Sunday, September 8, 2013

MOVING ON, HOPEFULLY FORWARD

Blue Ridge Mountains Landscape
(Photo by Gafoto, Wikimedia Commons)

After more than eighteen years of living on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Margaret and I finally closed on the sale of our house nine days ago and embarked on the next phase of our planned relocation — the search for a place in the Carolinas that will permit Margaret to keep her two horses.  We have stored our furniture in Maryland and taken a short-term rental apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, which will be our base as we explore the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains between Greenville and Asheville, North Carolina.  

Radical changes like this are always stressful because they increase exponentially the uncertainties that accompany "normal life," whatever that is.  I am hopeful, nonetheless, that the future will unfold in a way that will allow both Margaret and me to return soon to the activities that nurture our respective souls.  For the moment, however, we must spend most our days searching for something quite different from what I usually search for.

Unfortunately, the demands of the past few months have left me little time to read and reflect.  I have tried, however, to keep the ideals of two pieces of writing at the forefront of my crowded, overburdened mind.  The first piece of writing is Charles Bukowski's wise poem, The Laughing Heart, which I discovered by reading one of Ruth's elegant postings on Small.

                                               The Laughing Heart

                               your life is your life
                               don't let it be clubbed into dank submission.
                               be on the watch.
                               there are ways out.
                               there is light somewhere.
                               it may not be much light but
                               it beats the darkness.
                               be on the watch.
                               the gods will offer you chances.
                               know them.
                               take them.
                               you can't beat death but 
                               you can beat death in life, sometimes.
                               and the more often you learn to do it,
                               the more light there will be.
                               your life is your life.
                               know it while you have it.
                               you are marvelous.
                               the gods wait to delight 
                               in you.

The second piece comes from the Talmud and has its inspiration in the writings of the prophet Micah:

Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief.  Love mercy now. Walk humbly now.  Do justly now.  You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.

So what's the relationship between this moving challenge and the quotes from Bukowski and The Talmud?  I suppose it has something to do with what Pascal once said:  "In difficult times you should always carry something beautiful in your mind."


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35 comments:

  1. The Solitary WalkerSeptember 9, 2013 at 3:53 AM

    I know house selling/buying can be really stressful, as we've done it ourselves several times, though not recently. They say it's up there with divorce and bereavement as one of the most stressful experiences we ever go through, don't they? (Whoever they are.)

    However, this long process you've endured is now nearer its conclusion. You are truly committed, having finally sold your house, with no going back, so that must be a relief and a comfort — and perhaps exciting in some way? The Blue Ridge mountains sound so appealing to me — doesn't the Appalachian Trial run through there? I'm sure you'll have some fine hiking, photographic and artistic opportunities, my friend...

    It's funny, I noted down that Bukowski poem too, when I first read it on Ruth's blog. As Leonard Cohen, whom I saw in concert the other day, sang: 'There is a crack in everything / That's how the light gets in.' With a little help from the gods there are ways and means to let in the light, even if the world's grief sometimes seems too difficult to bear.

    Naturally, it's good to have you back, George. Take care. And I feel the future could be quite splendid for you.

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 9, 2013 at 7:36 PM

      Thanks for the reassuring thoughts, Robert. As you note, the major commitment has been made and there's no turning back. The problem is this chaotic interim period, something akin to the experience of a trapeze flyer who has released one trapeze but not yet grasped the other. Eventually, all will be well; I'm sure of it.

      The walking opportunities abound in this area. Yes, the Appalachian Trail runs through this area, and there are multiple other paths and trails in the area.

      I've always admired that Leonard Cohen line, and I thank you for reminding me of it. The crack often feels big, but I'm ready to let the sunshine in.

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  2. RuthSeptember 9, 2013 at 6:17 AM

    Holy goodness, George, it's good to see you back, read from one line to the next and feel the work of these words in my soul!

    Thank you for the *small* nod.

