So much here to savor, Sarah! I especially like the reframing of compassion as Big Open Heartedness. Just yesterday, I was listening to the dharma talk at Upaya and Noah, who gave it, reminded me of a Japanese phrase: mono no aware. The slender sadness. That feeling that arises when we truly understand the fleeting impermanence of a beloved one... an indescribable mix of sadness but along with happiness and gratitude and bittersweetness. And more. Yes, I agree.... let's leave the original phrases alone and last them stand on their own with all they carry.
Mono no aware. “Slender sadness.” Ah that’s lovely. I think my favorite words in any language have multiple contexts and meanings all happening at once. Like our deepest truths, they’re big enough to hold ambiguity and contradiction. It warms my heart to know you enjoyed this essay, Maia. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts with me 🙏🏼🩵
"I was doing myself and the goldfinch a kind of unnecessary injury by trying to make myself feel better. I wanted the goldfinch to be alive," ... I enjoyed this. Enough is not said about how much pain loved ones grasping on with a vice grip actually causes. It's no one's fault.
Absolutely. I've find that I can practice loosening that grip with smaller deaths, and that this helps me let go and find fluidity in my life's biggest deaths and losses. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts with me here.
Thank you so much for this truly heart. healing share for I have been so shamed by my family and I thank you for sharing your gift
You’re so welcome, Claire!
Thank you
So much here to savor, Sarah! I especially like the reframing of compassion as Big Open Heartedness. Just yesterday, I was listening to the dharma talk at Upaya and Noah, who gave it, reminded me of a Japanese phrase: mono no aware. The slender sadness. That feeling that arises when we truly understand the fleeting impermanence of a beloved one... an indescribable mix of sadness but along with happiness and gratitude and bittersweetness. And more. Yes, I agree.... let's leave the original phrases alone and last them stand on their own with all they carry.
Mono no aware. “Slender sadness.” Ah that’s lovely. I think my favorite words in any language have multiple contexts and meanings all happening at once. Like our deepest truths, they’re big enough to hold ambiguity and contradiction. It warms my heart to know you enjoyed this essay, Maia. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts with me 🙏🏼🩵
Thank you, Sarah. Such a thoughtful piece.
I"m happy you enjoyed it! Thank you for reading, Katarina 💙
"I was doing myself and the goldfinch a kind of unnecessary injury by trying to make myself feel better. I wanted the goldfinch to be alive," ... I enjoyed this. Enough is not said about how much pain loved ones grasping on with a vice grip actually causes. It's no one's fault.
Absolutely. I've find that I can practice loosening that grip with smaller deaths, and that this helps me let go and find fluidity in my life's biggest deaths and losses. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts with me here.