Quote of the Day: Love Your Solitude.
(Photo via Tumblr)
Some poets we love. Others, we just need. And then there are those who we can’t help but love and need (and want).
Rainer Maria Rilke does all three for me. In light and in darkness.
“Therefore, dear Sir, love your solitude and try to sing out with the pain it causes you. For those who are near you are far away… and this shows that the space around you is beginning to grow vast. Be happy about your growth, in which, of course, you can’t take anyone with you, and be gentle with those who stay behind; be confident and calm in front of them and don’t torment them with your doubts and don’t frighten them with your faith or joy, which they wouldn’t be able to comprehend.
Seek out some simple and true feeling of what you have in common with them, which doesn’t necessarily have to alter when you yourself change again and again; when you see them, love life in a form that is not your own and be indulgent toward those who are growing old, who are afraid of the aloneness that you trust.
And don’t expect any understanding; but believe in a love that is being stored up for you like an inheritance, and have faith that in this love there is a strength and a blessing so large that you can travel as far as you wish without having to step outside it.”
~ RMR, Letters to a Young Poet
Now, if he had just met Audrey…
I have to be alone very often. I’d be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That’s how I refuel.
~ Audrey Hepburn
Click here for a quick, free e-course on How to Be Alone.
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Incorrect source, offensive, or found a typo? Or do you want to write for Elephant?
So beautiful, thanks
Dear Sister Andrea of the Order of Words & Mischief….
Love it.
yours,
Sister B xo
Scar-faced love smiling back at you.
Oh, I have a good plastic surgeon for that, O Sister in Darkness
))
Dear Word Sorceress: Rilke+Audrey = Alchemy. Charmed us again, didn'tcha, Andrea
)
Just posted to "Featured Today" on the Elephant Spirituality Homepage.
Valerie Carruthers
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Yes, they would've made a good couple (with separate bedrooms).
E-luv & thanks!
Yes, besides everything else to marvel at—of course you breathe Rilke
Einmal ist keinmal…und jezt, und jezt….nur mein Herz.
Aw, thanks You!
That last line in German – had to bother and use google translator but it made my evening. Love back. Are you on FB? Are we friends?
Ah, no, I ditched 'La Facecraque' last Autumn
~one of my favorite Rilke quotes:
"I want to be with those who know secret things–or else alone."
You're heavenly, you know that? I was actually looking for that quote like a maniac for this post, and I could not remember who had said it, I'd only read it in a flash and you know, it's a tragic thing (to me) when I lose a quote. I prefer losing my wallet – it's empty anyway. Seriously, I love auspicious coincidences.
Thanks! I now feel like one of those people who know secret things (or else I feel alone).
actually, I'm quite earthy–like a fine old single malt. or a 1965 Côtes du Rhône.
(I collect quotes, so again, we keep the known universe in balance. auspiciously delish
T h a n k s. Great words.
xoxo
Both quotes! Fantastic!!!
Bow. (A lonely bow, mind you).
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Thank you for the quotes, thoughts, and links. Much appreciated
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