Category — Words for thought

“We began before words, and we will end beyond them.

It sometimes seems to me that our days are poisoned with too many words. Words said and not meant. Words said and meant. Words divorced from feeling. Wounding words. Words that conceal. Words that reduce. Dead words. If only words were a kind of fluid that collects in the ears, if only they turned into the visible chemical equivalent of their true value, an acid, or something curative – then we might be more careful. Words do collect in us anyway. They collect in the blood, in the soul, and either transform or poison people’s lives. Bitter or thoughtless words poured into the ears of the young have blighted many lives in advance. We all know people whose unhappy lives twist on a set of words uttered to them on a certain unforgotten day at school, in childhood, or at university.

We seem to think that words aren’t things. A bump on the head may pass away, but a cutting remark grows with the mind. But then it is possible that we know all too well the awesome power of words – which is why we use them with such deadly and accurate cruelty.

We are all wounded inside in some way or other. We all carry unhappiness within us for some reason or other. Which is why we need a little gentleness and healing from one another. Healing in words, and healing beyond words. Like gestures. Warm gestures. Like friendship, which someone described as the shortest distance between two people.

Yes, the highest things are beyond words.”

- Ben Okri, c/o the One House blog

“Motherhood has made everything in my life feel more authentic. It’s made my music better. It’s made me feel as if I’ve landed and can really be myself.”

- Chantal Kreviazuk

Photo: Little Alice Gackle, in Porteau Cove, a few weeks ago 

“The way of Jesus is the way of hiddenness, powerlessness and littleness. It does not seem a very appealing way. Yet when I enter into true, deep communion with Jesus, I will find that it is this small way that leads to real peace and joy.”

- Henri Nouwen

© Christina Crook

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness…

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.”

 – Audrey Hepburn, “For the Ladies”

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

- 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

My hand, Bowen Island

“Be anything you like, be madmen, drunks, and bastards of every shape and form, but at all costs avoid one thing: success.”

- Thomas Merton, Trappist monk

“The thing about writing is not to talk, but to do it; no matter how bad or even mediocre it is, the process and production is the thing, not the sitting and theorizing about how one should write ideally, or how well one could write if one really wanted to or had the time. 

As Mr. Kazin told me: “You don’t write to support yourself; you work to support your writing.” 

– Sylvia Plath in Letters Home 

Quote: Albert Camus (French Novelist, Essayist and Playwright, 1957 Nobel Prize for Literature, 1913-1960;) Art/Image: Christina Crook  

© Christina Crook 2009  [London street]

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“The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating — in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life.”

- Anne Moriss

True, true words particularly applicable for this soon-to-be-mama/writer/business-owner/newly-returned-home-domestic.

Today I commit to my work (turning phrases, quoting on projects,) my play (working on our Europe album et al,) my love (creating a home for my husband, our child, sorting through boxes, making my third run of donations, cooking, spring cleaning) — and yes, I shall be liberated for it!