The simplest activities are infused with reverence.
“We see that when the activities of life are infused with reverence, they come alive with meaning and purpose. We see that when reverence is lacking from life’s activities, the result is cruelty, violence and loneliness. The physical arena is a magnificent learning environment. It is a school within which, through experimentation, we come to understand what causes us to expand and what causes us to contract, what causes us to grow and what causes us to shrivel, what nourishes our souls and what depletes them, what works and what does not.”
– Gary Zukav, The Seat of the Soul
I’ve written about the simplicity of life in Nicaragua; as images of our trip flash through my mind, I think about the authenticity of the people I met. Their simple lives – in outward appearances – rattle my brain as I slip back into my California home, bursting with the comforts of American life. At once, I wonder how they live without, and how do we live with?
What I come back to is the simple reverence they have for each aspect of their lives. The daily routines of existence- the preparing of food, the washing, the tending to children and animals, the care for their property-has such meaning and purpose. Nothing is taken for granted, little is wasted. And instead of a sense of lack, happiness exudes from their smiles, generosity pours from their hands and hearts.Their simple life, in reality, is much more complex than it appears.
Perhaps it is we who are simple, after all.
In Nicaragua, we learn what nourishes our souls.
We expand.
We experience reverence.
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Jennifer Wolfe
Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.
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Agent 54
August 17, 2013As I slowly go broke I have taken an inventory of what is really valuable. Straw Hats, Fine Cigars and Lap Dances come to mind immediately.
However, it is Outrageous Joy that is the most valuable thing in this world.
I used to play Ice Hockey. When I skated and dominated my competition on the Ice, I felt Outrageous Joy. When my daughter graduated from college I felt Outrageous Joy. When I won a local Primary election if felt Outrageous Joy. When I graduated from USMC Bootcamp I felt Outrageous Joy.
These and other memories of times when I felt Outrageous Joy are the most valuable items I own and I will always have them because they can’t foreclose on my memories.
Agent 54 recently posted…Burgundy Leading in the polls! (81613)
Jennifer Wolfe
August 19, 2013Thank you so much for your reflective comment-sometimes when we relook on what is truly important, it gives us clarity to move forward. I’m glad you’ve been able to identify what is really valuable to you. ~Jennifer
Lindsey
August 13, 2013I love this. “Reverence” is one of my favorite words, and I absolutely agree that it is often found in the most simple and mundane daily acts. xo
Jennifer Wolfe
August 13, 2013Lindsey, there was something so spiritual for me on observing the simple tasks of life in Nicaragua…things Americans take for granted or have as a convenience are such an integral part of their days. Gave us great pause and reflection. -Jennifer
My Inner Chick
August 11, 2013beautifully, profoundly, and authentically expressed.
I agree w/ EVERTHING you stated here. X
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Jennifer Wolfe
August 11, 2013Thank you, my friend. We are kindred spirits. Hugs, Jennifer