Firstly, I cannot wait to read Kokoro; pre-ordered last week. Secondly, I begin most days with Ryokan's poetry. I read this piece, realizing I might SEE it, nervously, heart beating, to see that place. Can we maybe go back together.
Thirdly, last night at a dinner after a long, luxurious ten-year-anniversary date with James, we talked about what we're thankful for, what's coming, to what are we looking forward. I think I said "it feels good to disappear." I don't know what I mean precisely; writing more, quieting more, resting more feels like a good general direction. And more Ryokan.
Goodness, thank you for this. What can I say? I am wowed by such parallels, and I aspire to disappearing into more of the quiet things, and more Ryokan. And perhaps a return to Gogoan, what a treat that would be.
This hit right home. Wandering around our building site yesterday, frustrated by the botched details, I found a barely discernable path through tall, fresh grass away from the mess. While absorbed in the crisp green details and insects, and watching tiny birds build a secret nest, I began writing my first (substack!) piece in my mind, lost in the beauty of the veld. Soon it was time to return home, and I really struggled to hold onto that magic I'd felt out there; to-do lists to tell the builders, fittings to purchase etc. pushed those moments out of my mind. And the words were lost to me once more. I cannot wait to live in nature again, away from the city life. 3 weeks to go and a new chapter begins...I cannot wait to find those words again.
Oh wow, what an absolute treasure trove this article is. I've of course heard of Ryokan many years ago, but I must admit I brushed his poetry off, as I did with most poetry when I was very young... How wrong I was.
I will read all your book recommendations, thank you very much for that. This article truly couldn't have come at a better time because in the last few months I've been heavily reflecting on the sense of urgency, "visibility" on social media, the skewed concept of "productivity" most of us have been taught growing up... Thank you xx
This is beautiful, and exactly what I have been pondering and grappling with this week - the need for solitude and immersion in nature and one's own thoughts without the pressure to share share share... to allow those special, quite moments to sink in and marinate with ones' soul for awhile, to deepen, to root and perhaps emerge into an unexpected bloom, or wisdom, that may then call to be shared. Beautiful post, Beth, and I can't wait to read more when my copy of Kokoro arrives this month.
Oh Beth, how timely was this that it arrived at a moment when I've been struggling to make time for my writing and rip myself away from the things that distract me most from it. "When we allow ourselves to become less visible for a while, and instead offer our attention to the quiet beauty, suffering, magic and mystery of the world unfolding all around us, we can trust that we will return to the visible place with so much more to say. "
Ah, how beautiful and succinct that is. I finally found myself this weekend taking myself outside in my yard that's covered with towering ancient trees and just... being. And as you so wonderfully pointed out, I became less visible than I have been and my mind quieted and I felt as if I could think about the things that mattered.
Thank you for today's writing. It's inspired my own in more ways than you can imagine!
My thanks in advance for your beautiful, heartfelt book! It will arrive my way soon, and I am looking so forward to receiving and reading your words. Of course, you are feeling the butterflies twirling around your insides - they are there as a benefit. The best creatives are visited by them! And you are among the best! Close your eyes and envision all the hands that will open your pages, and all the hearts ready to receive “your medicine”. I am one. Sending love 💕
How I have loved reading this today Beth. I am waiting patiently for Kokoro to land on my doormat. Thank you for sharing some great Zen poets too, I will add them to my reading list. The pull of quiet is strong for me right now and I long to break free from corporate life into a more peaceful way of living. So much hit home for me in your wonderfully written essay. With much gratitude, 🙏
Lovely as ever Beth. Recently I’ve been pushing my ‘visibility’ because I realized people didn’t know
I had a ‘thing’ to share with them. It’s exhausting and whilst at times I love creating words to share my ideas and passion for space in our lives doing this takes away the very thing that affords me the space. Returning to the tiny poem prompts this weekend reminds me of the joy of writing just because. I keep coming back to the words ‘everything in its place’- when I put things there I can find balance.
Looking forward to getting your book this week. I may even shut myself off for a day to read it in one luxurious bubble. 🙏🏻🩷😊
Fantastic essay. You’ve put into words what I feel as a new mother—this retreat from the world and my need to share every little thing to instead be present in the NOW.
This was lovely to read and what a wonderful experience! ❤️ I'm looking forward to holding Kokoro in my hands very soon... and (although too shy to share any just yet) I have been really enjoying your little spring poem prompts on here. Thank you 😊
This is so beautiful Beth, and I feel really grateful to have come across this today! I feel inspired, confident, and dare I say, powerful, when it's just me. Me and my thoughts, and writings. But lately I've felt that I need to shout out my greatness in order to succeed, but only find myself feeling lost and uninspired in the end. This is the reminder that things don't have to be visible to shine.
Having just finished reading Hermit by Jade Angeles Fitton, I am loving the synchronicity. And this is providing the inspiration for how I can find small ways to boost my own creativity. I am constantly grappling with the visibility question, and what I take away from this Beth is that it is all about balance and finding what works for you. Thank you 🙏🏻
Aww, Beth... solitude, peace and the floating of life around us are all things I welcome in my life often and I wish you well on your newest release and all it will bring. Be visible, be invisible but most of all be those things when they matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your writing with us.
Firstly, I cannot wait to read Kokoro; pre-ordered last week. Secondly, I begin most days with Ryokan's poetry. I read this piece, realizing I might SEE it, nervously, heart beating, to see that place. Can we maybe go back together.
