When I was feeling really well a few weeks back, I had a glimpse of my old life where I could go out and do what I wanted. It was wonderful and now as I slip back a bit toward my usual state I am so grateful for that experience. It showed me how the mind gets conditioned and stuck in habits. How easy it is rest and then become accustomed to resting without even considering other possibilities. The body has limits, but it's so important not to add to them with limits from the mind. My art provides so much adventure, so much engagement in my life that I rarely feel my limits keenly. But one of the messages of the past few months is to widen my mind and let go of the ruts. There is so much that is possible if we don't dwell on what is not. Today a poem from Rilke ❤️
I live my life in widening circles
by Rainer Maria Rilke, Trans. Anita Barrows and Joanna Macy
I live my life in widening circles
that reach out across the world.
I may not ever complete the last one,
but I give myself to it.
I circle around God, that primordial tower.
I have been circling for thousands of years,
and I still don’t know: am I a falcon,
a storm, or a great song?