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 9, 2013 at 7:39 PM

      It's good to be back, Ruth. And thank you for the invitation to explore Bukowski's poem. It means a great deal to me. I read it every other day or so, just to recharge my commitment to an authentic life.

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  3. The Weaver of GrassSeptember 9, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    Lovely to hear from you again George. I think it is sensible to store your furniture and look for somewhere at your leisure, while you get to know the area. It is so easy to jump in at the deep end and then find something more suitable.

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 9, 2013 at 7:40 PM

      I think you're spot on, Pat. Now that we've come this far, we must remain patient until we find what we're really looking for.

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  4. erinSeptember 9, 2013 at 1:12 PM

    and they are both instruction in how to live a meaningful life.

    do not get lost in the work, which will sort itself out in time.

    be well))

    xo
    erin

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 9, 2013 at 7:41 PM

      Thanks for the encouragement, Erin. Your advice is well taken. It's often better to wait than seek.

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  5. BarbSeptember 9, 2013 at 3:19 PM

    Be safe and well, George. You are embarking on an adventure. I've been on a similar search, and it turned out well for me. I wish the same for you and Margaret.

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 9, 2013 at 7:48 PM

      I missed the "reply" button, Barb. My reply to your comment is below.

      Delete
  6. RowanSeptember 9, 2013 at 4:30 PM

    The Blue Ridge Mountains look beautiful, I hope you find the perfect new home very soon.

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 9, 2013 at 7:47 PM

      Thanks, Rowan. The Blue Ridge mountains are beautiful indeed, and their foothills often remind me of places I have walked in the UK. Finding a perfect home would be great, but I would settle at this moment for a good one. Hope all is well with you and your family.

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  7. ksamSeptember 9, 2013 at 7:41 PM

    From one amazingly beautiful piece of country to another!! So much to see and enjoy in both of them. So here's to new beginnings.

    The poem and quote are wonderful and will get added to my little book of things to ponder. Wonderful to see you here again.

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 9, 2013 at 7:53 PM

      Thanks for your supportive comments, Karin. Yes, I am moving from one beautiful piece of country to another, and I should refrain from complaining too much about the stress that attends such a move. You're right, of course; we should all celebrate new beginnings.

      Glad you liked the poem and quote. They've meant a great deal to me as I've tried to stay centered during the chaos of recent months.

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  8. GeorgeSeptember 9, 2013 at 7:44 PM

    Hi, Barb! Thanks for the comment. It's quite chaotic at the moment. I'm confident, however, that all will work out well in time. Here's hoping all is well with you and your family.

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  9. RuthSeptember 10, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    George, I ran across another quote from Charles Bukowski this morning. It's more of the same goodness:

    "Nobody can save you but yourself. You will be put again and again into nearly impossible situations. They will attempt again and again through subterfuge, guise, and force to make you submit, quit and/or die quietly inside. But don't, don't, don't. It's a war not easily won, but if anything is worth winning then this is it. Nobody can save you but yourself, and you're worth saving."

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 10, 2013 at 9:02 AM

      Thank you so much for this quote, Ruth. It's so, so rich, so true, so on point! And it is exactly what I need to read again and again, especially especially during this period of transition.

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  10. Cait O'ConnorSeptember 10, 2013 at 3:48 PM

    It is good to see you back blogging again and I wish you happiness in your new life. I certainly appreciated the poem and the quote, thank you.

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  11. GeorgeSeptember 10, 2013 at 5:26 PM

    Thanks for the good wishes, Cait. Glad you enjoyed the poem and quote.

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  12. Teresa EvangelineSeptember 10, 2013 at 5:45 PM

    I love seeing disparate sources come together in such a beautiful way ... Bukowski and the Talmud ... love it... And I love that poem from Bukowski ... it holds more than his usual sliver of hope. Congratulations on the sale of your house ... wishing you another grand adventure.

