I found the pages on “waiting” intriguing. Noelle Oxenhandler discussed “enjoying your own solitude” and “embracing my life as it was.” If you cannot be comfortable with yourself and the life you have now, then how can you be ready to move to the next chapter of your life? When you least expect it, good things happen to those who wait . . .
I could really relate to the scene where Noelle was told by her teacher "God helps those who help themselves" as I had a middle school math teacher who recited the Avis button to me when I went to him for help - "We try harder" - that's what I thought I was doing in asking for help - and I agree there are often mixed messages. The other part of chapter 2 that resonated with me was her 'musing' on waiting. She said "Waiting is both a sign of faith and a deepeining of faith, an invitation to and a preparation for the sacred". I also agree that witing in contemproary culture is highly devalued. Society today wants immediate gratification.
Cheryl and Lauren, your books are in the office. I'm also in touch with some of you who are still having problems logging in. So, we are still not all "in the room." Write me if you have any problems logging in.
Also, I know some of you have read much further into the book that the second chapter. That is, who wants to read a good book on an artificial schedule? So, we might need to dispense with the titles of the posts (Chapter 1, Chapter 2) and just open this thing up for any and all discussions. Thoughts?
Since some are just starting to read the book I would like to see the discussions remain in Chapters but all Chapters could be opened. That way one could post at whatever point they are in the book.
Just a quick question on the schedule. Are we commenting on 2 chapters at a time? We're not really on schedule. I like Connie's idea of posting all the chapters and let people comment where they are.
What strikes me in Chapter 2 is the luxury and support of true friendship. To be able to laugh and cry with someone is a gift given and received. While waiting for or pondering a wish, if I have someone I love and trust to talk to, to discuss the ideas and ramifications, to say "you're crazy" or "WOW, great", then I have a little more confidence to make choices.
Life happens - where did the time go? A thought about 2 - everytime in my life I seem to get "used" to my situation and accept it - situations would change - for the better. A great lesson in acceptance. It's wonderful to see the name Sylvie in print -it's my granddaughter's name - and everyone wants to correct it to Sylvia. My Sylvie moved to West Virginia - but we still keep in touch!
It is interesting how Noelle had the feeling that she was always "waiting for the other shoe to drop". When she moved back to California, she'd forgotten how much she missed the sunshine and how at peace she was there as compared to the gray days of Ohio (as she describes it). She noted that it took her awhile to actually LET herself enjoy the landscape and peace that California brought her...that the rug wasn't about to be pulled from under her. I'm sure I'm not alone in that I struggle to fully enjoy "good" times-- a little wary that some "bad" event is hiding around the corner. I think as you get older, as others have discussed, you realize that life is a journey, with peaks and valleys. It's important to bask in the moment and not think too far ahead (or of the past) b/c change can always be iminent (for better or for worse). Living in the now is a tough act! ; )
I found the pages on “waiting” intriguing. Noelle Oxenhandler discussed “enjoying your own solitude” and “embracing my life as it was.” If you cannot be comfortable with yourself and the life you have now, then how can you be ready to move to the next chapter of your life? When you least expect it, good things happen to those who wait . . .
ReplyDeleteI could really relate to the scene where Noelle was told by her teacher "God helps those who help themselves" as I had a middle school math teacher who recited the Avis button to me when I went to him for help - "We try harder" - that's what I thought I was doing in asking for help - and I agree there are often mixed messages.
ReplyDeleteThe other part of chapter 2 that resonated with me was her 'musing' on waiting. She said "Waiting is both a sign of faith and a deepeining of faith, an invitation to and a preparation for the sacred". I also agree that witing in contemproary culture is highly devalued. Society today wants immediate gratification.
Cheryl and Lauren, your books are in the office. I'm also in touch with some of you who are still having problems logging in. So, we are still not all "in the room." Write me if you have any problems logging in.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I know some of you have read much further into the book that the second chapter. That is, who wants to read a good book on an artificial schedule? So, we might need to dispense with the titles of the posts (Chapter 1, Chapter 2) and just open this thing up for any and all discussions. Thoughts?
Since some are just starting to read the book I would like to see the discussions remain in Chapters but all Chapters could be opened. That way one could post at whatever point they are in the book.
ReplyDeleteJust a quick question on the schedule. Are we commenting on 2 chapters at a time? We're not really on schedule. I like Connie's idea of posting all the chapters and let people comment where they are.
ReplyDeleteWhat strikes me in Chapter 2 is the luxury and support of true friendship. To be able to laugh and cry with someone is a gift given and received. While waiting for or pondering a wish, if I have someone I love and trust to talk to, to discuss the ideas and ramifications, to say "you're crazy" or "WOW, great", then I have a little more confidence to make choices.
Life happens - where did the time go? A thought about 2 - everytime in my life I seem to get "used" to my situation and accept it - situations would change - for the better. A great lesson in acceptance.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to see the name Sylvie in print -it's my granddaughter's name - and everyone wants to correct it to Sylvia. My Sylvie moved to West Virginia - but we still keep in touch!
It is interesting how Noelle had the feeling that she was always "waiting for the other shoe to drop". When she moved back to California, she'd forgotten how much she missed the sunshine and how at peace she was there as compared to the gray days of Ohio (as she describes it). She noted that it took her awhile to actually LET herself enjoy the landscape and peace that California brought her...that the rug wasn't about to be pulled from under her. I'm sure I'm not alone in that I struggle to fully enjoy "good" times-- a little wary that some "bad" event is hiding around the corner. I think as you get older, as others have discussed, you realize that life is a journey, with peaks and valleys. It's important to bask in the moment and not think too far ahead (or of the past) b/c change can always be iminent (for better or for worse). Living in the now is a tough act! ; )
ReplyDelete