This Also is True
Facts as Facts
As easy as it is to speculate on what might happen in our lives, when we are devastated by illness, financial ruin, divorce, politics, and so on, it seems best to stick with the facts. “Facts as Facts,” is a maxim of Japanese Psychiatrist, Dr. Shoma Morita. Of course, it is natural and even helpful to look ahead, like the Stoics, to have some options in our back pocket. We just don’t want to linger there, putting our lives on hold. Thus, the advice to rein our minds in, when they go galloping through the fields like a wild stallion, is useful. Of course this can be easier said than done.
However, one of the ways that has consistently proven to be helpful when we are suffering from angst, fear, uncertainty and discouragement is to do physical things. We are better off to work in the garden or clean a cupboard than tackle paperwork. Moving our bodies is a way to release adrenaline and when we have the satisfaction of bagging all those fallen leaves we have the extra bonus of surveying our handiwork. And when it is one of those crisp, clear and blue sky kind of days – well, that is a bonus. When the going is tough consider the things you can do that require you to move.
This Also is True
Today I am thinking of the state of the world in 2020. It hasn’t been an easy year, and still there is so much to be grateful for. For myself, early this morning, I enjoyed listening to my Grandson practice his piano; I was so grateful for the people who came and picked up the garbage; my afternoon walk in the sunshine, with a friend, doing our best to NOT talk politics; a telephone visit with my son where we did talk politics, and an evening meal with my family. These things are ordinary, yet, when I remember and acknowledge the simple fact that they are also true, also part of this crazy world, I regain perspective.
I stumbled on this lovely distraction in The Atlantic, this morning, where an editor thought their readers might be able to use a reprieve from all that is troubling. So, dear readers, I encourage you to take a look at the wondrous beauty in New Zealand. The photography is magnificent and I recommend viewing on your computer rather than your phone. Also, click on the Full Screen, when you open up and use your right and left arrow keys to scroll through. A much more satisfying experience. I hope you enjoy it.
Let’s use our steadying sail to keep our boats from capsizing. We will all learn alot about being human, and living in this amazing world, in spite of, and thanks to 2020. I wonder what we will do differently as we move forward.
Notes:
Note 1:) from our muse, Leonard Cohen
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offerings
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.
Note 2:) A great question from last week, worth repeating: When is the last time you did something for the first time? This question, from a lovely person in my webinar, is with me everyday now.
Note 3:) You kindly send me so many encouraging and thoughtful words and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I always look forward to visiting you on Wednesday. See you next week and stay safe and maybe try something new. Let me know, OK. Warm greetings, Trudy
Trudy, I love your reminder to do physical things when fear and uncertainty might be living with us. I stepped outside this morning to tend to a few things in my yard and felt an immediate lift. Not too physical, but as you have said, the effort, and in this case, the fresh air, beautiful sunrise, and natural surroundings all made me remember how very fortunate I am. Thank you Trudy for sharing your heart and your wisdom. I always look forward!
‘and still there is so much to be grateful for’ – so like you Trudy to see the light – grateful to you for sharing it. The New Zealand photos are a treat. love Jan
Moving through the world noticing delight is a practice I recently started as a “first time”. Walking through my neighborhood or the woods and noticing an amazing shade of red, or a child immersed in play, or the song wafting out of a passing car that’s nostalgic. Grateful every day. Thank you Trudy!
These pictures of New Zealand are stunning, and inspires one to go and visit, right away. 😊if only. Thank you for posting them, along with your most useful reminders Trudy.
Thank you for pictures of New Zealand. They made me relaxed, breathe deeply with delight. I need these. Poem of Leonard Cohen! I can always see hope in my cracks and step forward. At right time, right words always. I will stay cheerful this week. Thank you, Trudy.