Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect...

"Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect." This beautifully written excerpt is from Wabi Sabi Simple. I rather doubt that I would make a good Buddhist. I wasn't a good Methodist, Irish Catholic, or Jew. But, I think I could embrace an ideology which asks me to create beauty, value imperfection, and live deeply.

It doesn't require God, who seems to have me literally on some cosmic hit-list. It also does not require tithing, sacrificial offerings, or chanting. It emphasizes, "the value of simple things as a path to harmony." God knows, I'm simple. Not plain. But I ache for some mental and physical solitude in which to heal.

I'm hoping this will be the beginning of a journey back from the blinding heart of being hit by lightning. Maybe I'll learn to enjoy tea, discipline myself so I will no longer be required to frenetically multi-task until I'm a small blob of used up humanity, and avoid all mimetic behavior.

Oh...who am I kidding? I have ALWAYS disliked tea. I was born multi-tasking. And I have always had to fight for every inch of ground I've ever stood or for anything I've ever wanted. This is definitely going to be a much longer journey than I had initially anticipated.   

Wabi Sabi for Writers: Find Inspiration. Respect Imperfection. Create Peerless Beauty.

Comments

[Michele - Writing the Cyber Highway]

I have to admit, Julia, that I've read this post several times. I just keep coming back thinking I'll have something great to say, only to realize my heart is heavy and I'm speechless.

I'll try to say something worthwhile....

First, I think that is a beautiful quote. Nothing - or anyone - is perfect. People try to believe they are, but they aren't. :-)

I think it's sad that you feel God has you on a cosmic hit-list. I guess it must seem that way to you, but I don't think it's true.

Life is hard and we just don't understand a lot of things. There are no answers to some questions. Like the quote says, nothing is finished....

I think you'd love my tea! I have lots of people - folks that really don't care for tea - tell me they love my tea and it's the best they've ever had.

I pray you find that place that quenches your desire for mental and physical healing, Julia. Just keep searching. Don't give up!

We love you, girl!

*smiles*
Michele

[Michele - Writing the Cyber Highway]

Oh, and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

*hugs*
Michele

[juliajulia]

Hi Michelle,

Thanks for stopping by. Your last post was amazing. I've been drafting my THIRD amended complaint against the "landlords from hell" and a memorandum, and oh yes, a letter to the judge. Thirty-two pages and twenty-nine hours later I think I'll take that cup of tea you offered now...

blessings,
julia

[Michele - Writing the Cyber Highway]

You're welcome, Julia. Aw, thanks so much for complimenting my last post. Are you talking about the last one you commented on, or Door to Your Dreams....: http://writingthecyberhighway.blogspot.com/2008/05/door-to-your-dreams.html

Sorry about your ongoing landlord troubles. :'(

Too bad my cyber tea is kind of bland!

*smiles*
Michele

[MonkMojo]

Julia,

What an interesting piece of writing to wake up to. I sense your insightful humor has carried you this far and will continue to. You are on to something with “simplification”. It creates space, and from that space comes the good stuff.

Will be keeping an eye on you. ;)

PS – That quote kicks ass!

Thanks for the good read,

MonkMojo

[julia]

Hi MonkMojo...

Yes...simplification is profound. As I read more of this book I am stunned by it's ability to capture the beauty in a single drop of rain and then become joyous in splashing in the wet and shimmering, dancing puddle it leaves behind.

This book is something I will carry with me in my heart forever.

Thanks for stopping by.

be blessed, be joyous, be simple...
julia

[Jena Isle]

I read your blog description and I can't help but smile at the phrase: "aging, existential hippie chick". I often wondered if there were lots of older women like me who had the passion for writing but were only given the chance to write now, when they are ready to retire. I'm happy to know that there are people like us - aging...but still on the go.

When I read the powerful posts of the younger people and see how good they are, I often have this feeling of reluctance...but I try to think that I write because first - it is what I want and if someone finds my posts worth reading, then that would be the icing on the cake.

Good luck to both of us.

[Jena Isle]

Hi Julia, just dropping by. Long time no read. Great posts you have here. I really should stop by more often,.

Go, go girl!