Did you ever find a quote, and think, “Wow, I hope I get to use that one day.” Well, the quote below was used at the end of the film, Jojo Rabbit. I saw the movie several weeks ago, but I had no idea that quote would soon have so much power. It seemed appropriate to open my blog post with this as I am trying to find peace in submission to current events. I think this quote is exactly the message that I want to talk about now. To me it means submitting to all that we feel as a means to find calmness.
“Let everything happen to you, beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.”
Rainer Maria Rilke
The idea that nothing is permanent, whether good or bad, was hard for me to imagine two years ago. I couldn’t think of a time when all that had changed would no longer seem changed. When a new life would feel normal again. There were times when terror would well up and something told me not to fight it. When the events of 2018 unfolded, my sister gifted me a leather bracelet that has the word “FEEL” imprinted on a metal plate in Braille. It has special significance in our relationship. I have tied a knot on it making it impossible to remove. It is with me all the time. It’s something I touch when I feel anxious. It helps me find peace in submission.
I think there is something very powerful in submission, although for many it sounds like a bad word. It’s not about giving up, but perhaps giving in to the nature of life. Submitting to the fact that we never really have control over most things, just our individual actions and responses to the moment. That is what submission feels like to me. When things seem to be falling apart perhaps they are falling together. We need to keep going forward.
It’s clear that at this point none of us have our hands on the steering wheel, and the only thing we can do to help the situation is stay at home and follow the recommendations of our health experts and governments. We can find opportunities to be useful to each other. We can find beauty out there, and we really need to look for it or create it on our own. That is where 100% of our control is right now. Will you allow the feelings of terror to takeover or will you create beauty? Will you find peace in submission?
Two days ago, I received two emails from the US State Department advising me to, “Come home or prepare for an unknown duration.” At first I felt a pang of fear. I thought, “Is this a regrettable moment in my wellbeing if I stay or go?” I submitted to my fear at first, and then realized I am closer to home here in Europe, than in the United States. Even though I’m not in Italia, my heart hangs heavy for my adopted country. That’s home. That’s the life I would like to get back to when it is easy to return. I miss face-to-face conversations with the Italiano, walking around the piazzas, and listening to melodic Italian being spoken at every corner.
In the meantime, I’m not alone and am grateful to have Maurine with me as we muddle through French confinement together. She is a fantastic cook, and I seem to be great at cleaning the kitchen. We have established a good rhythm each day and I’m grateful. My heart goes out to all of the people around the world that do not have a Maurine with them. I know many are sitting alone and I recognize their pain. I want to help.
There is still so much beauty to be found in how our medical and service industry heroes are responding. I cannot count the moments when tears well-up as I watch the beauty of the human experience unfold, even amongst the terror. My cousin recently posted this photo, and wow, simple but powerful. I imagine that flag could be any country struggling to contain this. Thanks to Mike Luckovich for sharing this on Twitter here. I hope he doesn’t mind that I repost it.
I am encouraged by the beauty of geniuses across the world in science and medicine desperately working away at treatment options and cures. If China, Europe, the US or Australia gets there first–we all win. Has the world ever had one common goal of this magnitude before? There is beauty happening as countries work together, despite having closed their borders to each other. They haven’t closed their minds.
I also choose to believe that the vast majority of the world will respond appropriately, and we will get beyond this. Like all other world-wide events, it will forever change us, but let us make it change for the better. My dear friends try to find peace in submission, and let’s treat each other more beautifully than we could have ever imagined.
Sending love and wishing beauty upon all of us.
I have to apologize to my Italian readers, although I committed to write in two languages, the current situation limits my ability to post quickly and accurately. Please bear with me. I hope to be back at it soon enough. Thank you for staying peaceful, kind and for following The Spaghetti Diaries. Keep going forward.
Such as strange time indeed. On one side, fear, hype, stress and the other side of the coin, calm. I read articles about the waters in the Venice canals running clear and pollution maps of large cities now clearer than they have in years … and family/friends reconnecting in the pandemic. Everything is so much bigger than just us …
Much love, cuz!
