Can you remember who you were, before the world told you who you should be?
Charles Bukowski
I’ve been reflecting since yesterday on heartstretching moments. There’s the time spent with my own family, my husband, my kids and their kids. And there are the moments with my school kids, virtual now. I miss them and worry about them. Time with friends. Small moments with strangers. Watching my cat, Grayling, sleep.
And then there are moments oceanside, now just a dream and a memory. And hikes on paths shadowed with oaks and beech, or faraway trails stretching from the heights to the horizons. All of these things open my heart as wide as the farm fields down the road. But only if…
I’m present. Only if I remember who I am and what I am about. There’s time now for reflection. I acknowledge my privilege in this time we are in, this time between times. How lucky I am to be well fed and snug at home. But reflecting on huge things, things of the spirit, helps me remember. “Do not forget who you are:” Laila Gifty Akita says, “a sacred soul.” I think about these times, about our own impermanence, and my heart cracks wide open. How much time do we really have? Who am I and what am I about?
Now. Now I’m present, and my heart is open to meet the other.
Mercy Street 
Life does change in an instant and you never know when that instant will occur. You remind me to be conscious of life and grateful for what I have not what I wish for.
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These are beautiful and comforting words. I think in this “time between times” we will come out a better people. “Who am I?” and “What am I about?” are some every reflective questions. I think some notebook time with these would be good for me today. Thank you.
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Thank you, Leigh Anne. I have to ask myself these questions all the time. I hope they are helpful.
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I love the quote you used to open this post. It’s new to me, and it resonates. I agree with Leigh Anne, you offer beautiful words. I’m so glad you are writing here on “Mercy Street.”
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Thank you, Ruth. We all need to remember, and to help our kids remember as the world works on wearing them and us down. But that’s so negative, right? So we go back to last week, to the smaill things that buoy us up!
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I love “Mercy Street” and your opening quotation. This post feels like peace.
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Julie, that is a high compliment. Thank you so much!
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Beautifully crafted reflection.
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Terje, thank you so much! As a person restarting a blog, starting to write again, I appreciate your words!
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I love the Charles Bukowski quote! And that you named your cat Grayling! I’m creating a picture book in my head as I speak. And yes – one can only be open if they are present. Love your photos – so calm, peaceful, and present.
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Thank you for your kind words! I am going for calm and peace! (At least this week I was!)
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I do wonder how we will all come out of this ” this time between times.” I think we all have a sense that we are living history of a significant event. God knows and that is where my comfort lives!
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Thank you for your words, Kim! We have to have faith…
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The word “essence” comes to mind when I read your words. This being present–now–seems to mean stripping life down to its essence. The Bukowski quote, your memories, all seem to be beautiful reminders of the essence of who you are.
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Thank you, Christy. That is exactly what I’m going for. Thank you for the word!!
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