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 10, 2013 at 5:54 PM

      Thanks, Teresa. Good to hear from you. Yes, I do love the Bukowski poem. Check out the Bukowski quote above that was provided by Ruth. And, yes, may the future be another grand adventure!

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  13. AnonymousSeptember 11, 2013 at 5:11 AM

    Though I imagine the search for a new home will keep you busy, I hope it becomes a *good* kind of busy. I know well the pressure and stress that comes with moving (though I've only ever had to find a rental), I also know that there's a kind of magic at work in letting the right people cross paths with the right place. Wishing you plenty of that magic and looking forward to hearing (when it's convenient) about it.

    By the way, because I now blog at WordPress, blogger makes it VERY difficult to post comments (one reason I'm not seen often at some of my favorite blogs :( ). The only workaround I've seen is if a blogger blogs allow for commenting via Name/URL (as Solitary Walker allows).

    The way I'm commenting today is the only stop-gap method I could figure out... it's clunky but works.

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 11, 2013 at 9:55 AM

      Thanks for the good wishes, Wendy. I will check my settings and see if I can align them with those of the Solitary Walker.

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  14. dritanjeSeptember 13, 2013 at 4:21 PM

    Brilliant Bukowski poem and quote, I'll make a note of that. All best wishes for you both, for finding the right place, which you will.
    Morelle

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  15. GeorgeSeptember 13, 2013 at 5:19 PM

    Thanks for the good wishes, Morelle. Glad you liked the Bukowski poem and the quote.

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  16. JadeSeptember 16, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    I hope you find the house you'll love! :) The Blue Ridge mountain picture brings me a wistful feeling, almost like nostalgia, though I've never been there.

    I have just moved to my very first house after apartment living for a couple years. It takes time to get adjusted, and even if the mind is cluttered, reading poems throughout this time has helped keep me happy and inspired. <3

    Blessings

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 16, 2013 at 9:26 AM

      Thanks for your comments, Jade. I agree with you entirely about the therapeutic value of reading poetry. There is nothing like a great poem to settle the mind and bolster the spirit.

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  17. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2013 at 5:12 AM

    Thanks for this George. Liminal times are hard, aren't they? Good luck with it all. Thanks for the excellent Talmud quote which I have just put on pilgrimpace. Do you know where it comes from?

    Buen Camino!

    Andy

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 21, 2013 at 10:04 AM

      Hi, Andy! So glad that you loved the Talmud quote and carried it forward to your own blog. I can't recall the exact source, but I read a biographical sketch of a peace activist recently who mentioned that quote has long been the creed upon which his life is based. If I can remember the name, I will pass it on to you.

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  18. Gwen BuchananSeptember 25, 2013 at 10:27 AM

    George, I wish you every good moment that a new journey brings. I am so excited for you and your wife. Life is an adventure!
    We are closing any day now on an old neglected property that we hope to breathe new life into, near the capital of our province.

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    1. GeorgeSeptember 27, 2013 at 5:19 PM

      Thanks for much, Gwen. Sorry for the late reply. My wife and I have been in a spin for several days in connection with the purchase of a new place.

      Good luck on your new place. I look forward to seeing photos of what you and your husband do to that "old neglected property." You both are amazingly creative, and everything touched by your hands becomes more beautiful.

      Delete
  19. Folkways Note BookOctober 8, 2013 at 3:03 PM

    I thoroughly enjoyed this post.-- barbara

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    1. GeorgeOctober 9, 2013 at 3:16 PM

      Thanks, Barbara. Delighted that you found something of value in this post.

      Delete
  20. Dominic RivronNovember 15, 2013 at 2:02 AM

    How come I missed this post? Two months on I hope "on" is turning out to be "forward".

    That's a cracking good Bukowski poem. I didn't know it.

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    1. GeorgeNovember 15, 2013 at 9:40 AM

      We moved into our new digs last week, Dominic, and I think I can say at this point that we are indeed moving forward. Glad you liked the Bukowski poem. I find it very inspiring!

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