25 Comments
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Rosemary Lauth's avatar

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.

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Pulugurtha's avatar

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.

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Sharon Waller's avatar

A perfect gift for my 74th birthday. How did you know, Patti?

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Angie Stegall's avatar

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.

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Dawn Waltuck's avatar

Thank you

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Carla Romarate-Knipel's avatar

Thank you! Inspiring words that will carry me through this season.

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Stephanie C. Bell's avatar

Incredible. <3

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Melanie Morgan's avatar

Patti, I’ve read your story twice and I’m still savoring its many gentle treasures. Thank you!

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stories connect us's avatar

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.

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sarahjane's avatar

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

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Alison Miyake's avatar

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?

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Patti Digh's avatar

Regrets will kill you.

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Alison Miyake's avatar

Exactly!! But how do you process them? Any tips?

(Excessive punctuation intentional. ♥️)

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Patti Digh's avatar

Write them all out on slips of paper and then burn them.

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Patti Digh's avatar

Outside, preferably.

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Renee Sievert's avatar

This resonates deeply with me, Patti. Thank you so much! ❤️

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Jodi Cohen's avatar

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.”

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Krone Kh's avatar

Beautiful

This echos where i currently sit

Retiring to the forest in spirit sounds lovely

Thank you many blessings ❤️✨

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Randall Van Nostrand's avatar

Beautiful

'not vanishing but distilling.'

Will be taking that with me

Thank you

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Susan Shepherd's avatar

Ahhh.....

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