“Today, like every other day, we wake up empty
And frightened. Don’t open the door to the study
And begin reading. Take down the dulcimer.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kiss the ground.” Rumi
When empty nesters and boomers have the blues, they want to find ways to kiss the ground. They want to see the music and beauty in the moment. They don’t like feeling the pain or worry. Who would?
It isn’t easy and there is a way….allow the ordinary days of activities like laundry, watering the garden, chatting on the phone with a friend, be enough to appreciate life. It isn’t easy. We long for meaning, connections, joy. Shifting perception to simple moments, even walking the neighborhood, bouncing a ball, can be enough.
The pusher within us roars the fear: Time is moving and you aren’t. You will regret not doing more with your life.
You know that inner voice.
SHHHHHHHHHH to that one when it over takes your peace of mind.
I really do find that reading poetry in the evening, in bed , is relaxing and sweet. Mary Oliver, David Whyte, are Rumi are some of my favorites.
Hope you find some connection in your days and nights that allows you to be ok with what is for now and still keep the dream of flight, like the butterfly, vibrant in your wishing well.
Natalie
Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org
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