Mary Oliver eloquently wrote, “I have decided to find myself a home in the mountains, somewhere high up where one learns to live peacefully in the cold and the silence. It’s said that in such a place certain revelations may be discovered. That what the spirit reaches for may be eventually felt, if not exactly understood. Slowly, no doubt. I’m not talking about a vacation.
Of course, at the same time I mean to stay exactly where I am.
Are you following me?”
I can relate to Mary’s longing after a summer pilgrimage to Ireland. Since I’ve returned, I have decided to find myself a home in the hills of Wicklow, high up where one learns to live peacefully among the bright blue skies and puffy white clouds (it was uncharacteristically dry during my visit!), and I suppose the misty rain, too. Every morning, I’ll walk down to the sea and swim with the Irish ladies with their sweet accents and be energized by the shockingly cold water, stunning views of cliffs and castle ruins, and curious seals that both attract and scare. Afterwards, we’ll put on thick robes and sip tea. (Actually, I’ll pick up an iced latte from Nick’s Coffee!) Then, I’ll saunter home, fully awake to being a tiny but significant part of a magnificent whole.
Of course, like Mary, I will stay exactly where I am.
Are you following me?
How about you? What are you longing for?
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