“Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know.”
~ Pema Chödrön
I think there are teachings all around us – nature, connections and interactions with people … Everything we encounter – If we are willing to notice them.
With that said when I stumbled upon this quote I interpreted it according to the current state of mind I was in when I read it i took the lesson I needed from it. The beauty of this is that often quotes can then have numerous meanings depending on how you wish To perceive it.
So for this quote I will break down my interpretation I took from it at the time I read it. Shall we…
“To see a World in a Grain of Sand,
and heaven in a wildflower. “
Well since I just recently completed a yoga training course in India I understand that everything in this universe is composed of energy. The tiniest part of something does apparently indeed represent the entire construct. Thus We are all energy – and in reality are all the same. It’s about becoming aware Of the oneness of all creations.
I also realized how little we really need to be happy and fulfilled. It truly depends on our gratitude for all of the little things that appear or are already part of our life. I think when William Blake speaks about seeing the world in a grain of sand he is expressing that we can see so much in all of the little things we have in our life. And that one can find vast truths in those smallest of things. However we must choose to look at it this way. I recently read another great quote that helps explain my take on this:
“Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.”
~ Alphonse Karr
You have heard it many times… How do you see the glass?? Half full or half empty it’s ultimately our decision isn’t it?
When I read “and to see heaven in a wildflower” I took it as how we view and develop an opinion of people. Most of the time how we observe someone is simply a reflection of how we perceive ourself.
While spending time in India and now Thailand I have realized even more so now that everyone is uniquely beautiful.
If you break down the exterior and how we initially perceive one person and really see them for who they are – on a deeper more soulful level it allows us to see much more. Not only their true being but we can also choose to see a reflection of ourself in those interactions. Whether good or bad – so next time you maybe get frustrated or question ones behavior ask yourself if it is something you need to work on personally. Become more aware.
“Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour.”
To me this is a reminder to not view life from the past or the future rather always be in the present – here now.
And more importantly try to find that space where time does not exist and you can just be. I think it’s important to embrace moments like this to create that clarity in our mind.
I also feel like he is trying to explain that we should always live life to the fullest. In one sense understanding that life continues even after death – we are reincarnated. So I think having the understanding of that as well as living life within the “hour” as if maybe your clock may stop ticking. It’s better to know you have embraced each moment fully and completely aware and present.
What will you or did you take and learn from this quote?
With gratitude and love…
Nikki & Zuzana