Thirdly, last night at a dinner after a long, luxurious ten-year-anniversary date with James, we talked about what we're thankful for, what's coming, to what are we looking forward. I think I said "it feels good to disappear." I don't know what I mean precisely; writing more, quieting more, resting more feels like a good general direction. And more Ryokan.
Goodness, thank you for this. What can I say? I am wowed by such parallels, and I aspire to disappearing into more of the quiet things, and more Ryokan. And perhaps a return to Gogoan, what a treat that would be.
This hit right home. Wandering around our building site yesterday, frustrated by the botched details, I found a barely discernable path through tall, fresh grass away from the mess. While absorbed in the crisp green details and insects, and watching tiny birds build a secret nest, I began writing my first (substack!) piece in my mind, lost in the beauty of the veld. Soon it was time to return home, and I really struggled to hold onto that magic I'd felt out there; to-do lists to tell the builders, fittings to purchase etc. pushed those moments out of my mind. And the words were lost to me once more. I cannot wait to live in nature again, away from the city life. 3 weeks to go and a new chapter begins...I cannot wait to find those words again.
Oh what an exciting time for you Annabelle! Wishing you luck with the move. May you sink deeply into life in nature Xx
Thank you Beth 🙏🏻
Oh wow, what an absolute treasure trove this article is. I've of course heard of Ryokan many years ago, but I must admit I brushed his poetry off, as I did with most poetry when I was very young... How wrong I was.
I will read all your book recommendations, thank you very much for that. This article truly couldn't have come at a better time because in the last few months I've been heavily reflecting on the sense of urgency, "visibility" on social media, the skewed concept of "productivity" most of us have been taught growing up... Thank you xx
I am so glad to hear this Ramona. Ryokan's poetry is just so lovely, and I am jealous that you get to discover it afresh all over again!
This is beautiful, and exactly what I have been pondering and grappling with this week - the need for solitude and immersion in nature and one's own thoughts without the pressure to share share share... to allow those special, quite moments to sink in and marinate with ones' soul for awhile, to deepen, to root and perhaps emerge into an unexpected bloom, or wisdom, that may then call to be shared. Beautiful post, Beth, and I can't wait to read more when my copy of Kokoro arrives this month.
Oh Beth, how timely was this that it arrived at a moment when I've been struggling to make time for my writing and rip myself away from the things that distract me most from it. "When we allow ourselves to become less visible for a while, and instead offer our attention to the quiet beauty, suffering, magic and mystery of the world unfolding all around us, we can trust that we will return to the visible place with so much more to say. "
Ah, how beautiful and succinct that is. I finally found myself this weekend taking myself outside in my yard that's covered with towering ancient trees and just... being. And as you so wonderfully pointed out, I became less visible than I have been and my mind quieted and I felt as if I could think about the things that mattered.
Thank you for today's writing. It's inspired my own in more ways than you can imagine!
I am so glad!
My thanks in advance for your beautiful, heartfelt book! It will arrive my way soon, and I am looking so forward to receiving and reading your words. Of course, you are feeling the butterflies twirling around your insides - they are there as a benefit. The best creatives are visited by them! And you are among the best! Close your eyes and envision all the hands that will open your pages, and all the hearts ready to receive “your medicine”. I am one. Sending love 💕
What a beautiful message, thank you Karen Xx
I cannot wait to get Kokoro in my hands! I am hoping that it comes sooner than later!
Hope you love it Xx
A thoughtless mind is just priceless and art invokes this mind.
How I have loved reading this today Beth. I am waiting patiently for Kokoro to land on my doormat. Thank you for sharing some great Zen poets too, I will add them to my reading list. The pull of quiet is strong for me right now and I long to break free from corporate life into a more peaceful way of living. So much hit home for me in your wonderfully written essay. With much gratitude, 🙏
Lovely as ever Beth. Recently I’ve been pushing my ‘visibility’ because I realized people didn’t know
I had a ‘thing’ to share with them. It’s exhausting and whilst at times I love creating words to share my ideas and passion for space in our lives doing this takes away the very thing that affords me the space. Returning to the tiny poem prompts this weekend reminds me of the joy of writing just because. I keep coming back to the words ‘everything in its place’- when I put things there I can find balance.
Looking forward to getting your book this week. I may even shut myself off for a day to read it in one luxurious bubble. 🙏🏻🩷😊
Fantastic essay. You’ve put into words what I feel as a new mother—this retreat from the world and my need to share every little thing to instead be present in the NOW.
Yes! And congratulations. Such a precious time Xx
This was lovely to read and what a wonderful experience! ❤️ I'm looking forward to holding Kokoro in my hands very soon... and (although too shy to share any just yet) I have been really enjoying your little spring poem prompts on here. Thank you 😊
Writing them is the point ✨
This is so beautiful Beth, and I feel really grateful to have come across this today! I feel inspired, confident, and dare I say, powerful, when it's just me. Me and my thoughts, and writings. But lately I've felt that I need to shout out my greatness in order to succeed, but only find myself feeling lost and uninspired in the end. This is the reminder that things don't have to be visible to shine.
❤️ Loved!
Having just finished reading Hermit by Jade Angeles Fitton, I am loving the synchronicity. And this is providing the inspiration for how I can find small ways to boost my own creativity. I am constantly grappling with the visibility question, and what I take away from this Beth is that it is all about balance and finding what works for you. Thank you 🙏🏻
Ooh I have not heard of that book. I will look it up! Thank you
Aww, Beth... solitude, peace and the floating of life around us are all things I welcome in my life often and I wish you well on your newest release and all it will bring. Be visible, be invisible but most of all be those things when they matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your writing with us.
Thank you Xx