I remember one morning when I discovered a cocoon in the back of a tree just as a butterfly was making a hole in its case and preparing to come out. I waited awhile, but it was too long appearing and I was impatient. I bent over it and breathed on it to warm it. I warmed it as quickly as I could and the miracle began to happen before my eyes faster than life.
The case opened; the butterfly started slowly crawling out, and I shall never forget my horror when I saw how its wings were folded back and crumpled; the wretched butterfly tried with its whole trembling body to unfold them. Bending over it, I tried to help it with my breath, in vain.
It needed to be hatched out patiently and the unfolding of the wings should be a gradual process in the sun. Now it was too late. My breath had forced the butterfly to appear all crumpled, before its time. It struggled desperately and, a few seconds later, died in the palm of my hand.
That little body is, I do believe, the greatest weight I have on my conscience. For I realize today that it is a mortal sin to violate to great laws of nature. We should not hurry, we should not be impatient, but we should confidently obey the external rhythm.
— Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba the Greek
May we learn the wisdom of life’s rhythm - and not strive to outpace it,
Simeon
Quote of the Week
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Sacred & the Profane | Mircea Eliade
In this video, we delve into Mircea Eliade’s profound insights into the sacred and the profane as separate dimensions of experience. We also explore how today we may re-learn the art of living in the sacred, an art our ancient ancestors had mastered.
Suggested Reading
Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
How can mindfulness lead to a more patient and fulfilling life? In Mindfulness in Plain English, Bhante Henepola Gunaratana offers a straightforward guide to developing deep awareness and acceptance. This practice helps us honor life's natural rhythms and embrace each moment fully.