We are so lucky to be locked down together! And, to have spring erupting all around us, even if we can’t be out there in its midst. Grazi bello for bring here.
I think I’m always trying to control the situation. I’m always looking to plan my way out of this. Very well written ! We just have to submit to this and ride the wave. Much love and I hope you get to go home soon.
Thank you, Eileen! I think you are right – we just have to submit and ride this one out. Sending much love back to you and stay well and at peace during these times.
This is beautiful. 😍
Thank you! It was a Saturday bonus post for you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s a very kind comment. Stay calm and be well.
There’s a man up here who claims to have his hands upon the reins.
There are chains upon his hands and he’s riding upon a train.
James Taylor “Riding on a Railroad”
Thanks for reminding me of one if my favorite songs, and why it is one of my favorite songs. Stay safe old friend.
MS
You and I both like a good James Taylor song. You and your family be well and thanks for checking in. Good to see your comment!
Take care, Luke. That’s all I can manage saying now. Stay safe!
Thanks you. Hang in there will all of this – and be well!
Thank you.
Always a pleasure to find your posts in my inbox! Be well and take care!
Thank you Stephanie! Nice to see your comment as well. Wishing you both the best and be well!
I saw that quote at the end of Jojo Rabbit and wrote it in my journal as soon as I got home. Hang in there. Sending lots of love to you and Maurine.
It’s something to always remember. Sending love back to you my dear friend and you hang in there as well.
You always show the bright side of most situations and it’s very helpful in this time of need. We are all one as we go thru this COVID-19 nightmare and we will all come out of it together again. Thanks!
You are welcome, Toni. Thank you for your comment and I’m glad you found this post helpful. They are helpful for me too – as I write them. We are one..and I do believe we will come out on the other side of this, perhaps kinder, gentler & more appreciative. Be well my friend..and thanks for following!
I love love love this so much. Thanks Luke this was really nice for me to hear today!!! My new fav quote “when everything seems to be falling apart perhaps everything is falling together”. We are SO glad you are there with Moe and look forward to more fun Portal chats!!!!
Jenn, a thousand thank you for your comment! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and it resonated with you. That message about falling apart came to me when everything happened the last two years. It gives me strength to think it every time! I loved seeing everyone on the chat tonight..it was a great big boost of love! Look forward to the next one, and perhaps we’ll have both taken up knitting! LOL. Sending love to you and the family.
Thank you for another meaningful post. this is a scary time but I’m with you, I will not give into fear. You are blessed to be right where you are and eventually you will carry on your Italian life. Meanwhile, FEEL the need to keep touching that bracelet. ❤️
You are welcome my dear friend! It’s normal to feel the fear..and yes..we can’t give in to it. I am blessed and surrounded by nature, history, and good friends! I know all of our lives are on pause for a bit – i look forward to us returning to our regularly scheduled program soon!! Sending love..and I will keep feeling and knowing that every feeling will pass. Big love to you!
Lucca,
Thanks for your words of wisdom. Strange new times for sure right now. Stay safe and so glad that you are not in Italy right now given the speed of which it is spreading. Hugs to you and Maurine and perfect that you are there for each other. Enjoy each day and take things as they are presented to you.
Love to both of you and stay safe.
You are welcome, Lisa!!! I woke up to church bells at 8:00 a.m. and I thought, “Well there is at least one normal thing this morning.” I’ll take it! Yes, it’s difficult to watch what is happening in Italy and every time I turn on the news I find myself overcome with sadness. You are right in taking each day and handling what arrives when you need to – no need to add anything else to the plate right now. Love to you both and we’ll always be in touch! XOXO
Beautifully said. Thank you for being raw and vulnerable as we all are during these unchartered times. I love all of this and needed to hear it. Thank you again.
Becca, thank you for your comment. I definitely think this time vulnerability from all of us. It’s impossible not to feel it. I think it’s that we have no idea when this is going to end, so we’re all just in “life interrupted” mode. It seems we have to wait, trust, believe, and respond with always our best intention. Thank you for following – and I wish for a speedy return to normal. Be well!
Another heartful story, I call them short stories and have enjoyed them all. I’m glad you are safe and enjoying life.