“But here we are; and, if we tarry a little, we may come to learn that here is best. See to it, only, that thyself is here;-and art and nature, hope and fate, friends, angels, and the Supreme Being, shall not be absent from the chamber which thou sittest.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
As hectic as things seem nowadays, what with everyone running like hamsters on a Habitrail, it’s important to tarry when one can. We are so caught up in the busyness of life — making money, trying to stay afloat, keeping up with keeping up, that there is little time for reflection and rest.
It was like this for me when I lived in the USA. Barraged with constant information and bad news, fretting over bills, wondering where the money went and how I could make what remained go further, imagining how the rest of my life would play out, I wanted nothing more than to slow down, acknowledge what I am grateful for, get off the wheel and get back to basics. I wanted to reach back to the times of my youth when neighbors cared about each other, where kids were less concerned with what could be bought, when school really provided learning, where family time was something that was prioritized. We moved a whole lot slower in those days, more deliberately, with more ease. And we looked out for each other. There was a sense of community, then.
“Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast – you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” ― Eddie Cantor
Things are different now. And I find that to stay aware to what is true and to the really important things, I must find ways to stay aware and slow down. After all, how can you stay connected to what matters when you move to and fro continually, and with the quickness? Tarry awhile and say hello to the sun, linger in the flowers, rest beside the stream, sit with the trees. Slow down and remember what is truly important. My kinship with nature reminds me of who I am and helps me to stay sane in this crazy time. I must needs tarry. And so should you.
© 2015, 2017 Egyirba High.
