond surrounded by Vermont mountains and ancient boulders that looked like whales beneath my boat. Thank you giving me the word for such an experience. Vanaprastha
But what about regrets? For paths not travelled, things not yet accomplished, decisions you wish you’d made differently? My body is getting old faster than I thought it would. How much longer will I able to fly home to family?
Regrets will kill you.
Exactly!! But how do you process them? Any tips?
(Excessive punctuation intentional. ♥️)
Write them all out on slips of paper and then burn them.
Outside, preferably.
This resonates deeply with me, Patti. Thank you so much! ❤️
I love you. I love you. I love you.
I will imagine you doing all of the things you wrote about today. In the forest.
Lines from a poem I wrote when I was 23, and reading a lot of Stafford:
“There is only one way into the forest:
Remember the first leaf,
The first warm stone.”
Beautiful
This echos where i currently sit
Retiring to the forest in spirit sounds lovely
Thank you many blessings ❤️✨
Beautiful
'not vanishing but distilling.'
Will be taking that with me
Thank you
Ahhh.....