Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Little Scraps of Wisdom in a Frozen World of Grey Slush


Bred as we, among the mountains,
Can the sailor understand
The divine intoxication
Of the first league out from land?

Emily Dickinson

...strong emotions don’t come easy in a frozen world of grey slush...three weeks to Kripalu...something I never expected, being a full time student again...even if only for a month...and, while grad school’s just about guaranteed to make a person more neurotic, this could, conceivably, do the opposite...

...but, if one thing clearly to be expected, it’s that my final observations on the experience will include...for good or for bad...however stated...it was different from what I expected...

I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.
Umberto Eco

...maybe the best way to teach somebody something is not to try to teach them anything...talk, act, throw petals to the waves to watch them float...and the best way to learn is to forget about learning...stop grasping at information as if to save you from drowning...make you rich, thin, good-looking...less flatulent, more confident...more in love, less hungry....just swim in it....forget about being a wise old yogi...just practice...

6 comments:

TheRiverWanders said...

Maybe you don't need to know a thing in order to do it. The less you know, sometimes, the more you do.

Lydia said...

Beautiful post and amazing winter shot (that blue sky...). And I love that quote by Eco.

the walking man said...

Works for me. Just let go and be and the learning comes on as fast as one can absorb it.

earthtoholly said...

That's a brilliant photo, drjay...and wow, you got some snow up there!

I like the Eco quote. Teaching by example is good, providing, of course, that a good example is set. That's the hard part.

You'll be away for a whole month??? No posts? :o( Oh well then, hope you learn lots and have a good time. Sounds exciting!

WR said...

There is something wonderful that New England winter teaches the body...something about inner strength, observation and perhaps a bit of gratitude and wonder. Love the photo. Reminds me of 'home' and that is a comfort. The Eco quote is excellent. It has been ages since i've even heard his name. Hope you are well and savoring the moment!

nothingprofound said...

"We need but little learning to live happily."-Montaigne

What is there to learn anyway?