“If only we arrange our life according to that principle which counsels us that we must hold to the difficult, then that which now still seems to us the most alien will become what we most trust and find most faithful.”
Our solitude and attentiveness also should be held sacred by those who love us, as Rilke wrote, "I hold this to be the highest task of a bond between two people: that each should stand guard over the solitude of the other".
This is so important too. As I prepare myself to eventually lose my mother, and right now I am in the process of moving her entire vibrant life and work as an artist into the reduced space of a care home, how do I hold and respect her own passage through sadness and solitude?
I lost both my parents, months apart, and then my 104 year old Grandma who could still do math in her head. My parents were in a nursing home, I spent time with both of them on my lunch break, and after work. Jut visits, to be with them. Your company is the most precious thing you can give them Turned out, it was the best thing I could have given myself. I cherish those visits now that they are gone. It helps me, and I like to think it helped them too.
That's a big question, and as one who has done that myself- move my vibrant artist mother to a care home, I have no answers about how to do it. We do what we must and do it as well as we can, to paraphrase Bob Dylan. Our perceptions, thoughts, feelings are there, and we can come as close as possible to feeling those emotions living in us that Rilke talks about, by honoring the sadness with our attention. I think you do already hold and respect your mother's passage, because you see it.
Knocks my socks off! That all this sadness and heaviness and existential angst might - after entering the blood stream and passing through the heart - exit transformed as bright energy and meaningful acceptance of the present moment is pretty close to my understanding of nirvana. A real light at the end of the tunnel if we but take the tunnel one thoughtful step at a time.
Rilke always sounds like a different poet to me when his words appear in translation. I look at the English words and think: I don't recognise your unique, your beautiful voice. If at all possible, read Rilke in German! The portal only opens in that moment.
I think this is also about embracing not just the sadness- but the response to the darkness of the world in totality, because it's all inevitable. I feel like poetry expresses this in a very unique and beautiful way
Rikle is one of the finest poets that ever lived. Even in translation his transcendent power never diminishes. I'd put him right up there with Yeats and Eliot
Wonderful counsel to us, and especially in a world that puts so much emphasis on “happiness”.
Loved this when I first read it, still do. Rilke a favourite.
The quieter we are, the more welcomed the angels will feel. ❤️
True for so much, not just sadness. Thank you.
Our solitude and attentiveness also should be held sacred by those who love us, as Rilke wrote, "I hold this to be the highest task of a bond between two people: that each should stand guard over the solitude of the other".
This is so important too. As I prepare myself to eventually lose my mother, and right now I am in the process of moving her entire vibrant life and work as an artist into the reduced space of a care home, how do I hold and respect her own passage through sadness and solitude?
I lost both my parents, months apart, and then my 104 year old Grandma who could still do math in her head. My parents were in a nursing home, I spent time with both of them on my lunch break, and after work. Jut visits, to be with them. Your company is the most precious thing you can give them Turned out, it was the best thing I could have given myself. I cherish those visits now that they are gone. It helps me, and I like to think it helped them too.
Thank you for that warmly supportive comment, Bliss.
By remaining the empathic witness that you so clearly are.
Thank you, yes this.
That's a big question, and as one who has done that myself- move my vibrant artist mother to a care home, I have no answers about how to do it. We do what we must and do it as well as we can, to paraphrase Bob Dylan. Our perceptions, thoughts, feelings are there, and we can come as close as possible to feeling those emotions living in us that Rilke talks about, by honoring the sadness with our attention. I think you do already hold and respect your mother's passage, because you see it.
Yes a worthy reminder that sometimes just to witness is all that is called for. Thank you, Lauri.
Knocks my socks off! That all this sadness and heaviness and existential angst might - after entering the blood stream and passing through the heart - exit transformed as bright energy and meaningful acceptance of the present moment is pretty close to my understanding of nirvana. A real light at the end of the tunnel if we but take the tunnel one thoughtful step at a time.
So wise and useful, this message from Rilke: Accept the rapids, to go with the flow.
Sadness,
Openness,
Goodness,
Happiness,
Happiness,
Goodness,
Openness,
Sadness!
This is a tough one for me. Her council is sound. Her use of a House as a metaphor, I suppose could be set aside, completely,Right?
Rilke is a he. And he's one of the finest poets the world has ever seen.
I meant no offence. I apologize.
I am curious about your thoughts on the house?
Oh my goodness. I love this so much and feel the truth in it. Thank you, Erik!
Rilke always sounds like a different poet to me when his words appear in translation. I look at the English words and think: I don't recognise your unique, your beautiful voice. If at all possible, read Rilke in German! The portal only opens in that moment.
I think this is also about embracing not just the sadness- but the response to the darkness of the world in totality, because it's all inevitable. I feel like poetry expresses this in a very unique and beautiful way
Very well said. Needed to hear this. We are losing our grandfather. This piece hit home.
Rilke is (next to Kafka) a reason to learn German.
Rikle is one of the finest poets that ever lived. Even in translation his transcendent power never diminishes. I'd put him right up there with Yeats and Eliot
Resonated hard with this one. Many thanks. Brings a movie to mind, 'Revolver'. Trust me, it's worth it.