Oct 17, 2022·edited Oct 17, 2022Liked by Gary Sharpe
Gary, I believe you are discovering what many of us are. That life in general and life as a physical manifestation of a collection of biological “parts” is something whole and complete. Seeing the whole requires a different attitude than seeing the parts. To me, that is the beauty of the mystery.
It was a big epiphany for me in my own recovery to realize that the opposite of fear and anxiety was not courage, but wonder. I look at my 10-year old for inspiration. He is constantly in awe of everything. And consequently never in a state of prolonged fight or flight.
I find what you wrote inspiring. Our plastic throw away culture of literalism is very limiting. I am going through a very difficult time since I lost my sense of smell and taste three years ago due to an ear infection. This was on the heels of recovering these two precious senses after I was helped by a therapist in resolving a deep seated neurosis. That episode lasted two years. I felt reborn and alive again. Then to be plunged back into a smell less and tasteless world was devastating.
Gary, I absolutely loved reading this. Just what I needed today- impeccable timing. I related to so much. Many similarities of speaking of hibernation, chrysalis phase, the helpfulness of writing......I could go on and on. I am gradually working through your writings as I really want to savor them. They seem to have a healing quality to them for me. Thank you!
Remind me of Aldus Huxley quote- “Most lead lives at worst so painful, at best so monotonous, poor and limited that the urge to escape, the longing to transcend themselves if only for a few moments, is and has always been one of the principle appetites of the soul.”
'existing fully in the present, and the bliss which derives from it.' That's living mindfully, fully awake and fully present! It is the ultimate aim in life!
This is the first of your substack's I have read. I will read more. If only there were more time. I have been home with some cold/sinus thing. It has allowed me to read most of the days away. Other than the fact that I am on-line, I love spending the time doing so.
For me, it is even more fulfilling when the authors are interactive in their comment section. I like to think that this recursive process is enriching and can enhance metamorphosis.
Have you read Paul Kingsnorth? I have found some of his writing on-line as free eBooks, as well as here on substack. https://dark-mountain.net/about/manifesto/ I can't say enough good things about him. He has also been on many podcasts. I prefer his writing.
I love this post so much. Yes, so much awe, everywhere we turn! I take walks almost daily and my favourite practice is to intentionally look and spot something unordinary. And when I do it the universe brings me all the exquisitely delightful.
Gary, I believe you are discovering what many of us are. That life in general and life as a physical manifestation of a collection of biological “parts” is something whole and complete. Seeing the whole requires a different attitude than seeing the parts. To me, that is the beauty of the mystery.
It was a big epiphany for me in my own recovery to realize that the opposite of fear and anxiety was not courage, but wonder. I look at my 10-year old for inspiration. He is constantly in awe of everything. And consequently never in a state of prolonged fight or flight.
I find what you wrote inspiring. Our plastic throw away culture of literalism is very limiting. I am going through a very difficult time since I lost my sense of smell and taste three years ago due to an ear infection. This was on the heels of recovering these two precious senses after I was helped by a therapist in resolving a deep seated neurosis. That episode lasted two years. I felt reborn and alive again. Then to be plunged back into a smell less and tasteless world was devastating.
Gary, I absolutely loved reading this. Just what I needed today- impeccable timing. I related to so much. Many similarities of speaking of hibernation, chrysalis phase, the helpfulness of writing......I could go on and on. I am gradually working through your writings as I really want to savor them. They seem to have a healing quality to them for me. Thank you!
Remind me of Aldus Huxley quote- “Most lead lives at worst so painful, at best so monotonous, poor and limited that the urge to escape, the longing to transcend themselves if only for a few moments, is and has always been one of the principle appetites of the soul.”
'existing fully in the present, and the bliss which derives from it.' That's living mindfully, fully awake and fully present! It is the ultimate aim in life!
You express thoughts beautifully.
This is the first of your substack's I have read. I will read more. If only there were more time. I have been home with some cold/sinus thing. It has allowed me to read most of the days away. Other than the fact that I am on-line, I love spending the time doing so.
For me, it is even more fulfilling when the authors are interactive in their comment section. I like to think that this recursive process is enriching and can enhance metamorphosis.
Have you read Paul Kingsnorth? I have found some of his writing on-line as free eBooks, as well as here on substack. https://dark-mountain.net/about/manifesto/ I can't say enough good things about him. He has also been on many podcasts. I prefer his writing.
I love this post so much. Yes, so much awe, everywhere we turn! I take walks almost daily and my favourite practice is to intentionally look and spot something unordinary. And when I do it the universe brings me all the exquisitely delightful.
Lovely. Thank you!