Awareness is everything. … People worry a lot more about the eternity after their deaths than the eternity that happened before they were born. But it’s the same amount of infinity, rolling out in all directions from where we stand.
~ Barbara Kingsolver
(Animal Dreams)
“But it’s the same amount of infinity…”
I’m getting ready to do yoga and the “before and after” aspects is precisely what I’m going to meditate on this morning. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Laurie! Has yoga replaced your tai chi practice or are you doing both of them these days?
Barbara – We’ve been doing both. One week we do 3 days of yoga and 2 of tai chi; then the next week we do 3 of tai chi, and 2 of yoga — back and forth. It makes for a very nice balance 🙂
Sounds like a good way to balance the benefits of both disciplines. 🙂
Beautiful–I enjoyed reading Animal Dreams a number of years ago. I often think of the question in the book that basically asked: Can a dog that has never seen a rabbit, dream about chasing rabbits?
I LOVE that question! And like all good questions, the answer is up for grabs. 🙂 “Animal Dreams” is the first Kingsolver book I read, recommended to me by one of my dad’s physical therapists. So far my favorite one is “Prodigal Summer.” Have you read any of her other books, Sheryl?
I haven’t read Prodigal Summer. I’ll have to look for it at the library. I think that the only other Kingsolver book I’ve read is The Poisonwood Bible. The African context was interesting in that one.
“The Poisonwood Bible” was very good. Coping with the toxicity of some organized religions resonated with me. The line that stuck with me was, “I could never work out whether we were to view religion as a life-insurance policy or a life sentence.”
Gorgeous painting – I love the peacock colors in the sky, the golden stars and planets, and the eternal eyes drinking in the roads coming in from the everywhere.
Delighted that you enjoyed the painting, Aubrey. The first time I saw it I thought it was a little strange, but the peacock colors, as you described them, kept drawing me back for another look.
I must read “Animal Dreams”. I’ve heard of the book a few times before so will have to see if my book store has it in stock. Reading through your comments, I noticed your conversation with Sheryl. I have “The Poisonwood Bible” on my “to be read” bookshelf! I think that book has just jumped the queue, to be read next. 🙂
It will be interesting to see what you think of “Animal Dreams” and “The Poisonwood Bible,” Joanne. They’re set in entirely different places and different time periods, yet show that all humans are struggling for answers to the big questions, each in their own unique way. I loved her latest one, too, “Flight Behavior.” Enjoy! 🙂
I came across two Barbara Kingsolver books in the second hand book shop today, “The Bean Trees” and “Lacuna” and have ordered “Animal Dreams”, as well as two more books written by Elizabeth von Arnim, the author of “The Enchanted April”. I’ll let you know (perhaps through a blog post!) how I find the books after reading each of them. 🙂
Wonderful that you found two Kingsolver books on one shopping trip! I’ve read both of them so I’m looking forward to seeing what you think of them.
On a whim I decided to check the Kindle store for “The Enchanted April” and was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was absolutely free to upload onto my Kindle, so I’ve got it now and will be reading it as soon as I finish the two books I’m currently reading. 🙂
Just gorgeous…the picture and the quote…and that you shared this gem about awareness.
Thank you, Kathy! It’s endlessly interesting to see where awareness leads us next….
The painting and quote are excellent, Barbara! I have heard of Barbara Kingsolver but haven’t read anything of hers yet … but intend to do so. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Diane! I have a feeling you will like Barbara Kingsolver’s books because her lyrical writing reminds me a lot of yours. 🙂
This goes perfectly with my meditation this morning. Thank you. 🙂 Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favorite authors. 🙂
You’re welcome, Robin! I thought Kingsolver was probably one of your favorites, since you use one of her quotes in your blog’s tag line. 🙂