10 Comments
User's avatar
Ramya Vivekanandan's avatar

Love this! The title, the idea behind it and of course the words of Mary too.

Expand full comment
Leslie Rasmussen's avatar

Thank you Ramya. Mary does have a way of boiling it all down to an exquisite wonder that makes me want to run outside to look or curl up and think. Krista Tippet has a wonderful interview with Mary Oliver on her 'On Being' website. I recommend listening to the 'unedited' version. https://onbeing.org/programs/mary-oliver-i-got-saved-by-the-beauty-of-the-world/

Expand full comment
James Bailey's avatar

Leslie - this essay is beautiful and essential. And this sentence, so grounding: “With attention,  I begin to belong, I know the space like a friend.”

I am subscribing now and will continue reading.

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Leslie Rasmussen's avatar

Thank you James, it is so affirming when someone 'hears' you--and as I put my writing more 'out there', I realize it can happen from being deeply listened to in person or having your words read and responded to by someone from the heart.

Expand full comment
Richard Donnelly's avatar

A writer's always looking for a pretty story. Or an ugly one : )

Expand full comment
Leslie Rasmussen's avatar

Is that a challenge? I have to admit, I would have to find some beauty in the ugly, it is just my nature.

Expand full comment
<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

And you tell me that you are not creative? You belie yourself: Kudos. Love, Mary

Expand full comment
Leslie Rasmussen's avatar

Thank you, Mary. Very affirming!

Expand full comment
Maria Haka Flokos's avatar

That is exactly what storytellers do. Share their amazement that stems from their contact with the world. What they describe is not things and actions and people, but the enthusiasm these generate, a story is a tale of enthusiasm in the end.

Expand full comment
Leslie Rasmussen's avatar

So true, Maria. And the storyteller's reward is the connection with the reader/listener. Thank you for your generous reading.

Expand full comment