Oh my. "You are not broken. You're just far from home." Captivated from the first line. I am grateful, James, for these timely reminders and your exquisite prose. We are not separate from nature, the universe, one another, but are one with it all. And nothing reinforces that feeling of connection than being outdoors, in nature. The visual reminders you shared were simply gorgeous as well and impactful in ways I am still processing. My home is filled with little treasures I've collected from the natural world...a leaf, stones, seed pods, a shell or small piece of driftwood...If I must be inside, it comforts me to be surrounded by such gifts...Thank you, seems like such a small thing, but its not, is it....Thank you.
Oh my God, James! I want to throw my arms around you to thank you for taking the considerable time it takes to make a gift like this and then share it.
God bless you, young man.
Said by a wise elder woman who needs to be reminded that nature shows us the entire process of life, not just the part that’s new life, but what happens as we age, too. It’s not a mistake that my body continues to change — despite the cascade of images of “youth” the culture keeps pouring on us — it’s the nature of life itself to experience the changes I’m experiencing. And I don’t need to be afraid or upset about them.
You're always good, but outdid yourself on this one.
As a practicing Taoist, I feel the truth of this, but never put it together intellectually this way. Fascinated with and studied A+P ( anatomy and physiology) for my degree. Reading this is something I'll always remember. Still, I archived it for good measure!!
Wow, in the 36 years I’ve been contemplating the TTC I’ve never met anyone who actually reads it. I look forward to my morning readings. They are special to me.
Well done! All that you wrote settles around and within with such ease and comfort. Thank you for putting into words what some of us still intuitively feel about ourselves and the Universe we exist in. We, meaning everything, are all connected in ways that will never be described, but is known at our deepest levels of being. Thank you.
Thank you, James, for putting this together so beautifully. Self-similarity at different scales, and a window onto the bigger Self of which all things are unique expressions.
Likewise, elements of Nature seem reflected in the human sphere these days, like the delicate balance [and robust dance] between the collective (species) and the individual, and always, the Earth reflected in our human psyche: the desert expansive, the mountain heroic, the ocean mysterious, the forest lush.
All these reflections between our bodies and Nature and our emotions and this Earth call to us. Your article reminded me to heed that call. Thank you, sir.
I had previously read the comparison about walnuts and the brain, but had not seen the other connections. There is something about this that touches my soul deeply. It is not only beautiful, it seems miraculous as well.
Your posts always touch me in a special way but this one, James, took my breath away. It profoundly touched my soul. I found myself flying through it and then went back over it numerous times, slowly, to savor every word and every feeling. It was as if you were pulling the thoughts out of my mind. I will read this every morning before I go out to greet the day. Thank you, James, from the bottom of my heart. ❤️
This gives the now-popular phrase "touch grass" true validity. Your writing always comes at just the right time. Thank you, James, for providing this needed pause in the day. ❤️
Beautifully written James Lucas! Thank you for sharing this so more people on this earth may read it and know!
So gorgeously perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my. "You are not broken. You're just far from home." Captivated from the first line. I am grateful, James, for these timely reminders and your exquisite prose. We are not separate from nature, the universe, one another, but are one with it all. And nothing reinforces that feeling of connection than being outdoors, in nature. The visual reminders you shared were simply gorgeous as well and impactful in ways I am still processing. My home is filled with little treasures I've collected from the natural world...a leaf, stones, seed pods, a shell or small piece of driftwood...If I must be inside, it comforts me to be surrounded by such gifts...Thank you, seems like such a small thing, but its not, is it....Thank you.
Needed to read this. Thank you. 🙏
Oh my God, James! I want to throw my arms around you to thank you for taking the considerable time it takes to make a gift like this and then share it.
God bless you, young man.
Said by a wise elder woman who needs to be reminded that nature shows us the entire process of life, not just the part that’s new life, but what happens as we age, too. It’s not a mistake that my body continues to change — despite the cascade of images of “youth” the culture keeps pouring on us — it’s the nature of life itself to experience the changes I’m experiencing. And I don’t need to be afraid or upset about them.
Breathtaking, I'll never forget this!
Wow… This article is captivating! It presents an amazing analogy illustrating the bond between humanity and nature.
You're always good, but outdid yourself on this one.
As a practicing Taoist, I feel the truth of this, but never put it together intellectually this way. Fascinated with and studied A+P ( anatomy and physiology) for my degree. Reading this is something I'll always remember. Still, I archived it for good measure!!
Water gives life to the ten thousand things.
Yes. There's nothing like starting the day with the Tao and also having friends share it with you throughout the day. Thank you.
Wow, in the 36 years I’ve been contemplating the TTC I’ve never met anyone who actually reads it. I look forward to my morning readings. They are special to me.
Oh, wow, really.
If I don't have my morning read with some wu wei, the day just isn't right.
It's really lovely to meet you!
Well done! All that you wrote settles around and within with such ease and comfort. Thank you for putting into words what some of us still intuitively feel about ourselves and the Universe we exist in. We, meaning everything, are all connected in ways that will never be described, but is known at our deepest levels of being. Thank you.
Thank you, James, for putting this together so beautifully. Self-similarity at different scales, and a window onto the bigger Self of which all things are unique expressions.
Wonderful writing reminder!
Likewise, elements of Nature seem reflected in the human sphere these days, like the delicate balance [and robust dance] between the collective (species) and the individual, and always, the Earth reflected in our human psyche: the desert expansive, the mountain heroic, the ocean mysterious, the forest lush.
All these reflections between our bodies and Nature and our emotions and this Earth call to us. Your article reminded me to heed that call. Thank you, sir.
Wonderful. And somehow deeply reassuring.
I had previously read the comparison about walnuts and the brain, but had not seen the other connections. There is something about this that touches my soul deeply. It is not only beautiful, it seems miraculous as well.
Your posts always touch me in a special way but this one, James, took my breath away. It profoundly touched my soul. I found myself flying through it and then went back over it numerous times, slowly, to savor every word and every feeling. It was as if you were pulling the thoughts out of my mind. I will read this every morning before I go out to greet the day. Thank you, James, from the bottom of my heart. ❤️
Comments like this mean the world to me, Barbara. You genuinely made my day.
This gives the now-popular phrase "touch grass" true validity. Your writing always comes at just the right time. Thank you, James, for providing this needed pause in the day. ❤️
This I will be sharing!