IMPERFECT Lady

I Live My Life in Widening Circles!

"I live my life in widening circles
that reach out across the world.
I may not complete this last one
but I give myself to it."  

Rainer Marie Rilke

 

I heard this on a podcast with Joanna Macy.  What I love most are the first 7 words.  I can envision these on a fun quilt!

I live my life in widening circles! 

The changes in my life has broaden the girth of my circles; encompassing new experiences I would never have imagined!

I love that my circles are still growing wider!  Oh, what will they include next?

Last night I rode on my first group ride. I liked it. It was silent. I liked that too.

The solemness of so many whirling tires and the low sounds of gears shifting while we all pedaled on...in quiet communion, to ride with those who have died or been injured, was peaceful. 

My circles grew last night.

A comment was made "I don't know if I have the courage to ride that ride..."  And, I said, you don't come with courage, you get courage AFTER the ride.  Look at our "after the race" faces, each of us added a bit of courage to our lives!  We did it!

When you think of trying something new, think of how your life circle will grow, what it will now include and where it will bring you, who you will meet and how you will learn.

I love this idea so much.

 

I want my circle to be flexible and stretchy!

When I think of the difference between "I live my life in widening circles" compared to the teachings of the church it is the opposite.

We were taught to believe in a very small circle of beliefs and thoughts. And, very few people could fit into that circle.  In fact, more were excluded than included.

No wonder I love, and even live, this new widening circle life!

I come from the deeply rutted circle of a strict religion and dysfunctional family. Both are very closed small circles where there is no wiggle room to widen your choices.  

And, each exclude different thoughts, beliefs and ways of life.

Which is why I am no longer a member of religion nor a family member.

I expanded and changed beyond what their circles could hold.

My new motto "I live my life in widening circles"!

 

 

Mental Lady.........a poem by my brother.

                                

I see a lady,

with bushy eyebrows and a faraway stare.

Who would appear to be mental

to you.

She is not responsible for your thoughts

about her.

You are your thoughts,

while appearing not be mental.

Turn that around,

Is that more true?

Keep walking, keep walking,

reality is walking away from you.

Words,

thoughts, and NO Action,

scare her.

She should appear mental

to you.

You do nothing and expect to be something.

Something that moves her away from you.

She can clearly see you,

alone in your thoughts,

that will form your beliefs,

of your right religion.

Your mind is right, of course,

only from the left side

of reality.

How mental you appear

to the lady who giggles, and

is at one with nature,

and reality.