Are you digesting your day?
Teaching and studying Ayurveda and Indian aesthetics this year, I saw again how the process that produces rasa, “beauteous rapture,” is consistently seen as a digestive, alchemical one.
The raw elements of the senses and emotions are transformed through the subtle combination of relationships with others, with the natural world, and with the Divine. The result is a “fully cooked” experience, a unique combination of all elements that transcends their separateness and melts the heart in bliss.
Likewise, I’ve been wondering, do we really “digest” our days? Can we live slowly (i.e. soulfully) enough to allow the varied elements and experiences of every day to reveal their particular form of wonder and completion? If we are not allowing ourselves the space to do this, what are we doing?
Dear Rick,
I’ve recently realized how I go about my day subtly guarding and defending my “To Do List” in such a way that I am not stopping to smell the roses. This leaves me feeling lonely and disconnected by the end of the day regardless of how much has been “accomplished.” Seeing this defensiveness at work, I am now gently focusing on being present with whomever or whatever is before me when possible. What I’m finding is that this willingness to be vulnerable and present in the moment, is an incredibly creative and nurturing space that is attracting people and situations that are supporting me in this effort, (such as this blog and your wonderful website). So it feels like by taking a few baby steps towards being more open, life is taking a giant step towards me.
Dear Diane,
do you know Ricks poem ‘Your work is a piece of art, a craft to be most carefully mastered, for patience has replaced time and you are your own destination’? This for me is still and over and again THE message – or call it TASK. Your comment inspired me to contributing three lines/suggestions to soulfully living, which I found in a wonderful book with daily comments on biblical themes. This dates from May 24 (translation).
Practise for one week:
1. Renounce of the word ‘but’
2. Stay with the same flower in the morning, at midday and in the evening
3. Compliment and/or encourage someone three times a day
Sounds much simpler than just practising it….
Dear Rick,
this is the first blog I ever participated in – and I don’t even know whether
I did it the right way! I answered to Diane, but maybe the email goes to you?
So, please, read my above contribution on the blog site.
With my very best, Barbara ‘Slowgo’, anticipating moderation…. ?
Hi Rick,
Always inspiring to read anything you write.
Loved “Digesting Your Day.”
I read it at exactly the right time, of course:-)
You ask: “Can we live slowly…”?
That was the question I asked myself as I walked through Central Park this morning.
I’d like to share my favorite poem, called “Leisure” written by Welsh poet William Henry Davis in 1911.
I just came back from a vacation in the English countryside with the cows. A very “slow” vacation, wonderful.
Best regards,
Mara
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
Rick, thanks for this post. All too often, I digest my day at the end of the day – so I appreciate the reminder to digest throughout the day. I am glad to be noticing my gratitude and appreciation more often throughout the day – while stepping outside in the day or at night. Mara, thank you for the poem, “Leisure”. I’m going to share it.