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The Morning Settles Upward
Part Two of Oliver’s Long Life is titled, “Wordsworth’s Mountain,” which also happens to be the title of the first chapter in this part of the book. She begins again with the act of observing the world, something I’m beginning to suspect will always be her entry point, and perhaps her primary gift or teaching…
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Questioning Life’s Flow
Dear Friend, The first part of Mary Oliver’s Long Life is titled, “Flow.” Its sub-sections include “Flow,” “Habits, Differences, and the Light That Abides,” “Poem: Can You Imagine?” and “Three Histories and a Hummingbird.” But, what is flow, according to Oliver? I’m still not sure I know. My best guess is that what flow means…
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Beginning Long Life by Mary Oliver
Dear Friend, Today, we begin our contemplative reading of Mary Oliver’s Long Life: Essays and Other Writings. I’m a huge fan of Oliver’s poetry, so I’m looking forward to venturing into her prose writing as well. Why Contemplative Reading? Contemplative reading asks us not just what we’re learning about the book in our hands (or ears),…
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All the Lights and Sounds
Dear Friend, Today, we end our contemplative reading of Ed Yong’s meticulously researched and wonderfully written biography of the animal kingdom, An Immense World. I don’t know about you, but I found the journey remarkable and rewarding, and I’m sure I’ll think about what I’ve learned often in the years ahead. In the last quarter…
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All Creatures Great and Small
Dear Friend, As we near the end of October and the conclusion of Ed Yong’s wonderful exploration, An Immense World, here’s a reminder that our “recommend a book” form is live and ready for your input! If you want to suggest a group read for this project, please fill out this form. In the coming week,…
Contemplative Reading Project 