Not a desirable trait, stubbornness,
lack of desire to open the mind,
accept another's viewpoint, instead
wanting to preserve whatever narrow-
minded perception one has in the moment,
rigid not like the tree which sways gently
in the breeze, rather like a statue
fashioned of concrete, unmoving, staring
out in the distance at nothing in particular,
unable to change until one day, someone
comes along and uproots it, smashes it
to bits, erecting yet another in its place;
Why can we not remain supple
like the willow, which even into maturity
remains flexible, loving the water's edge
where it thrives by taking moisture
into its roots, allowing it an agile nature
as only a willow possesses, emulating
the strength of another living entity
which is as far from rigid as anything
can be; water teaches everything
that comes close the beauty and grace
of flow.
Mahukona, HI ~ bj 2018
💜
💕
Thank you my willowy friend 🥰
Thanks, Val! Happy New Year to you! 🙏🏽💞
Great verse Bela and reading it brought two paths of enquiry to me.
1) Even though we realise that stubbornness is not a desirable trait, we seem to make it part of ourselves in our interctions with others. What is that which makes it so?
2) What is that which makes us get rigid as we go through life and lose our suppleness to bend ourselves to situations?
Happy New year to you
Shakti
As always, Shakti, thanks for taking time to read and comment so thoughtfully. This post, as many others, was written with a Renshi poetry group I’ve been with for many years on the islands. It basically takes the last line of the person and poem preceding as one’s first line, and on it goes. The subject was arrived at in this manner – it wasn’t something I had been reflecting on at any length.
I wonder if pure stubbornness (as opposed to my husband’s persistence which is an admirable quality) is due to human vulnerabilities that cause some to block out what they feel ill equipped to handle (the world? others’ input? overstimulation?). Especially in patriarchal cultures (and which among us is not?), men are ‘supposed to’ be perhaps more competent than they truly feel they are up to. We all have our insecurities and fears, and having to forge out into society which is disinclined to deal with our sensitivities, and ‘make a living’ to support ourselves and others, it might well result in some apparent stubbornness. Trying to appear competent is difficult, and many are conditioned to believe belligerence makes them ‘look like’ they’ve got the world on a string. Sigh. Challenging stuff.
As for rigidness, the body naturally inclines this way as we age, though I’d like to believe otherwise! It takes more stretching and exercise to remain supple into our sixties and beyond. Since I have long advocated for a body/mind/spirit approach, wouldn’t it make sense, then, that the mind forms similar patterns to the body? Personally, I find if I get out in nature more on a given day, my mind feels more relaxed and I am more open on all levels. Perhaps this is not so unusual for others as well. Or one starts the day by meditating, or challenging the mind beyond one’s usual perceptions and judgments.
Happy New Year to you as well! And now we can celebrate again at Chinese New Year and again at Spring Solstice! Nothing like new beginnings, new opportunities!
Blessings to you and yours!
Loved your thought-provoking response Bela. Thank you.
🙏
Beautifully said… Water goes around most of the time, the obstacles and moulds itself to the shape of all it touches…. Water can be gentle like mist and quench our thirst, refreshing our insides and outsides… We can float in water or sink… And yet when there is enough volume of water, it can be a very powerful force…. It can push out everything in its path.. clearing new routes, making new lakes..
There we go, we who are the Willow… and bend, within the flow… Because we know if we do not bend we may break…
But I am seeing the flow, gathering strength… as we remember our inner power and wisdom..
Let us hope dear Bela, we use it wisely in 2024….
Wishing you a very Happy New Year my friend… Lots of love your way xx <3
Yes, for sure, I am also /feelingseeing momentum building. And 2024 is going to be … FAST. Planets that were all in earth and water are all transitioning into air and fire! Hold on to your hat! Wishing you and Bernard all the very best in the dance! Love you. b
Hat held in place Bela, and seat belt on 😁🥰 hugs back Bela xx
I am glad! 😌
Happy you read what I offer. Thank you.