This is a piece full of surprises, Matt. Quickly scanning the crossheads, I hadn’t expected that. But you bring a freshness and playfulness to the strategies.
I was particularly taken by your observation that “people in the modern world sometimes use music carelessly”.
Also, I’d love to read more about how you came to running and prayer. What you’ve shared already is fascinating.
Rituals and routine for a chaotic world is one way I'm trying to find silence. In the end comes down to presence and being 'here', absorbed in the task but also expanding our awareness.
Still figuring out how to carve out silence for me but great piece :)
(Check out Michael Ashcroft for his work on Alexander Technique)
Oh, I love your idea of rituals and routine. Rituals is such a great word, I feel like it implies a certain level of thoughtfulness and presence in and of itself. It's a wonderful way to build peace for yourself.
And thanks for sharing Michael Ashcroft, I'll have to learn more about Alexander Technique!
Another beautiful piece, Matt. I read each of your sections as a form of meditation, the description of the leaf was mindfulness in itself.
Thank you for sharing
Thanks so much for your kind words, Claire, you made my day.
I also used to hate running, but have found a new peace there!
Who could have predicted that life in motion would feel so peaceful? 😌
Combine exercise and nature for a winning combination. It’s how I find peace.
Amen!!!
This is a piece full of surprises, Matt. Quickly scanning the crossheads, I hadn’t expected that. But you bring a freshness and playfulness to the strategies.
I was particularly taken by your observation that “people in the modern world sometimes use music carelessly”.
Also, I’d love to read more about how you came to running and prayer. What you’ve shared already is fascinating.
Thank you for saying this, Simon. Something about my personality is I love surprising people, so I am glad my writing reflects that!
I'm actually working on something about running, so stay tuned :)
Rituals and routine for a chaotic world is one way I'm trying to find silence. In the end comes down to presence and being 'here', absorbed in the task but also expanding our awareness.
Still figuring out how to carve out silence for me but great piece :)
(Check out Michael Ashcroft for his work on Alexander Technique)
Oh, I love your idea of rituals and routine. Rituals is such a great word, I feel like it implies a certain level of thoughtfulness and presence in and of itself. It's a wonderful way to build peace for yourself.
And thanks for sharing Michael Ashcroft, I'll have to learn more about Alexander Technique!
This is such a great read. Thanks for sharing your journey towards finding more silence with the world, Matt.
"If you're not carving reality, it is carving you" is an absolute banger of a line!
Thanks for the kind words, Harrison! Glad you enjoyed it, I had fun writing it too 😄