A Hot and Humid Summer Night - Life is Good

This evening it is exceptionally hot in my study. So I see it as an opportune time to share a poem, an excerpt and a short video. The poem is a favourite of mine and I put a link to its online home.

The poem

Any Morning

Just lying on the couch and being happy.
Only humming a little, the quiet sound in the head.
Trouble is busy elsewhere at the moment, it has
so much to do in the world.

People who might judge are mostly asleep; they can’t
monitor you all the time, and sometimes they forget.
When dawn flows over the hedge you can
get up and act busy.

Little corners like this, pieces of Heaven
left lying around, can be picked up and saved.
People won’t even see that you have them,
they are so light and easy to hide.

Later in the day you can act like the others.
You can shake your head. You can frown.

By William Stafford

Perfectly OK

“When we plant a rose seed in the earth, we notice that it is small, but we do not criticize it as “rootless and stemless.” We treat it as a seed, giving it the water and nourishment required of a seed. When it first shoots up out of the earth, we don’t condemn it as immature and underdeveloped; nor do we criticize the buds for not being open when they appear. We stand in wonder at the process taking place and give the plant the care it needs at each stage of its development. The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change; yet at each state, at each moment, it is perfectly all right as it is.” W. Timothy Gallwey – The Inner Game of Tennis

I discovered this on James Clear’s (author of Atomic Habits) weekly newsletter.

A new discovery this week is Dr. Edith Eger

An amazing woman in her mid 90’s who still works, writes, and gives numerous interviews and keynotes around the world.

“I don’t want you to hear my story and say, “My own suffering is less significant.” I want you to hear my story and say, “If she can do it, then so can I!”
― Edith Eger, The Choice: Embrace the Possible

The Video

Finally, a short joyful video with Desmond Tutu wishing the Dalai Lama birthday greetings last week on his 86th Birthday. When I see these two together I am beaming from ear to ear with joy. I just can’t contain myself. Their affection is self-evident. Recently, a new movie was made about their friendship called Mission: Joy – Finding Happiness in Troubled Times. At this point I have not been able to find a way to stream or rent it in Canada. Please send me a note if you spot its availability.

Notes

Note 1: You will notice a new link to my book on the right hand side. I created a page with the help of my amazing webmaster, Margaret Rode. Also, on that same page is a link to the podcast where I was recently interviewed. (for those who are interested)

Note 2:) I took these two flower photos in two different yards, in the next block to where I live. How lucky am I to stroll around in the midst of such blooms.

Note 3: Thank you for all your warm notes and comments. I wish you a lovely July week and thank you so much for continuing to show up here. Warmest wishes to you all, Trudy

PS I just discovered that if you read this on your phone you don’t see the right hand margin where the link to my book lives. In the meantime, here is the link.

yoshie says:

July 15, 2021 at 2:48 am

Thanks for sharing our photo. I share it with other members of Canadian Rockies’ team. You remind us that laughter and smile give us hope. We will cut our way through difficulties. Hope to see light from the exit of Covid soon. Yoshie

T Boyle says:
July 15, 2021 at 6:36 am

Thank you Yoshie. I can barely imagine the concerns in Japan during this time. And I too hope that relief from Covid comes soon. All my best wishes.

Gabriole says:

July 17, 2021 at 12:26 pm

Awesome as always dear sister.
It seems to me you are like a ‘literary detective’- scanning that which goes unnoticed by most, bringing forward the perfect gems to share at the perfect time, to bring light to the mysteries of life.
Brilliant gems indeed, that inspire and bring joy…and the illusive yet ever important hope. Good job – I think I’ll get you a symbolic magnifying glass instead of a medal heehee – love you 🥰

Margaret says:

July 18, 2021 at 8:35 pm

Trudy, again thank you so much for this post. I really needed to hear it. (and thank you for the shout-out…it’s a joy helping you continue to share your wonderful healing writing with the world)